Multiple Team Scrum

Correct Answer: Enforce a scaled Scrum framework that includes cross-team planning and retrospectives.

The best approach to managing inter-team dependencies in a scenario where multiple Scrum teams are working towards a single product release is to enforce a scaled Scrum framework that includes cross-team planning and retrospectives. This method ensures that all teams are aligned on the project objectives, timelines, and dependencies. It facilitates early identification of dependencies and collective strategizing on how to address them, thereby reducing delays and conflicts. The scaled Scrum framework is designed to handle the complexities of large projects with multiple teams, making it the most effective approach for managing inter-team dependencies. The option to assign a lead Scrum Master to coordinate dependencies is beneficial but may not sufficiently address all aspects of inter-team coordination required for synchronized progress. Allowing teams to self-organize around the dependencies without additional cross-team coordination overlooks the potential for misalignment and inefficiencies that can arise without a structured approach to managing dependencies. Integrating all teams into a single large team is not practical or effective, as it contradicts the principles of Scrum, where small, self-managing teams are preferred for their flexibility and efficiency. Therefore, a scaled Scrum framework is the optimal solution.

Correct Answer: Arrange a meeting with all the Scrum teams to discuss the velocity difference and explore ways of making it more uniform.

As a Scrum Master, the first step should be to arrange a meeting with all Scrum team members to discuss the velocity difference and explore ways of making it more uniform. This approach deals with the issue at hand directly and involves all team members, encouraging open and honest communication, which is a key principle in any Scrum process. The option of taking over the slower team's work does not address the root of the problem and is not sustainable in the long term. It also goes against the principles of Scrum, which encourage every team member to take responsibility for their work. Reducing the workload of the faster team to match the slower ones is not a wise solution since it may lead to under-utilization of the faster team's capabilities and does not motivate the slower team to improve. Ignoring the problem goes against the Scrum principles of transparency and continuous improvement. While differences in velocity are expected, significant variations should be addressed and managed effectively to ensure smooth delivery of the product.

Correct Answer: Promote inter-team collaboration and facilitate communication across teams so they share a sense of the big picture.

The primary role of a Scrum Master in this context is to help teams understand the overall goal and foster inter-team collaboration. It ensures that while each Scrum team is focusing on an individual sculpture, they should also be aware of how their piece fits into the broader exhibition. This is why the answer 'Promote inter-team collaboration and facilitate communication across teams so they share a sense of the big picture' is the most appropriate one. On the other hand, allowing each team to work in isolation doesn't encourage communication and hinders the broader view. Assigning each team a different part of the exhibition may lead to fragmentation and impact the overall unity. Changing team structure frequently can be disruptive and not necessarily provide the desirable learning experience.