Scrum and Lean Integration

Correct Answer: Incorporate 'Nemawashi' for making decisions slowly by consensus, thoroughly considering all options and implementing decisions quickly.

The best answer among the given options is to 'Incorporate 'Nemawashi' for making decisions slowly by consensus, thoroughly considering all options and implementing decisions quickly.' Nemawashi is a Japanese term that refers to a system of decision-making that seeks buy-in from all parties involved before the decision is made. This approach can improve the decision-making process in a Scrum team by ensuring that all perspectives are considered, and once a decision is reached, it can be implemented quickly with everyone's support. This should speed up the overall process, despite the decision-making phase being slower. The other answers are not appropriate for a ScrumMaster course. 'Willfully make all decisions as the ScrumMaster for speed' contradicts with the very principle of Scrum, which emphasizes team collaboration and decision-making. Disregarding decision making and leaving it to individual team members could lead to chaos and a lack of coordination. A voting system where the majority wins can be implemented, but it risks making decisions that have not been thoroughly thought out and discussed, and does not guarantee the best decision for a particular problem.

Correct Answer: Apply pull principle and limit work in progress

The best approach when observing that work is only getting done in the final days of the sprint would be to 'Apply pull principle and limit work in progress'. The pull principle ensures that new work is started only when there is a demand for it, which reduces the problem of tasks being left undone until the final days of the sprint. It focuses on completing the task at hand before taking on more. This approach increases efficiency and reduces wastage, which are key Lean principles. Now, let's look at why the other options are inappropriate. 'Extend the duration of sprints' is not an ideal solution as it merely postpones the problem. 'Ask team to work overtime' doesn't address the root cause of the issue and will lead to burnout if applied consistently. 'Increase the size of the Scrum team' could potentially lead to overcrowdedness and communication problems, and does not necessarily mean that work would be completed more evenly throughout the sprint.

Correct Answer: Initiate a 'catchball' process where ideas are exchanged till a mutual understanding is reached.

The correct answer is 'Initiate a 'catchball' process where ideas are exchanged till a mutual understanding is reached.' This is because the Lean principles encourage solving problems through dialogue and exchange of ideas until a common understanding and resolution is reached. Clarification of misunderstandings in the team and reaching a mutual understanding is essential for effective Scrum implementation. The answer 'Ignore the issue since it's the Product Owner's concern.' is not correct since as a ScrumMaster, it's your responsibility to facilitate communication and clarity among the team members. The option 'Implement the changes you think are necessary without discussion.' contradicts with Lean and Scrum principles since both emphasize on team-work and collective decision-making, instead of single-handed decisions. Lastly, 'Select the team member with the most experience to make the final decision.' is also not correct, as the ideal approach is to involve the whole team in decision-making, rather than relying on a single member, regardless of their experience.