Adapting Scrum

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The Scrum Framework isn't a 'one-size-fits-all' methodology. While the basic principles should always be in place, the Scrum framework should be adapted to fit the unique requirements, work culture, and objectives of different industries and organization. This ensures that Scrum contributes to achieving the best results for a project regardless of the industry. One example is how Scrum can be modified to handle compliance-related tasks in the banking industry.

Guide: Adapting Scrum

Adapting Scrum is a crucial practice within agile project management. This is because Scrum is not a one-size-fits-all framework, but is designed to be adaptable to various project requirements and contexts.

Why it's important: Adapting Scrum is important to optimize productivity and to ensure the framework suits the specific needs of a project. It encourages flexibility and allows teams to embrace change rather than resist it, aligning with the agile principle of being responsive to change.

What it is: Adapting Scrum is the process of modifying Scrum practices to better fit the requirements of a specific project or the needs of a specific team. This can include changes to roles, events, artefacts, or rules.

How it works: Adapting Scrum starts with a solid understanding of standard Scrum practices. From this foundation, teams can identify what needs to be adapted to their specific context. The Scrum Guide supports this adaptability, stating that 'specific tactics for using the Scrum framework vary widely and are described elsewhere'.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Adapting Scrum: When answering exam questions related to Adapting Scrum, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Understand and be able to describe the standard principles of Scrum.
2. Be able to explain why Scrum is designed to be adaptable, and what benefits this adaptability provides.
3. Provide examples of how Scrum might be adapted to fit a specific context.
4. Remember that while Scrum is adaptable, any changes should continue to respect the core values and principles of the Scrum framework. Always justify any proposed adaptations by demonstrating how they continue to align with Scrum principles.
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PSM I - Adapting Scrum Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Adapting Scrum

Question 1

In a Scrum team, the Product owner is not satisfied with the quality of work and is willing to extend the sprint by one week. What would be the most suitable step as a Scrum Master?

Correct Answer: Respect the time-box of the sprint and work with the team and product owner to identify quality improvements for future sprints.

In Scrum, sprints are fixed in duration and are not extended. Quality should be built into the product increment from the beginning. The correct approach focuses on respecting the time-box and using the situation as a learning opportunity to improve in future sprints, rather than making adjustments mid-sprint. Adding more resources or initiating a separate sprint zero are not practices aligned with Scrum principles, which emphasize cross-functional teams and continuous, incremental improvement. Arranging an immediate retrospective is a good practice but does not address the immediate problem raised by the Product Owner regarding the ongoing sprint's quality concerns.

Question 2

A Scrum Master observes that the team is not holding Daily Scrum meetings regularly in a particular sprint. What is the most suitable way to handle this scenario?

Correct Answer: Guide the team on the value of Daily Scrum meetings for improving team communication and identifying impediments early.

The correct approach for a Scrum Master observing irregular Daily Scrum meetings is to remind the team of the purpose and benefits of these meetings. This includes enhancing communication and early problem identification, which are critical for maintaining the momentum of sprint work and ensuring that the team can collectively address challenges. Directly linking team performance to Scrum adherence, suggesting modifications to Scrum, or conducting comprehensive audits might seem like proactive steps but could lead to negative outcomes such as decreased team morale, reduced autonomy, and a departure from Scrum principles. The key is to foster an environment where the team understands and values the structure provided by Scrum, rather than feeling coerced or micromanaged.

Question 3

A Scrum Team is frequently changing the size of Product Backlog items during the same Sprint. As a Scrum Master, what would be a proper response?

Correct Answer: Coach the team on the principles of empiricism and adaptation, emphasizing the importance of keeping Product Backlog items relatively stable during a Sprint to increase predictability and transparency.

Scrum values reliance on empiricism (transparency, inspection, and adaptation) for process improvement and product development. Keeping Product Backlog items relatively stable during a Sprint helps in maintaining a reliable basis for planning and tracking. It is crucial for the Scrum Master to coach the team on these aspects to ensure effective use of Scrum principles. The wrong answers detract from these principles in various ways - by suggesting over-reliance on the Product Owner, by diluting the definition of 'Done', or by encouraging potentially chaotic practices that can undermine the empirical process controls fundamental to Scrum.

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