Time-Boxing in Scrum vs other Agile Frameworks

Correct Answer: Keep Sprint duration fixed and limit scope changes to the next Sprint Planning

The best approach is to keep the Sprint duration fixed and limit scope changes to the next Sprint Planning. This aligns with the Scrum principles of time-boxing and not changing the scope during an ongoing Sprint. Adjusting the Sprint duration each Sprint to accommodate added scope goes against the predictability and stability that fixed Sprint durations provide. Allowing scope changes mid-Sprint, even if the team decides they can accommodate them, introduces instability and hinders the team's ability to plan and commit to a Sprint Goal. Having the Product Owner prioritize scope changes and adjust the Sprint duration and Goal during the Sprint undermines the team's self-organization and the purpose of Sprint Planning.

Correct Answer: Reject the proposal, testing in DSDM is done concurrently and incrementally.

The ideal approach in a DSDM (Dynamic Systems Development Method) project is to conduct testing concurrently and incrementally. This is to ensure that all elements of the project are working as expected and allows for early detection of any issues or bugs. The method doesn't support delaying the testing process because it wouldn't be possible to ensure the soundness of partial solutions and the entire system as it evolves. The importance of testing in DSDM cannot get compromised by adjusting to the team's pace. Therefore, the team lead's proposal should be rejected. The other propositions like hiring an external testing team or creating a separate testing sprint after the final iteration dilute the essence of concurrent and increment testing inherent in DSDM. Adjusting to the team's pace by delaying testing sounds logical, but it doesn't align with DSDM methodology.

Correct Answer: Do not agree. Keep the time-boxed schedule and discuss how to improve in the next sprint during the retrospective. Time-Boxing is non-negotiable in Scrum.

The correct response to the suggestion made by the team is to disagree and maintain the time-boxed schedule, then discuss how to boost productivity during the retrospective for the following sprint. The hallmark of Scrum methodology is the time-boxing principle which is not open to adjustments. This principle guides the workflow by establishing a consistent rhythm for the progress of work and ensures that each Sprint is kept within a manageable time frame. The issue of not being able to meet the commitment for a sprint should be addressed by reviewing and improving the team's planning and working practices. This might involve considering factors like the scope of Sprint goals, estimation techniques, or productivity inhibitors that the team is experiencing. Extending the sprint time-box does not fix the underlying issue and can potentially introduce additional problems such as delivery delays and product owner dissatisfaction. The other given answers are incorrect because they suggest actions which run counter to the central principles of Scrum.