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Large Scale Scrum (LeSS)

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Large Scale Scrum, or LeSS, is an Agile scaling framework that applies the Scrum principles to larger organizations with multiple teams. It focuses on simplifying processes, reducing waste, and enhancing efficiency through simpler organizational structures. LeSS relies on two main frameworks: Basic LeSS, which is applicable to 2-8 co-located teams, and LeSS Huge, which is suited for organizations with over eight teams. The key principles of LeSS include alignment on one product backlog, decentralized decision-making, and focus on customer centricity. This framework enables organizations to achieve close collaboration and transparency while scaling Scrum at an enterprise level.

Guide to Large Scale Scrum (LeSS)

Large Scale Scrum (LeSS) is a lightweight, flexible, framework that has been designed to tackle the challenge of coordinating and managing multiple teams.

Why is it important?
In today's world, projects are often too big to be handled by a single team. LeSS offers a way to effectively scale Scrum way beyond single-team limits, promoting adherence to its core principles while managing greater complexity. It supports scaling of product development without adding unnecessary bureaucracy and management layers.

What is it?
LeSS is based on traditional Scrum, but expands it to large groups. Key features include feature teams, one product backlog, common sprint reviews and retrospectives. It comes in two flavours - LeSS and LeSS Huge, the latter being suitable for more than 8 teams.

How does it work?
LeSS applies the principles of Scrum on a larger scale. All teams work from the same product backlog, but have their own sprint backlogs. They coordinate their work but remain as self-managing as possible, with Scrum Masters playing a critical role in facilitating this process and removing obstacles.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Large Scale Scrum (LeSS)

  • Understand the principles: A deep understanding of key LeSS principles will help you answer many exam questions.
  • Know the roles: Make sure you can clearly define the roles in a LeSS setup.
  • Be clear on practices: Examiners often ask about the day-to-day practices in a LeSS framework. Know what they are and how they differ from traditional Scrum.
  • Real world examples: If you can relate principles and practices back to real world scenarios, you should be able to answer any situational questions you encounter.

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Agile Project Management - Agile Scaling Frameworks Example Questions

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Question 1

In a LeSS project, the customer requests a new feature that affects multiple teams. The teams approach the product owner to discuss the new feature. How should they handle the situation?

Correct Answer: The product owner adds the new feature to the product backlog and discusses it with the development teams during backlog refinement

In LeSS, the product owner maintains a single product backlog for all teams. When a new feature affects multiple teams, the product owner adds it to the product backlog and discusses it during backlog refinement with the development teams. Assigning a team based on workload, time estimation, or independent development does not foster cross-functional collaboration.

Question 2

A Large Scale Scrum (LeSS) project has multiple development teams. The product owner is struggling to keep the product backlog refined and updated for all the teams. What is the BEST solution to this problem?

Correct Answer: Establish a product backlog refinement team consisting of members from different development teams

In LeSS, a single product owner manages the product backlog for all development teams. Establishing a product backlog refinement team composed of members from different development teams helps distribute the workload. Assigning individual product owners, removing the product owner role, and asking Scrum Masters to take over the product backlog management violate the LeSS principles. Delaying sprint planning meetings can negatively impact the project's progress.

Question 3

A LeSS project is experiencing communication issues between teams. The organization decided to introduce a new coordination role to resolve these issues. Is this an appropriate solution?

Correct Answer: No, instead, focus on improving communication channels and promoting cross-team learning

In LeSS, introducing a new coordination role contradicts the value of self-managing, cross-functional teams. Instead, focus on improving communication channels and promoting cross-team learning. Appointing a dedicated Scrum Master to each team also goes against the LeSS principles.

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