Guide to Scrum Master Roles and Responsibilities

Why it is important:
The Scrum Master plays a critical role in the implementation of Scrum in any project. The Scrum Master ensures that the team is fully functional and productive, by enabling close cooperation across all roles and functions, addressing resources and scope, and liaising with the project stakeholders.

What it is:
The Scrum Master is a servant-leader for the Scrum team, responsible for promoting and supporting Scrum by helping everyone understand Scrum theory, practices, rules, and values. They facilitate Scrum events when needed, coach the team, remove impediments to the team’s progress, and ensure that Scrum principles are followed.

How it works:
The Scrum Master facilitates the daily stand-up, helps the team maintain their burndown chart, and ensures that the team is following the Scrum practices and rules. They shield the team from external interferences, allowing them to focus on the work at hand.

Exam Tips:
Answering Questions on Scrum Master Roles and Responsibilities:
1. Understand the role of the Scrum Master well - servant leader, coach, facilitator, and impediment remover.
2. Familiarize yourself with Scrum practices and events, including daily standup, sprint planning, sprint review, and retrospective. The Scrum Master's role in these should be clear.
3. Case study and situational questions are common in exams, understand Scrum Master’s approach to common scenarios.
4. Remember that the Scrum Master is not a traditional project manager but acts as a bridge between the team and stakeholders.
5. Keep in mind that Scrum is about empowering the team and promoting self-organization.