Prioritizing Impediments

Correct Answer: Deficient definition of done

As a ScrumMaster, the priority must be 'deficient definition of done'. A clear and well-defined 'definition of done' is crucial for the team to understand the desired outcome of each sprint. This will guide the team’s daily tasks and will help ensure that the team is always creating value that is relevant to the product owner. Without such clarity, any efforts towards work optimization in workspace adjustment or stakeholder communication may be pointless or misdirected. A 'problematic physical workspace' and 'stakeholder communication' are indeed significant, but they shouldn’t be prioritized over 'deficient definition of done' because resolving it is more critical for the project's success.

Correct Answer: Clarify the product vision to align team

The ScrumMaster operates as a facilitator for an Agile development team, responsible for implementing Scrum, a project management methodology that allows teams to work on complex projects with an emphasis on efficiency and creativity. Therefore, as a ScrumMaster, the first priority during a crisis should be to 'Clarify the product vision to align team'. This is because the product vision serves as a guide to the team, defining the why, who, and what of the project. It provides clarity that can motivate the team, increase morale, and reduce work stress by eliminating ambiguity. A clear vision helps in implementing Agile practices more effectively. The rest of the options are less relevant. Although 'Plan stress-relief activities for the team' sounds good, it should be a subsequent action, not the priority. Hiring a new 'project manager' does not directly increase morale or reduce work stress and could even lead to additional confusion. 'Purchasing new Agile software tools' won’t necessarily solve the problem, as having them doesn’t guarantee the team can use them effectively. A clear vision and proper implementation of Agile practices are essential, tools are secondary.

Correct Answer: Ensure Product Owner's Accessibility

A ScrumMaster should initially focus on overcoming the obstacles inhibiting the performance of the team. Here, the lack of accessibility of the Product Owner and the non-cross-functional nature of the developers are the primary concerns. First, the ScrumMaster should ensure the Product Owner's accessibility. The Product Owner plays a vital role in providing vision, scope and direction to the team. An absent Product Owner can lead to a delay in the decision-making process, subsequent delays in work, and thus, low team velocity. Second, cross-functionality within the team should be improved. A cross-functional team is fundamental for Agile practices as it promotes shared understanding, faster development and overall efficiency. The other options - change the technology stack, redistribute tasks among the team and increase the number of sprints - are not primary solutions in this scenario. Changing the technology stack won't ensure good performance if the team isn't cross-functional and has an absent Product Owner. Moreover, redistributing tasks may not help in boosting efficiency if the team members do not have a collective understanding. Lastly, increasing the number of sprints could lead to more work, but without proper management and cross-functionality in the team, it could lead to a further drop in velocity.