Free CSM Scrum Theory & Principles Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which of the following is a core Scrum value?

Perfection
Command
Respect (Correct answer)
Authority

Correct answer: Respect

Scrum is built upon five core values: Commitment, Focus, Openness, Respect, and Courage. Respect is crucial as it fosters an environment where team members respect each other's skills, independence, and contributions, and stakeholders respect the team's ability to deliver value. This mutual respect promotes collaboration and a healthy working environment.

Question 2: Scrum is based on which type of process control theory?

Predictive
Empirical (Correct answer)
Waterfall
Sequential

Correct answer: Empirical

Scrum is founded on empirical process control theory, which means it relies on experience and making decisions based on what is observed. This approach emphasizes transparency, inspection, and adaptation rather than detailed upfront planning. By regularly inspecting progress and adapting plans, Scrum teams can effectively manage unpredictability and optimize value delivery.

Question 3: What does transparency mean in Scrum?

Hiding team progress
Limited communication
Clear visibility of work and goals (Correct answer)
Only managers can view tasks

Correct answer: Clear visibility of work and goals

Transparency in Scrum means that the significant aspects of the process must be visible to those responsible for the outcome. This includes clear visibility of the work being done, the progress towards goals, and any impediments. Without transparency, inspection is misleading and adaptation is flawed, hindering effective decision-making and collaboration.

Question 4: What is the purpose of adaptation in Scrum?

Stick to original plans
Avoid feedback
Modify plans based on feedback (Correct answer)
Prevent change

Correct answer: Modify plans based on feedback

Adaptation is one of the three pillars of Scrum, alongside transparency and inspection. Its purpose is to adjust the process or the product based on the insights gained from inspection and feedback. By continuously modifying plans and approaches in response to new information, Scrum teams can optimize their work and deliver the most valuable outcomes.

Question 5: How often should inspection occur in Scrum?

Once per project
Only at the end
Frequently throughout the Sprint (Correct answer)
During release only

Correct answer: Frequently throughout the Sprint

Inspection in Scrum involves regularly checking the progress towards the Sprint Goal and the overall Product Goal to detect undesirable variances. This occurs frequently throughout the Sprint, notably during the Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. Frequent inspection allows for timely adaptation, preventing deviations from becoming significant problems.

Question 6: What is the result of effective transparency?

More documentation
Hidden progress
Better decisions (Correct answer)
Reduced collaboration

Correct answer: Better decisions

Effective transparency ensures that all relevant information about the process and the product is clearly visible to the Scrum Team and stakeholders. When everyone has a shared, accurate understanding of the current state, challenges, and progress, it leads to more informed and better decisions. This clarity minimizes misunderstandings and allows for timely, collective adjustments.

Question 7: Which is NOT a pillar of Scrum?

Transparency
Inspection
Adaptation
Control (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Control

The three pillars of Scrum, which underpin its empirical process control, are Transparency, Inspection, and Adaptation. These pillars ensure that the Scrum Team can continuously learn, adjust, and improve its process and product. 'Control' is not one of the official pillars; instead, Scrum emphasizes self-organization and emergent processes over rigid control.

Question 8: How does Scrum deliver value early?

Delays release until complete
Uses long-term plans
Delivers increments each Sprint (Correct answer)
Waits for stakeholder approval

Correct answer: Delivers increments each Sprint

Scrum delivers value early and frequently by producing a 'Done' and usable Product Increment at the end of every Sprint. This iterative approach means that stakeholders don't have to wait until the entire project is complete to see working software and provide feedback. Early increments allow for continuous learning, risk reduction, and faster realization of benefits.

Question 9: Why is focus important in Scrum?

To multitask efficiently
To satisfy external requests
To stay aligned on Sprint Goals (Correct answer)
To minimize testing

Correct answer: To stay aligned on Sprint Goals

Focus is one of the five Scrum Values, emphasizing that everyone concentrates on the work of the Sprint and the Sprint Goal. By dedicating attention to a limited set of high-priority items, the team can avoid distractions and deliver a high-quality Increment. This dedicated focus helps the team achieve the Sprint Goal efficiently and effectively.

Free CSM Scrum Theory & Principles Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a core Scrum value?