Empirical Process Control

5 minutes 5 Questions

Empirical process control is a core concept in scrum which is based on inspection, adaptation, and transparency. Rather than trying to plan out everything and presuming that everything would go as planned, empirical process control gears towards constant monitoring and adjusting. In this approach, work is performed in a cyclical manner where the performance is evaluated and the process is adjusted accordingly. This approach takes into consideration that the requirements may change and the team must be ready to quickly adapt to the changes.

Guide on Empirical Process Control

What is Empirical Process Control?
Empirical Process Control is a core principle of Scrum and it underpins the adaptive and iterative nature of the framework. It is a model of process control in which decisions are made based on the observation and experimentation, rather than detailed upfront planning.

Why is it Important?
Empirical Process Control allows a team to adapt to changes and unexpected events, leading to more accurate outcomes. It is essential in environments where the future cannot be predicted with certainty, like software development.

How Does it Work?
Empirical process control works on three pillars: Inspection, Adaptation and Transparency. Inspection involves checking the project’s progress regularly. Adaptation involves adjusting the process if the project deviates from the goal. Transparency involves everyone having a clear understanding of what is being created.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Empirical Process Control
1. Understand the three pillars and their definitions.
2. Have examples ready to illustrate how and when you might apply the pillars.
3. Know the advantages and disadvantages of Empirical Process Control. Be ready to compare it to other models like defined process control.
4. Be comfortable explaining how Empirical Process Control fits into the Scrum framework and why it’s important.
5. Remember to use the correct terminology in your answers.
6. Be prepared to answer scenario-based questions that assess your understanding of when and how to apply Empirical Process Control.
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CSM - Empirical Process Control Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Empirical Process Control

Question 1

You’re the Scrum Master of a team who are experiencing an increase in bugs after each sprint. How can Empirical Process Control help the team deal with this problem?

Correct Answer: Empirical Process Control allows the team to inspect and adapt by frequently reviewing the increment and the development process, identifying the root causes of bugs during the Sprint Retrospective, and then implementing improvements in the next Sprint.

Empirical Process Control is about transparency, inspection, and adaptation. The right approach involves the team inspecting their work and processes regularly, including looking at the frequency and causes of bugs, and then adapting their process based on these inspections. This is captured in activities such as the Sprint Retrospective. Incorrect options involve practices that might seem beneficial (like automation or code reviews) but miss the essence of empiricism, which is about the cycle of inspection and adaptation rather than single-handed solutions. Increasing sprint lengths or relying solely on automation or strict programming practices fails to address the underlying process issues that might be causing an increase in bugs, and doesn't encapsulate the inspect and adapt principle of Scrum.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the purpose of empirical process control in Scrum?

Correct Answer: To manage complex work by frequently inspecting progress and adapting accordingly

The purpose of empirical process control in Scrum is to manage complex work by frequently inspecting progress and adapting accordingly. Scrum acknowledges that complex work involves uncertainty and unpredictability, so it relies on empiricism, which emphasizes making decisions based on observation and experimentation. By regularly inspecting the progress, the Scrum Team can identify deviations and make necessary adjustments to optimize the process and the product. The other options are incorrect because they either suggest eliminating planning, adhering strictly to predefined processes, or defining detailed requirements upfront, which are contrary to the empirical and adaptive nature of Scrum.

Question 3

As a Scrum Master for a software development agency, you notice that the team does not review the changes they make in the code. They ignore the need to inspect and adapt their work, which is a key element of empirical process control. What should you do?

Correct Answer: Introduce pair programming practices to enhance code quality and foster collaboration, enabling the team to inspect and adapt more effectively.

Introducing pair programming practices helps the team to collaboratively review code as it is written, promoting the inspect and adapt mechanism intrinsic to empirical process control. Implementing a code freeze does not encourage ongoing inspection and adaptation and can hinder progress. Increasing time allocated to sprint planning focuses on planning rather than continuous improvement of existing work. Transitioning to a waterfall model contradicts the agile principles of iterative development and continuous feedback inherent in Scrum. The correct approach encourages ongoing inspection and adaptation of the work in a collaborative manner.

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