Whole Team Concept in Agile and PMI-ACP

The 'Whole Team' concept is a pivotal element in eXtreme Programming (XP), a popular agile methodology, featuring in the PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner) exam.

Why it is important: The whole team concept is important because it promotes collaboration and shared accountability. Everybody contributes according to their skills and knowledge, and all members own the responsibility of delivering a successful project.
What it is: The whole team refers to a cross-functional group including product owners, developers, testers, and business stakeholders, who work together on a daily basis to produce high-quality software.

How it works: The whole team works in close proximity, usually in the same physical location, and interacts continuously throughout the day. They jointly decide on tasks, design, and execute them. This encourages collective decision making and knowledge sharing.

Exam Tips - Answering Questions on Whole Team:
1) Remember that the whole team approach emphasizes the importance of cross-functionality and highly collaborative, self-organized teams.
2) Note that 'Whole Team' includes all relevant parties, not just the technical members.
3) When answering situational questions about team dynamics or project management, keep in mind the collaborative nature of Whole Team.
Example tip: If a question addresses a conflict or decision-making scenario, the correct answer will likely involve seeking consensus from all team members.