Scrum Performance Metrics test - Certified ScrumMaster questions

Question 1

When analyzing a Sprint Burndown Chart, what does a sharp decline in the remaining effort near the end of the sprint typically indicate?

Technical difficulties resolved Tasks were underestimated Scope reduction Increased team productivity

Correct Answer: Scope reduction

A sharp decline in the remaining effort near the end of the sprint typically indicates a scope reduction. This is because a significant amount of work is suddenly removed or deemed no longer necessary, which leads to a rapid decrease in the amount of effort required to complete the sprint. The other options are less likely: 'Increased team productivity' might lead to a steady decline in remaining effort but would not typically result in a sharp drop near the end. 'Tasks were underestimated' would generally be discovered earlier in the sprint as tasks are being worked on, not abruptly at the end. 'Technical difficulties resolved' could potentially lead to a decrease in remaining effort, but it would not usually cause a sharp decline unless a significant bottleneck affecting many tasks was resolved all at once, which is less common.

Question 2

The velocity chart of your team shows a sudden spike in the last sprint. As a ScrumMaster, what should be your first initiative?

Increase the commitment for next sprint basing on the new velocity. Celebrate with the team for this success. Investigate the reason for the sudden increase and whether it's sustainable. Assume team has become more efficient and take no action.

Correct Answer: Investigate the reason for the sudden increase and whether it's sustainable.

The sudden increase in velocity may not necessarily mean a sustained or permanent increase in team productivity. As a Scrum Master, understanding the reason behind the sudden spike is essential before taking any further action. If the team has been able to increase velocity because of some specific changes or practices, it may be worth considering scaling them. On the other hand, if the spike is because of extra hours of work or other unsustainable practice, it may lead to potential burnout. The other answers suggesting celebrating the success, increasing the sprint commitment, or assuming increased efficiency without delving into the reason behind the spike may potentially lead to unviable expectations and practices.

Question 3

In the context of Scrum, how would you describe a velocity chart to a new team member?

A measure of individual output within the team during the sprint. A tool that lets the team know how quickly they need to work. A prediction of future team performance based solely on past performance. A tool used to track the amount of work the team completes in each sprint over time.

Correct Answer: A tool used to track the amount of work the team completes in each sprint over time.

In Scrum, a velocity chart is a tool used to track the amount of work the team completes in each sprint over time. It isn't designed to predict future performance based solely on past performance, so the second answer is incorrect. It also doesn't dictate how quickly the team needs to work, making the third answer incorrect. Lastly, it's intended to track team performance as a whole, not individual output, so the fourth answer is also incorrect.

Scrum Performance Metrics

CSM - Scrum Performance Metrics Example Questions

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

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