Velocity

Correct Answer: It balances recent performance with historical trends to provide reliable predictions

A weighted average of past four sprints is most beneficial because it balances recent performance with historical trends to provide reliable predictions. This approach provides the most accurate forecast of future performance while accounting for both current team capabilities and established patterns. The other answers are incorrect because: Accelerating velocity through continuous improvement is not the primary purpose of weighted averages - it's a measurement tool, not an improvement mechanism. While team member rotations might be a factor, the primary benefit isn't about reducing their impact. The weighted average is about prediction accuracy, not stability maintenance. Seasonal variations and capacity fluctuations are typically handled through capacity planning and sprint planning, not through velocity calculations.

Correct Answer: Using velocity as a planning tool while accepting its natural variations based on team dynamics

The correct answer reflects the most mature understanding of velocity in Scrum because: - It acknowledges that velocity is primarily a planning tool - It recognizes that natural variations in velocity are normal and expected - It shows understanding that team dynamics impact velocity - It demonstrates a balanced and realistic approach to measurement The other options are incorrect because: - Enforcing strict velocity targets contradicts agile principles and can lead to gaming the system or team burnout - Artificially trying to increase velocity each sprint by extending hours is unsustainable and goes against healthy team practices - Using only successful sprints for velocity calculations creates an unrealistic picture and may hide important team challenges or learning opportunities A mature understanding of velocity sees it as a helpful planning reference while accepting its natural fluctuations, rather than treating it as a performance target that must be strictly controlled or continuously increased.

Correct Answer: After gathering data from 5-6 completed sprints with the same team composition

Velocity measurement becomes reliable when teams have sufficient historical data to establish a consistent pattern. The ideal period is after completing 5-6 sprints with the same team composition because: - This timeframe allows for team stabilization and normalization of performance - It provides enough data points to account for variations and outliers - Team dynamics and working patterns become established - Performance metrics become more predictable Other options are inadequate because: A single sprint's data is too limited and doesn't account for variability in team performance Three sprints provide some insight but still insufficient data for reliable long-term planning Stakeholder agreement on performance is subjective and doesn't necessarily reflect the team's actual sustainable velocity pattern