PSM Exam study Guide Questions with complete solutions

What factors will increase complexity? Select all that apply 1) Larger # of project people 2) Longer duration of the project 3) Batching of product release into one big bang Answer: All the above What is the cone of uncertainty? In complex adaptive problems, the amount of the unknown is really huge in the initial stages and will likely trend down over the course of the product development. The trend is called the cone of uncertainty. What is the Critical Path Method (CPM)? A way that planners calculate the duration of the project during the initial stages by inputting such assumptions on things like product definition, people productivity, etc. What is Empiricism based on? Based on the concept that complex problems are hard to predict. Applies an iterative, incremental approach to optimize predictability and control risk. Empiricism advocates observation rather than prediction to navigate complex adaptive problems. Select the best answer. Scrum is a newer way of doing things to address complex problems. It is a new way because a) It offers new terminology for traditional practice b) It is easier to master than the traditional way c) It increases the opportunity to control risk and optimize the predictability of progress d) It is closely associated with emerging technologies Answer: C Scrum brings in new terminology, but it is not the primary difference. It is easy to learn, but difficult to master. There is incidental association of a lot of emerging technologies executed in Scrum, but that is not the reason for its identity as a new way. Scrum does not guarantee success, but it increases the likelihood of success by controlling the risk and optimizing predictability. Scrum framework consists of: a) Scrum Standards b) Scrum Teams c) Product Development Processes d) Roles, events, artifacts, and rules associated with Scrum Teams Answer: B&D Scrum framework consists of Scrum Teams and their associated roles, events, artifacts, and rules. Though there are standards such as definition of "Done", they are not formally called as Scrum Standard. Correct answers are 'b' and 'd'. How is progress measured in Scrum? What are the key performance indicators (KPI)? Answer: Only the Increment is a measure of progress in Scrum. In Scrum, Team Velocity (Rate of Completion) is a good metric to track the progress of product development. a) Yes b) No Answer: No. This is only an internal metric used by the team to manager their work. It is not an indicator of progress for stakeholders. Is the Scrum Master only a teaching role? Answer: No, they are not just teachers or coaches, they are responsible for many other activities that are instrumental in transforming teams into value creators. An example of a critical activity the play is when the Scrum Team runs into issues that prevent it from achieving their goal and if these issues are outside of the team's influence, the Scrum Master owns these impediments and resolves them. They also help the organization to adopt Scrum, set the goals to improve the way of working in Scrum, etc.