Risk Buffer

Correct Answer: Reserved time in each sprint for bug fixes and testing.

Incorporating a Risk Buffer in a project involves setting aside extra time or resources to help mitigate unforeseen problems or challenges that may arise during the project. The best answer in this case is to reserve time in each sprint for bug fixes and testing. This ensures that any bugs that arise during the development phase can be promptly addressed without disrupting the overall timeline of the project. The other answers are not ideal solutions: Cramming more work in the beginning phases to 'buy' time later can lead to burnout and doesn't necessarily guarantee that time will be saved for unexpected hurdles. Skipping testing in earlier stages to speed up the process is also not advisable, as it may result in more significant problems later on. Lastly, assigning the aftermath of the bugs to the product owner is not a solution as it doesn’t address the risk at hand but simply delegates the problem.

Correct Answer: Reduce the scope of work temporarily and assign auxiliary tasks to others. Use the time saved to create a buffer for risk.

The best approach to utilizing Risk Buffer in this scenario is to temporarily reduce the scope of work and assign auxiliary tasks to others, hence creating a buffer for risk (Answer 164191). This process can help to save time and prevent delays in meeting the tight deadline. This is the preferred approach in Certified ScrumMaster courses and in the agile methodology, where contingencies are prudently managed. In contrast, the idea of assigning the tasks to other experts in the team, without adjusting the scope (Answer 164194) may not be reliable, as the quality of the output may not be guaranteed especially if they are not as proficient as the indisposed expert. Likewise, postponing the project until the recovery of the expert (Answer 164197) may not always be a practical solution due to the fixed deadline. Lastly, forcing the expert to work despite the illness (Answer 164200) goes against the value of people over processes and tools, a core principle of Agile methodology. Also, this can lead to a backlash on productivity due to stress, and further accelerate the deterioration of the expert's health condition.

Correct Answer: Cross-train other team members for critical positions so that they can step in if required.

The best approach to handle the risk of a critical team member quitting is to cross-train other team members for critical positions so that they can step in if required. This helps ensure that the project can continue without delay even in the event of an unexpected departure. It also promotes a more flexible and versatile team. This is a common technique used in risk management known as risk mitigation where you take steps to lessen the likelihood or impact of the risk. The other options are inappropriate or ineffective: Ignoring the risk is not a responsible or viable strategy for risk management. Asking the team member to work overtime is neither ethical nor a long-term solution, as it might increase the chance of the team member leaving due to burnout. Firing the critical team member pre-emptively is counterproductive, as it directly contributes to the risk event occurring - and it can damage team morale as well.