Question #1
Which of the following metrics will likely be reviewed by at the Daily Scrum for a Scrum Team using Kanban? (choose the best two answers)
- A . Work Age Item.
- B . Velocity.
- C . Cycle Time.
- D . Throughput.
- E . Work in Progress (WIP).
- F . Lead Time.
Correct Answer: A,E
A,E
Explanation:
The Daily Scrum takes place around the Kanban board and focuses on inspection of leading indicators (WIP, Work Age Item) to identify where flow is lacking and on what actions the Scrum Team can take to get it back from the event.
A,E
Explanation:
The Daily Scrum takes place around the Kanban board and focuses on inspection of leading indicators (WIP, Work Age Item) to identify where flow is lacking and on what actions the Scrum Team can take to get it back from the event.
Question #2
Which three statements best describe a Scrum Team’s definition of "Workflow"? (choose the best 3 answers)
- A . It helps management track a work item’s percentage of completeness.
- B . It provides a common understanding of when the Scrum Team considers work to be started and finished.
- C . It describes how value flows through the system.
- D . It creates transparency over policies related to Work in Progress (WIP) Limits.
- E . It is used as a check off list for state that each work item must go through before it is considered ‘done’.
- F . It provides policies that create quality gateways between development handoff phases.
Correct Answer: B,C,D
B,C,D
Explanation:
The definition of "Workflow" represents the Scrum Team members’ explicit understanding of what their policies are for following the Kanban practices.
This shared understanding improves transparency and enables self-organization and should include the following:
Defined points at which the Scrum Team considers work to have started and to have finished.
A definition of the work items C the individual units of value (stakeholder value, knowledge value, process improvement value) that are flowing through the Scrum Team’s system (most likely Product Backlog Items (PBIs)).
A definition of the workflow states that the work items flow through from start to finish (of which there must be at least one active state).
Explicit policies about how work flows through each state (which may include items from a Scrum Team’s definition of "Done" and pull policies between stages). Policies for limiting Work in Progress (WIP).
B,C,D
Explanation:
The definition of "Workflow" represents the Scrum Team members’ explicit understanding of what their policies are for following the Kanban practices.
This shared understanding improves transparency and enables self-organization and should include the following:
Defined points at which the Scrum Team considers work to have started and to have finished.
A definition of the work items C the individual units of value (stakeholder value, knowledge value, process improvement value) that are flowing through the Scrum Team’s system (most likely Product Backlog Items (PBIs)).
A definition of the workflow states that the work items flow through from start to finish (of which there must be at least one active state).
Explicit policies about how work flows through each state (which may include items from a Scrum Team’s definition of "Done" and pull policies between stages). Policies for limiting Work in Progress (WIP).
Question #3
The definition of "Workflow" typically includes: (choose the best four answers)
- A . The active states for the work items.
- B . A shared understanding within the Scrum Team of how work is defined (work items).
- C . A definition of customer value.
- D . The start state of the process.
- E . The finished state of the process.
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E
A,B,D,E
Explanation:
The following are aspects of the Definition of "Workflow" the Scrum Team might adopt:
Visualization policies C for example, workflow states C either changing the actual workflow or bringing more transparency to an area in which the team wants to inspect and adapt.
How-we-work policies C these can directly address an impediment. For example, adjusting WIP limits and SLEs, changing the batch size or how often items are pulled between states can have a dramatic impact.
A,B,D,E
Explanation:
The following are aspects of the Definition of "Workflow" the Scrum Team might adopt:
Visualization policies C for example, workflow states C either changing the actual workflow or bringing more transparency to an area in which the team wants to inspect and adapt.
How-we-work policies C these can directly address an impediment. For example, adjusting WIP limits and SLEs, changing the batch size or how often items are pulled between states can have a dramatic impact.
Question #4
How does Kanban support empiricism? (choose the best two answers)
- A . The Kanban board provides transparency that helps the Scrum Teams inspect and adapt their process.
- B . The Product Owner uses Kanban metrics to inspect the Throughput and adapt the Developers’ Cycle Time accordingly.
- C . Kanban prescribes specific practices that reduces the need for empiricism.
- D . Kanban brings more rapid transparency about the product by enhancing and expanding the
practices of Scrum. This enables a more effective inspection and adaptation loop.
Correct Answer: A,D
A,D
Explanation:
Scrum is founded on empirical process control theory, or empiricism. Key to empirical process control is the frequency of the transparency, inspection, and adaptation cycle – which we can also describe as the cycle time through the feedback loop.
When Kanban practices are applied to Scrum, they provide a focus on improving the flow through the feedback loop; optimizing transparency and the frequency of inspection and adaptation for both the product and the process.
A,D
Explanation:
Scrum is founded on empirical process control theory, or empiricism. Key to empirical process control is the frequency of the transparency, inspection, and adaptation cycle – which we can also describe as the cycle time through the feedback loop.
When Kanban practices are applied to Scrum, they provide a focus on improving the flow through the feedback loop; optimizing transparency and the frequency of inspection and adaptation for both the product and the process.
Question #5
In the middle of a Sprint, a Product Owner has requested the Developers to add a new urgent item to their Sprint Backlog. The team is currently at their WIP Limit.
Which would be the two most appropriate responses? (choose the two best answers)
- A . Reject the urgent item because the WIP Limits do not allow it. Tell the Product Owner to wait until the next Sprint.
- B . Add the urgent item to their Sprint Backlog but only start working on that new item when enough room frees up.
- C . Take on the urgent item as an exception to the WIP Limits, pushing this item along on top of the existing flow and note a WIP exception.
- D . Adjust the WIP Limits to allow for taking on the extra item and update their definition of Workflow.
Correct Answer: B,C
B,C
Explanation:
In case an item is pulled into the Sprint Backlog, the Developers need to figure out whether they can actually start it right away. This depends on the WIP limits and the current WIP. If the team is at their WIP limit they shouldn’t pull in that new item until some room frees up. If their backlog items are pretty small, an empty WIP slot will free up pretty quickly. If items are big, it can take a while.
The longer it might take to get a normal pull slot ready, the more pressure there might be to actually expedite this card, going beyond the current WIP limits, and pushing this item along on top of the existing flow. The typical way to do this is NOT to change the WIP limit definition but to go above WIP and note a WIP exception. These exceptions can then be a topic for inspection and adaptation come time to retrospect.
B,C
Explanation:
In case an item is pulled into the Sprint Backlog, the Developers need to figure out whether they can actually start it right away. This depends on the WIP limits and the current WIP. If the team is at their WIP limit they shouldn’t pull in that new item until some room frees up. If their backlog items are pretty small, an empty WIP slot will free up pretty quickly. If items are big, it can take a while.
The longer it might take to get a normal pull slot ready, the more pressure there might be to actually expedite this card, going beyond the current WIP limits, and pushing this item along on top of the existing flow. The typical way to do this is NOT to change the WIP limit definition but to go above WIP and note a WIP exception. These exceptions can then be a topic for inspection and adaptation come time to retrospect.
Question #6
Which of these are LEAST likely to be included in the definition of "Workflow" policies? (choose the best three answers)
- A . Definition of Done.
- B . Work Item types.
- C . Pull/prioritization policies.
- D . A Gantt chart.
- E . Service Level Expectations.
- F . The Increment.
- G . A Burndown chart.
- H . Visualization policies.
- I . WIP Limits.
Correct Answer: D,F,G
D,F,G
Explanation:
The definition of "Workflow" includes a shared understanding within the Scrum Team of how work is defined (work items), the start state of the process, the active states for the work items, and the finished state of the process.
This includes a description of:
Defined points at which the Scrum Team considers work to have started and to have finished.
A definition of the individual units of customer value that are flowing through the Scrum Team’s system (most likely Product Backlog Items (PBIs).
A definition of the workflow states that the PBIs flow through from start to finish (of which there must be at least one active state).
Explicit policies about how work flows through each state (which may include items from a Scrum Team’s definition of "Done" and pull policies between stages). A definition of how Work in Progress (WIP) will be limited.
A set Service Level Expectation (SLE) that communicates a forecast of how long it should take to complete work items.
This definition of "Workflow" is a strategic level whereas specific tools and artifacts are tactical and executional level.
D,F,G
Explanation:
The definition of "Workflow" includes a shared understanding within the Scrum Team of how work is defined (work items), the start state of the process, the active states for the work items, and the finished state of the process.
This includes a description of:
Defined points at which the Scrum Team considers work to have started and to have finished.
A definition of the individual units of customer value that are flowing through the Scrum Team’s system (most likely Product Backlog Items (PBIs).
A definition of the workflow states that the PBIs flow through from start to finish (of which there must be at least one active state).
Explicit policies about how work flows through each state (which may include items from a Scrum Team’s definition of "Done" and pull policies between stages). A definition of how Work in Progress (WIP) will be limited.
A set Service Level Expectation (SLE) that communicates a forecast of how long it should take to complete work items.
This definition of "Workflow" is a strategic level whereas specific tools and artifacts are tactical and executional level.
Question #7
True or False: Batch size is the same as the Sprint length when using Scrum with Kanban.
- A . True
- B . False
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Each activity in the Scrum Team’s Definition of Workflow can have its own batch size. For example, the team might deploy each Product Backlog item and then their deployment batch size would be 1, not the Sprint length.
B
Explanation:
Each activity in the Scrum Team’s Definition of Workflow can have its own batch size. For example, the team might deploy each Product Backlog item and then their deployment batch size would be 1, not the Sprint length.
Question #8
True or False: Scrum with Kanban only allows you to release at the end of the Sprint.
- A . True
- B . False
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Scrum allows you to release as frequently as you can create a product Increment. Scrum with Kanban emphasizes this direction/vision even more.
B
Explanation:
Scrum allows you to release as frequently as you can create a product Increment. Scrum with Kanban emphasizes this direction/vision even more.
Question #9
Who is accountable for the Definition of Workflow for the Sprint Backlog? (Choose the best answer)
- A . The Developers.
- B . The Product Owner.
- C . The Scrum Team.
- D . The Scrum Master.
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
As the Developers have autonomy to determine how they turn the Sprint Backlog into an Increment, the Developers have the final say on the Definition of Workflow within the Sprint.
A
Explanation:
As the Developers have autonomy to determine how they turn the Sprint Backlog into an Increment, the Developers have the final say on the Definition of Workflow within the Sprint.
Question #10
True or False: In a flow-based system, the number of tasks is not necessarily limited, rather the amount of value-generating work items is limited.
- A . True
- B . False
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Even though multiple tasks are completed, none of them has created something of value for the customer. Our goal when improving flow is to tighten the feedback/value loop – so we apply flow improvement techniques such as limiting WIP to the valuable items – the Product Backlog items.
A
Explanation:
Even though multiple tasks are completed, none of them has created something of value for the customer. Our goal when improving flow is to tighten the feedback/value loop – so we apply flow improvement techniques such as limiting WIP to the valuable items – the Product Backlog items.
Question #11
Little’s Law is extremely valuable for directly predicting the future since it gives us a measure of what happened in the past? (Choose the best answer)
- A . True – By understanding our Cycle Time we can use Little’s Law to reduce our WIP limits.
- B . False – Relying only on your Cycle Time measurements may incorrectly influence you to cut your WIP limits.
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Little’s law cannot predict the future. For example, the effect of reducing WIP limits cannot be predicted – it depends on whether the Scrum Team can achieve effective flow with lower WIP limits.
B
Explanation:
Little’s law cannot predict the future. For example, the effect of reducing WIP limits cannot be predicted – it depends on whether the Scrum Team can achieve effective flow with lower WIP limits.
Question #12
True or False: When it comes to using Kanban for the Sprint Backlog, the Developers own the way they work as well as their Definition of "their" Workflow.
- A . True
- B . False
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The accountabilities/responsibilities defined by the Scrum Guide still apply when adding the Kanban practices.
A
Explanation:
The accountabilities/responsibilities defined by the Scrum Guide still apply when adding the Kanban practices.
Question #13
True or False: Cycle Time is a lagging indicator.
- A . True
- B . False
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
You can only measure Cycle Time by looking at historical data. It is an indicator and point of reference but should be used carefully when creating a forecast.
A
Explanation:
You can only measure Cycle Time by looking at historical data. It is an indicator and point of reference but should be used carefully when creating a forecast.
Question #14
The team needs to work on a high priority urgent unplanned item, but they are at their WIP limit.
True or False: They should change the WIP limit at their Daily Scrum to enable them to pull in that item.
B. True
C. False
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
If they do decide to pull in that item, it is a better approach to exceed the WIP limit as an exception and mark that exception than to adjust "the rules".
Explanation:
If they do decide to pull in that item, it is a better approach to exceed the WIP limit as an exception and mark that exception than to adjust "the rules".
Question #15
True or False: The purpose of a Scrum Team’s Service Level Expectation (SLE) is to allow teams to give each Product Backlog item a commitment to a due date as part of Sprint Planning.
- A . True
- B . False
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The SLE is primarily an internal metric to help you inspect and adapt. However, the SLE CAN be used in Sprint Planning to provide the Product Owner and stakeholders with an idea of the service level that can be expected from the team. That does not include providing a specific date for each PBI in the SBL. The SLE enables the Scrum Team to forecast a finished date at a certain confidence level once the item has been started.
B
Explanation:
The SLE is primarily an internal metric to help you inspect and adapt. However, the SLE CAN be used in Sprint Planning to provide the Product Owner and stakeholders with an idea of the service level that can be expected from the team. That does not include providing a specific date for each PBI in the SBL. The SLE enables the Scrum Team to forecast a finished date at a certain confidence level once the item has been started.
Question #16
True or False: The WIP Limit can only be changed during the Sprint Retrospective.
- A . True
- B . False
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
While the Sprint Retrospective is indeed the recommended time to inspect and adapt the Workflow, any Workflow policy, including WIP limits, can be changed at any point. There are not many reasons to change WIP limits throughout the Sprint though. Changing WIP should be a process improvement strategy rather than a tactical way to deal with ongoing daily impediments. Learn more by reading this blog post.
B
Explanation:
While the Sprint Retrospective is indeed the recommended time to inspect and adapt the Workflow, any Workflow policy, including WIP limits, can be changed at any point. There are not many reasons to change WIP limits throughout the Sprint though. Changing WIP should be a process improvement strategy rather than a tactical way to deal with ongoing daily impediments. Learn more by reading this blog post.
Question #17
What does the Work Item Aging chart show? (Choose the best answer)
- A . How many days has the team worked without breaching the WIP limits.
- B . How many sprints ago has the team revised their WIP limits.
- C . The approximate average age of work in process in the team.
- D . For each item on the Kanban board how long ago has it been pulled into WIP.
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
WIP aging is one of the crucial flow metrics used in Professional Scrum with Kanban. Learn more in the Kanban Guide for Scrum Teams or this blog. It is especially useful during the Daily Scrum to help surface flow issues regarding specific PBIs.
D
Explanation:
WIP aging is one of the crucial flow metrics used in Professional Scrum with Kanban. Learn more in the Kanban Guide for Scrum Teams or this blog. It is especially useful during the Daily Scrum to help surface flow issues regarding specific PBIs.
Question #18
True or False: Kanban can be used to help improve the flow of the Sprint. It can also be used to help improve the flow of work in/out of the Sprint. Regardless, the Kanban Definition of Workflow is owned by the Developers.
- A . True
- B . False
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Ownership of the Definition of Workflow depends on the scope/context of the Workflow. If the work is in the Sprint Backlog, then it is owned by the Developers. If the Workflow relates to work that spans beyond the Sprint into the Product Backlog and other activities upstream and/or downstream of the Sprint, it should be defined by the entire Scrum Team.
B
Explanation:
Ownership of the Definition of Workflow depends on the scope/context of the Workflow. If the work is in the Sprint Backlog, then it is owned by the Developers. If the Workflow relates to work that spans beyond the Sprint into the Product Backlog and other activities upstream and/or downstream of the Sprint, it should be defined by the entire Scrum Team.
Question #19
True or False: The main role of WIP aging is to help identify flow bottlenecks; where work may be impeded or constrained.
- A . True
- B . False
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
While in some cases observing old age across multiple items in a certain area of the Workflow can help identify bottlenecks, the main role of the Work Item Age metric is to identify specific items that are struggling and require attention. Bottlenecks/systemic constraints are typically identified by looking at the queues on the board, as well as charts like the Cumulative Flow Diagram.
B
Explanation:
While in some cases observing old age across multiple items in a certain area of the Workflow can help identify bottlenecks, the main role of the Work Item Age metric is to identify specific items that are struggling and require attention. Bottlenecks/systemic constraints are typically identified by looking at the queues on the board, as well as charts like the Cumulative Flow Diagram.
Question #20
True or False: If Developers use tasks, then their WIP limits should primarily apply to tasks in the Sprint Backlog.
- A . True
- B . False
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Limiting tasks in progress can be useful but does not replace limiting WIP at the PBI level. We care about flow of value/learning. This is the flow of PBIs.
B
Explanation:
Limiting tasks in progress can be useful but does not replace limiting WIP at the PBI level. We care about flow of value/learning. This is the flow of PBIs.
Question #21
Workflow can be thought of as the Scrum Team’s policy for which of the following? (choose the best answer)
- A . Defining when development is complete and validation begins.
- B . How to get work done.
- C . How to increase the Team’s WIP limit.
- D . What completed work looks like.
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
This is similar to how the Definition of Done can be considered the team’s policies for what done looks like.
B
Explanation:
This is similar to how the Definition of Done can be considered the team’s policies for what done looks like.
Question #22
Reducing batch sizes might have the following impact: (choose all that apply)
- A . Highlight a need to improve processes/infrastructure to reduce the pain of frequent costly overhead.
- B . Improving efficiency due to faster feedback loops.
- C . Lower efficiency due to overhead/transaction costs in case the batch size is too small.
- D . Higher motivation due to seeing your work get done and deliver value earlier.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
A,B,C,D
Explanation:
Reducing batch sizes is a powerful lever with many potential effects. Finding the right batch size requires inspection and adaptation by the Scrum Team based on seeing their flow in action and the effect on different soft and hard metrics.
A,B,C,D
Explanation:
Reducing batch sizes is a powerful lever with many potential effects. Finding the right batch size requires inspection and adaptation by the Scrum Team based on seeing their flow in action and the effect on different soft and hard metrics.
Question #23
Which of these metrics is most valuable for Sprint Planning? (Choose the best answer)
- A . Throughput.
- B . Points Delivered.
- C . Work Item Age.
- D . Cycle time.
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
When planning a Sprint, our main interest is to figure out how many backlog items to pull into the Sprint. Throughput of previous Sprints is the most useful metric for figuring this out. An advanced technique would be to use a Monte Carlo simulation which leverages the Scrum Team’s Throughput data in order to forecast the probabilities (or confidence levels) for completing various amounts of items in a Sprint.
A
Explanation:
When planning a Sprint, our main interest is to figure out how many backlog items to pull into the Sprint. Throughput of previous Sprints is the most useful metric for figuring this out. An advanced technique would be to use a Monte Carlo simulation which leverages the Scrum Team’s Throughput data in order to forecast the probabilities (or confidence levels) for completing various amounts of items in a Sprint.
Question #24
True or False: When using Scrum with Kanban you can release multiple times during the Sprint.
- A . True
- B . False
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Scrum says you can release as often as you want during the Sprint. Bringing Kanban into the picture does not change this. Kanban actually helps bring to light the potential and value of reducing batch sizes, e.g. for releasing and driving Scrum Teams to consider releasing more often during the Sprint.
A
Explanation:
Scrum says you can release as often as you want during the Sprint. Bringing Kanban into the picture does not change this. Kanban actually helps bring to light the potential and value of reducing batch sizes, e.g. for releasing and driving Scrum Teams to consider releasing more often during the Sprint.
Question #25
True or False: Scrum Events, Scrum Team Accountabilities, and Scrum Artifacts are changed when using Scrum with Kanban. For example, the Scrum Team might choose to omit the Sprint Retrospective when using Kanban with Scrum.
- A . True
- B . False
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Adding Kanban to Scrum provides a technique to help the Scrum Team focus on driving a continuous flow of activity, but does not negate value provided by the Scrum Events, Artifacts, and Accountabilities.
B
Explanation:
Adding Kanban to Scrum provides a technique to help the Scrum Team focus on driving a continuous flow of activity, but does not negate value provided by the Scrum Events, Artifacts, and Accountabilities.
Question #26
True or False: Cycle Time is a direct leading indicator for the length of the Scrum Team’s feedback loop for a Product Backlog item.
- A . True
- B . False
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Cycle Time is a lagging indicator – you only know the Cycle Time after the PBI reached the end of the team’s Definition of Workflow. A Service Level Expectation (SLE) is based on Cycle Time scatter plot percentile lines.
B
Explanation:
Cycle Time is a lagging indicator – you only know the Cycle Time after the PBI reached the end of the team’s Definition of Workflow. A Service Level Expectation (SLE) is based on Cycle Time scatter plot percentile lines.
Question #27
True or False: A Service Level Expectation (SLE) target reflects the Scrum Team’s aspirations toward a reliable cycle time.
- A . True
- B . False
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Regardless of whether it is based on historical data or not, a Service Level Expectation (SLE) indeed is an expectation the team sets for themselves. It should be aspirational yet realistic and reliable. Aspiring and then missing most of the time is not what an SLE is about.
Regardless of whether it is based on historical data or not, a Service Level Expectation (SLE) indeed is an expectation the team sets for themselves. It should be aspirational yet realistic and reliable. Aspiring and then missing most of the time is not what an SLE is about.
A
Explanation:
Regardless of whether it is based on historical data or not, a Service Level Expectation (SLE) indeed is an expectation the team sets for themselves. It should be aspirational yet realistic and reliable. Aspiring and then missing most of the time is not what an SLE is about.
Regardless of whether it is based on historical data or not, a Service Level Expectation (SLE) indeed is an expectation the team sets for themselves. It should be aspirational yet realistic and reliable. Aspiring and then missing most of the time is not what an SLE is about.
Question #28
True or False: Reducing WIP limits will always result in decreased productivity.
- A . True
- B . False
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
WIP limits help create focus by reducing context-switching, thus a lower WIP limit can result in higher productivity.
B
Explanation:
WIP limits help create focus by reducing context-switching, thus a lower WIP limit can result in higher productivity.
Question #29
True or False: Work Item Age is a leading indicator for the length of the Scrum Team’s feedback loop for that (in progress) item.
- A . True
- B . False
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
If an item is aging quite a bit it is certainly an indication that its Cycle Time will be high. Cycle Time throughout the Scrum Team’s definition of Workflow can also be considered the length of the team’s feedback loop.
A
Explanation:
If an item is aging quite a bit it is certainly an indication that its Cycle Time will be high. Cycle Time throughout the Scrum Team’s definition of Workflow can also be considered the length of the team’s feedback loop.
Question #30
True or False: Scrum Events, Scrum Team Accountabilities, and Scrum Artifacts are augmented when using Scrum with Kanban. For example, having a clear indicator of the age of active Sprint Backlog items may help the Scrum Team during the Daily Scrum, helping them to better Inspect and Adapt their daily work.
- A . True
- B . False
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Adding Kanban to Scrum provides a technique to help the Scrum Team focus on driving a continuous flow of activity but does not negate value provided by the Scrum Events, Scrum Artifacts, and Scrum Team Accountabilities. However, flow-based metrics/charts & forecasts may get added to Scrum Events as per the Kanban Guide for Scrum Teams.
A
Explanation:
Adding Kanban to Scrum provides a technique to help the Scrum Team focus on driving a continuous flow of activity but does not negate value provided by the Scrum Events, Scrum Artifacts, and Scrum Team Accountabilities. However, flow-based metrics/charts & forecasts may get added to Scrum Events as per the Kanban Guide for Scrum Teams.
Question #31
Which of the following are considered leading indicator metrics? (choose the best two answers)
- A . An item’s Work Item Age.
- B . Service Level Expectation policy.
- C . Current Work in Progress.
- D . An item’s Cycle Time.
- E . Monte Carlo simulations.
Correct Answer: A,C
A,C
Explanation:
Work Item Age and current WIP are a leading indicators used during a Sprint (typically the Daily Scrum) to inspect and adapt the Sprint accordingly.
A,C
Explanation:
Work Item Age and current WIP are a leading indicators used during a Sprint (typically the Daily Scrum) to inspect and adapt the Sprint accordingly.
Question #32
Kanban for Scrum Teams is built upon which Scrum Values? (choose the best three answers)
- A . Focus
- B . Transparency
- C . Professionalism
- D . Courage
- E . Openness
Correct Answer: A,D,E
A,D,E
Explanation:
Professional Scrum with Kanban is built on having the courage to do the right thing and work on tough problems. Having focus on the work of the Sprint and the goals of the Scrum Team. Being open about all the work and the challenges with performing the work.
A,D,E
Explanation:
Professional Scrum with Kanban is built on having the courage to do the right thing and work on tough problems. Having focus on the work of the Sprint and the goals of the Scrum Team. Being open about all the work and the challenges with performing the work.
Question #33
What can occur if you were to reduce batch sizes? (Choose all that apply)
- A . Improved efficiency due to faster feedback loops.
- B . Higher motivation due to seeing your work get done and deliver value earlier.
- C . Lower efficiency due to overhead / transaction costs in case the batch size is too small.
- D . Highlight a need to work to improve processes/infrastructure to reduce the pain of frequent costly overhead.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
A,B,C,D
Explanation:
Reducing batch sizes is a powerful lever with many potential effects. Finding the right batch size requires inspection and adaptation by the Scrum Team based on seeing their flow in action and the effect on different soft and hard metrics.
A,B,C,D
Explanation:
Reducing batch sizes is a powerful lever with many potential effects. Finding the right batch size requires inspection and adaptation by the Scrum Team based on seeing their flow in action and the effect on different soft and hard metrics.
Question #34
Which two items would you expect to see in a service level expectation (SLE)? (choose the best two answers)
- A . A probability
- B . A period off elapsed day
- C . A forecasted date
- D . A cost of engineering
Correct Answer: A,B
A,B
Explanation:
An SLE forecasts how long it should take a given item to flow from start to finish within your workflow. The SLE itself has two parts: a period of elapsed days and a probability associated with that period (e.g., "85% of work items will be finished in 8 days or less" which can also be stated as "8 days with 85% confidence/probability").
A,B
Explanation:
An SLE forecasts how long it should take a given item to flow from start to finish within your workflow. The SLE itself has two parts: a period of elapsed days and a probability associated with that period (e.g., "85% of work items will be finished in 8 days or less" which can also be stated as "8 days with 85% confidence/probability").
Question #35
What can a specific work item’s Cycle Time metric be used for? (choose the best three answers)
- A . To influence the team’s Service Level Expectation (SLE).
- B . To help the team inspect and adapt their process.
- C . As a leading indicator to the length of feedback loop for that Work Item.
- D . As a lagging indicator to the length of feedback loop for that Work Item.
- E . To help the team inspect and adapt their Sprint in the Daily Scrum.
Correct Answer: A,B,D
A,B,D
Explanation:
Cycle time metric is a lagging indicator of flow. It is available only after an item is actually finished from the workflow perspective (e.g. reached a Done lane on the Kanban board). It is typically used to drive improvement work as well as to be able to establish internal/external expectations as to the team’s turnaround time on specific items.
WIP and Work Item Age are leading indicators for the length of feedback loop of a Work Item and inspecting and adaptation of the Sprint at the Daily Scrum.
A,B,D
Explanation:
Cycle time metric is a lagging indicator of flow. It is available only after an item is actually finished from the workflow perspective (e.g. reached a Done lane on the Kanban board). It is typically used to drive improvement work as well as to be able to establish internal/external expectations as to the team’s turnaround time on specific items.
WIP and Work Item Age are leading indicators for the length of feedback loop of a Work Item and inspecting and adaptation of the Sprint at the Daily Scrum.
Question #36
When using Kanban in Scrum, a team needs to use which of the following four metrics of flow? (choose the best four answers)
- A . Cycle Time
- B . Work in Progress (WIP)
- C . Work Item Age
- D . Cumulative Flow Diagram (CFD)
- E . Lead Time
- F . Throughput
Correct Answer: A,B,C,F
A,B,C,F
Explanation:
The four basic metrics of flow that Scrum Teams using Kanban need to track are as follows:
Work in Progress (WIP): The number of work items started but not finished.
Cycle Time: The amount of elapsed time between when a work item starts and when a work item finishes.
Work Item Age: The amount of time between when a work item started and the current time. This applies only to items that are still in progress.
Throughput: The number of work items finished per unit of time.
A,B,C,F
Explanation:
The four basic metrics of flow that Scrum Teams using Kanban need to track are as follows:
Work in Progress (WIP): The number of work items started but not finished.
Cycle Time: The amount of elapsed time between when a work item starts and when a work item finishes.
Work Item Age: The amount of time between when a work item started and the current time. This applies only to items that are still in progress.
Throughput: The number of work items finished per unit of time.
Question #37
Work Item Age metrics are most helpful in supporting which of the following? (choose the best two answers)
- A . Inspecting and adapting the Sprint at the Daily Scrum.
- B . Inspecting and adapting the team’s process and definition of Workflow at the Sprint Retrospective.
- C . Influencing the team’s Service Level Expectation (SLE).
- D . Helping the team estimate the size of Work Items.
- E . Being a leading indicator for the length of the feedback loop for a certain Work Item.
Correct Answer: A,E
A,E
Explanation:
Work Item Age is a leading indicator for what a team’s cycle time (i.e. the length of the feedback loop) is likely to be for a certain item.
It is also a leading indicator to determine when an item, that is in progress, is likely to be ‘finished’ in
order for the team to adapt their Sprint.
A,E
Explanation:
Work Item Age is a leading indicator for what a team’s cycle time (i.e. the length of the feedback loop) is likely to be for a certain item.
It is also a leading indicator to determine when an item, that is in progress, is likely to be ‘finished’ in
order for the team to adapt their Sprint.
Question #38
Which of the following is TRUE about the relationship between Sprints and Kanban for Scrum? (choose the best three answers)
- A . Sprints are examples of cycles and cadence.
- B . Sprints are examples of a policy that shows the team’s way of working.
- C . It is easier to achieve Sprint objectives when applying Kanban practices.
- D . A Sprint is an example of limiting Work in Progress (WIP).
Correct Answer: A,B,D
A,B,D
Explanation:
The Kanban complementary practices don’t replace Scrum’s Sprint. The Scrum Framework has built in components that are the starting point (foundation) for Kanban practices to enhance and expand. The Sprint is still a cadence or a regular heartbeat for inspection and adaptation of both product and process. Teams using Scrum with Kanban use the Sprint events as a feedback improvement loop by collaboratively inspecting and adapting their definition of "Workflow" and flow metrics.
A,B,D
Explanation:
The Kanban complementary practices don’t replace Scrum’s Sprint. The Scrum Framework has built in components that are the starting point (foundation) for Kanban practices to enhance and expand. The Sprint is still a cadence or a regular heartbeat for inspection and adaptation of both product and process. Teams using Scrum with Kanban use the Sprint events as a feedback improvement loop by collaboratively inspecting and adapting their definition of "Workflow" and flow metrics.
Question #39
Kanban can help enhance visibility for: (choose the best three answers)
- A . The Definition of Done.
- B . The Sprint Backlog.
- C . The Product Backlog.
- D . The Sprint Retrospective.
Correct Answer: A,B,C
A,B,C
Explanation:
One of the keys to effective visualization for a Scrum Team is to make sure it sees the flow of Product Backlog items from the Product Backlog (idea identification, through refinement, analysis), Sprint Backlog (design, coding, testing, and deployment); all the way to "Done" (Definition of Done).
A,B,C
Explanation:
One of the keys to effective visualization for a Scrum Team is to make sure it sees the flow of Product Backlog items from the Product Backlog (idea identification, through refinement, analysis), Sprint Backlog (design, coding, testing, and deployment); all the way to "Done" (Definition of Done).
Question #40
Which of the following will help a Scrum Team achieve flow optimization? (choose the best 4 answers)
- A . Padding estimates to allow space in the Sprint Backlog.
- B . Limiting WIP.
- C . Visualization of the workflow
- D . Inspecting and adapting their definition of "Workflow".
- E . Active management of work items in progress.
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E
B,C,D,E
Explanation:
Scrum Teams can achieve flow optimization by using the following four practices:
Visualization of the workflow
Limiting Work in Progress (WIP)
Active management of work items in progress
Inspecting and adapting the team’s definition of "Workflow"
B,C,D,E
Explanation:
Scrum Teams can achieve flow optimization by using the following four practices:
Visualization of the workflow
Limiting Work in Progress (WIP)
Active management of work items in progress
Inspecting and adapting the team’s definition of "Workflow"
Question #41
The basic metrics of flow that Scrum Teams using Kanban will need to track are: (choose the four best answers)
- A . Lead Time
- B . Velocity
- C . Work in Progress (WIP)
- D . Cycle Time
- E . Throughput
- F . Work Item Age
Correct Answer: C,D,E,F
C,D,E,F
Explanation:
The four basic metrics of flow that Scrum Teams using Kanban need to track are as follows:
Work in Progress (WIP): The number of work items started but not finished.
Cycle Time: The amount of elapsed time between when a work item starts and when a work item finishes.
Work Item Age: The amount of time between when a work item started and the current time. This applies only to items that are still in progress.
Throughput: The number of work items finished per unit of time.
C,D,E,F
Explanation:
The four basic metrics of flow that Scrum Teams using Kanban need to track are as follows:
Work in Progress (WIP): The number of work items started but not finished.
Cycle Time: The amount of elapsed time between when a work item starts and when a work item finishes.
Work Item Age: The amount of time between when a work item started and the current time. This applies only to items that are still in progress.
Throughput: The number of work items finished per unit of time.
Question #42
What are desired benefits of applying Kanban practices in a Scrum Team? (choose the best four answers)
- A . Increased collaboration between the Developers.
- B . Scrum Teams are no longer limited by Sprint time-boxes.
- C . For a work item, the average cycle time may be reduced.
- D . Increased transparency on the Work in Progress (WIP) state of the work items.
- E . Uncovering areas of improvement within the Sprint.
- F . Removes the need for the Sprint Review resulting in a higher velocity.
- G . Scrum Teams can release larger increments in a shorter period of time.
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
A,C,D,E
Explanation:
When Kanban practices are applied to Scrum, they provide a focus on improving the flow through the feedback loop; optimizing transparency and the frequency of inspection and adaptation for both the product and the process. The Scrum framework itself does not change and is only supplemented with Kanban practices.
This can result in additional collaboration, lower cycle times, additive transparency, and helping identify process improvements.
A,C,D,E
Explanation:
When Kanban practices are applied to Scrum, they provide a focus on improving the flow through the feedback loop; optimizing transparency and the frequency of inspection and adaptation for both the product and the process. The Scrum framework itself does not change and is only supplemented with Kanban practices.
This can result in additional collaboration, lower cycle times, additive transparency, and helping identify process improvements.
Question #43
How does setting limits to Work in Progress (WIP) policies support self-management? (choose the best two answers)
- A . WIP Limits creates a boundary for which the Scrum Team self-manages within.
- B . WIP Limits inhibit self-management since they limit the team’s autonomy to pull work.
- C . As part of self-management Scrum Teams figure out their own WIP Limits.
- D . A Scrum Master defines a WIP Limit to help the Scrum Team self-manage.
Correct Answer: A,C
A,C
Explanation:
Work in Progress (WIP) limits restrict the maximum amount of work items in the different stages of the workflow. This would be the defined boundaries/container of which the Scrum Team works from.
The Sprint Backlog is owned by the Developers so it would make sense for them to self-manage and own their workflow and WIP Limits in this case. If the Developers want to involve the Product Owner in their Sprint flow then the Scrum Team will self-manage to define the WIP Limits.
A,C
Explanation:
Work in Progress (WIP) limits restrict the maximum amount of work items in the different stages of the workflow. This would be the defined boundaries/container of which the Scrum Team works from.
The Sprint Backlog is owned by the Developers so it would make sense for them to self-manage and own their workflow and WIP Limits in this case. If the Developers want to involve the Product Owner in their Sprint flow then the Scrum Team will self-manage to define the WIP Limits.
Question #44
According to Little’s Law, which of the following statements is true if a team reduces its Work in Progress (WIP) limit? (choose the best two answers)
- A . In a given time period, the average number of Product Backlog items (throughput) completed will likely increase.
- B . Average time between starting and finishing (cycle time) of Product Backlog items will likely decrease.
- C . Quality of work completed will likely increase.
- D . Value of each backlog item completed likely will go up.
Correct Answer: A,B
A,B
Explanation:
The fundamental result of Little’s Law is that for a given process, in general, the more things that you work on at any given time (on average) the longer it is going to take for each of those things to finish (on average). Average Cycle Time = Average Work In Progress / Average Throughput
A,B
Explanation:
The fundamental result of Little’s Law is that for a given process, in general, the more things that you work on at any given time (on average) the longer it is going to take for each of those things to finish (on average). Average Cycle Time = Average Work In Progress / Average Throughput
Question #45
An existing Scrum Team wants to apply Kanban practices.
What can the team start doing get begin achieving flow? (choose the best 4 answers)
- A . Ensuring the product backlog is refined frequently.
- B . Limiting Work in Progress (WIP).
- C . Visualizing their workflow.
- D . Actively managing WIP.
- E . Inspecting & adapting their workflow.
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E
B,C,D,E
Explanation:
Kanban is a strategy for optimizing the flow of value through a process that uses a visual, work-in-progress limited pull system. Central to the definition of Kanban is the concept of flow. Kanban optimizes flow by improving the overall efficiency, effectiveness, and predictability of a process.
B,C,D,E
Explanation:
Kanban is a strategy for optimizing the flow of value through a process that uses a visual, work-in-progress limited pull system. Central to the definition of Kanban is the concept of flow. Kanban optimizes flow by improving the overall efficiency, effectiveness, and predictability of a process.
Question #46
A Kanban board is comprised of which of the following policies? (choose the best two answers)
- A . Each Product Backlog Item type has a separate swim lane.
- B . Your workflow visualization.
- C . Work in Progress (WIP) Limits.
- D . Class of service policy.
Correct Answer: B,C
B,C
Explanation:
Visualization using the Kanban board is the way the Scrum Team makes its workflow transparent. The board’s configuration should prompt the right conversations at the right time and proactively suggest opportunities for improvement. Visualization should include explicit policies such as the WIP limit for each lane or each person, escalation/class of service policies, how to visualize and deal with blockers, how to prioritize work.
B,C
Explanation:
Visualization using the Kanban board is the way the Scrum Team makes its workflow transparent. The board’s configuration should prompt the right conversations at the right time and proactively suggest opportunities for improvement. Visualization should include explicit policies such as the WIP limit for each lane or each person, escalation/class of service policies, how to visualize and deal with blockers, how to prioritize work.
Question #47
If new urgent work emerges during the Sprint, who must change the Work in Progress (WIP) Limits in the team’s definition of "Workflow"? (choose the best answer)
- A . The Product Owner.
- B . Work in Progress (WIP) Limits cannot be changed during a Sprint.
- C . The Scrum Master.
- D . No one. New urgent work is not a valid reason to change Work in Progress (WIP) Limits.
- E . The Developers.
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
In case the item is pulled into the Sprint Backlog, then the Developers need to figure out whether they can actually start it right away. This depends on the WIP limits and the current WIP. If the team is at their WIP limit they shouldn’t pull in that new item until some room frees up.
The longer it might take to get a normal pull slot ready, the more pressure there might be to actually expedite this card. This means going beyond the current WIP limits and pushing this item along on top of the existing flow. The typical way to do this is NOT to change the WIP limit definition but to go above WIP and note a WIP exception. These exceptions can then be a topic for inspection and adaptation at the Sprint Retrospective.
D
Explanation:
In case the item is pulled into the Sprint Backlog, then the Developers need to figure out whether they can actually start it right away. This depends on the WIP limits and the current WIP. If the team is at their WIP limit they shouldn’t pull in that new item until some room frees up.
The longer it might take to get a normal pull slot ready, the more pressure there might be to actually expedite this card. This means going beyond the current WIP limits and pushing this item along on top of the existing flow. The typical way to do this is NOT to change the WIP limit definition but to go above WIP and note a WIP exception. These exceptions can then be a topic for inspection and adaptation at the Sprint Retrospective.
Question #48
Which flow metric is most helpful in indicating when multiple Product Backlog items can be completed? (choose the best answer)
- A . Work Item Age.
- B . Work in Progress (WIP).
- C . Cycle Time.
- D . Throughput.
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
Throughput: The number of work items finished per unit of time. Throughput is the theoretical bandwidth of the team. For example, a team has delivered 10, 8, 12 and 10 Product Backlog items (PBIs) in each of the last 4 Sprints. The average throughput is 10 PBIs per Sprint. So based on historical data, the team can complete 1-10 PBIs in 1 Sprint. 1-15 PBIs in 2 Sprints, and so on. Remember, that ‘can complete’
and ‘will complete’ is different. ‘Will complete’ is absolute where as ‘can complete’ is not and can have dependencies.
D
Explanation:
Throughput: The number of work items finished per unit of time. Throughput is the theoretical bandwidth of the team. For example, a team has delivered 10, 8, 12 and 10 Product Backlog items (PBIs) in each of the last 4 Sprints. The average throughput is 10 PBIs per Sprint. So based on historical data, the team can complete 1-10 PBIs in 1 Sprint. 1-15 PBIs in 2 Sprints, and so on. Remember, that ‘can complete’
and ‘will complete’ is different. ‘Will complete’ is absolute where as ‘can complete’ is not and can have dependencies.
Question #49
Which is the best description of probabilistic forecast? (choose the best answer)
- A . A forecast based on empirical data as an input on the likelihood of achieving a goal given certain time period.
- B . A formula that calculates a team’s future performance.
- C . A commitment of when a specific scope will be finished.
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Probabilistic forecasting is an alternative to an estimates based approach. Rather than asking your teams to break down a lot of work up front, and then estimate it, we can use past data generated by the team from the work they’ve already done to extrapolate a forecast of what may happen in the future. A probabilistic forecast is one that acknowledges a wide array of possible outcomes and assigns a probability, or likelihood of happening, to each. Every probabilistic forecast should have 2 components: a range and a probability.
A
Explanation:
Probabilistic forecasting is an alternative to an estimates based approach. Rather than asking your teams to break down a lot of work up front, and then estimate it, we can use past data generated by the team from the work they’ve already done to extrapolate a forecast of what may happen in the future. A probabilistic forecast is one that acknowledges a wide array of possible outcomes and assigns a probability, or likelihood of happening, to each. Every probabilistic forecast should have 2 components: a range and a probability.
Question #50
Which of the following best describes Kanban? (choose the best answer)
- A . Additional practices that are integrated into the Scrum framework.
- B . A strategy for optimizing the flow of value through a process that uses a visual, Work in Progress (WIP) limited pull system.
- C . A process of defining a Scrum Team’s workflow in order to increase productivity.
- D . None of the above.
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Kanban is a strategy for optimizing the flow of value through a process that uses a visual, work-in-progress limited pull system. The flow-based perspective of Kanban is used to enhance and complement the Scrum framework and its implementation.
B
Explanation:
Kanban is a strategy for optimizing the flow of value through a process that uses a visual, work-in-progress limited pull system. The flow-based perspective of Kanban is used to enhance and complement the Scrum framework and its implementation.