Planning the launch of a new Scrum team is crucial because it sets the groundwork for the team’s functioning. An adequately planned launch can imbue the team with a clear purpose, a defined workflow, and established communication channels to avoid ambiguity and conflicts. Contrastingly, a poorly planned launch can lead to confusion, inefficiency, and failure in meeting goals.
Key Aspects to Consider
1. Defining the Product Vision
The first step while planning the launch of a new Scrum team pertains to defining the product vision. This vision should be in line with the organization’s objectives and should clearly communicate what the team should aspire and work towards. It is of paramount importance that every team member understands this product vision and aligns their efforts accordingly.
2. Selecting Team Members
Once the product vision is defined, the next task is to identify and select the team members. A typical Scrum team comprises of the Product Owner, Scrum Master, and the Development Team. While choosing these individuals, their technical competencies, soft skills, and compatibility with the Scrum principles should be kept in mind.
3. Conducting Initial Training
Before the team begins working on the product backlog, it’s essential to ensure that all members understand the Scrum methodology and how it’ll apply to their roles. This could involve formal training sessions or informal guidance by a coach or more experienced Scrum practitioner. Also, this is where the role of CSP-PO can be particularly beneficial, aiding in articulating and interpreting the Scrum principles.
4. Setting Up Communication Channels
Effective communication is a cornerstone of Scrum methodology. Thus, it’s important to set up communication channels. These could range from daily stand-up meetings, sprint planning meetings to online tools that facilitate real-time communication.
5. Implementing Scrum Artifacts and Events
Next, you should implement the essential features of Scrum, such as the Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and the Increment. Plan for regular Scrum events like Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review and Sprint Retrospective.
6. Scrum Environment
Lastly, consider the environment in which the team will work. A shared workspace can promote collaboration and communication and thus, should be encouraging for the Scrum principles.
Example
To illustrate, let’s consider the imaginary example of a software development company, AlphaTech, planning to launch a new Scrum team for a project.
First, the vision is defined: “Develop a user-friendly mobile application for online teaching—projected launch date – 6 months from now.” Subsequently, the team members are chosen: a Product Owner with experience in the ed-tech space, a Scrum Master who had previously worked on similar projects, and a development team adept in mobile app development with experience in Scrum.
They’re then provided training about Scrum methodologies and aligned towards the project vision. Communication channels are established with daily stand-up meetings scheduled for 10 AM, sprint planning every alternate Monday, and sprint reviews at the end of the sprint. The team is entitled to use a project management software to manage Scrum artifacts like product backlog, sprint backlog etc.
A collaborative workspace is set up for the team where every individual has access to all the project’s needed resources.
In conclusion, planning the launch of a new Scrum team involves various steps and careful considerations. The key to a successful launch lies in focusing on both the bigger picture and the minute details, striking a balance between the project goals and team dynamics and making efficient use of tools and communication channels. A planned launch is bound to lead the entire team towards a shared vision, thereby ensuring the project’s success.
Practice Test
The Scrum team consists of the Product Owner, the Scrum Master, and the Scrum Development Team.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: This is one of the basics of Scrum; the team consists of the Product Owner, the Scrum Master, and the Scrum Development Team who collaborate to deliver the product increment.
A Scrum team should consist of 7 ± 2 members.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The Scrum Guide recommends that the team, not including the Scrum Master and Product Owner, should be small enough to remain nimble and large enough to complete significant work within a Sprint typically 7 ± 2 members.
Which of the following is NOT a role in a Scrum team?
- Product Owner
- Scrum Master
- Project Manager
- Scrum Developer
Answer: Project Manager
Explanation: In Scrum, there are only three roles: the Product Owner, the Scrum Master, and the Scrum Developer. The traditional role of a project manager does not exist.
As a Product Owner, you should be involved in the hiring process of the Development team.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: As a Product Owner, your main focus is to maximize the value of the product and the work of the development team. However, the hiring process is typically outside of this role’s scope.
When planning the launch of a new Scrum Team, considering a cross-functional and self-organizing team is NOT necessary.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: A scrum team must be cross-functional and self-organizing for it to work effectively.
During the pre-launch of the Scrum Team, defining the vision and the product roadmap is a key task.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The product vision and roadmap provide the team with a clear direction and understanding of what they are expected to deliver and bring clarity to the Product Owner’s expectations.
Which of the following is NOT part of the processes associated with preparing for the Initial Sprint Planning?
- Product Backlog creation
- Sprint length determination
- Agreement on Definition of Done
- Hiring a Project Manager
Answer: Hiring a Project Manager
Explanation: Scrum does not have the role of a Project Manager. The other options are important elements in the initial Sprint planning process.
The Scrum Team should be co-located whenever possible.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: While Scrum does not mandate co-location, it is often encouraged because it enhances communication, collaboration, and speed of decision-making.
Planning the launch of a new Scrum team should include developing team working agreements.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Working agreements are essential for outlining how a team will work together to create a positive, productive, and respectful culture.
The Product Owner is responsible for setting up the Scrum Board.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The entire team collaboratively sets up the Scrum board as it represents the collective work. The Product Owner may contribute, but it’s not their sole responsibility.
Sprint Retrospective meeting happens before the launch of the Scrum Team.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Sprint Retrospective meeting is held at the end of every Sprint to inspect and adapt the process, not before the launch of the Scrum team.
Agile principles and Scrum values are not necessary while planning the launch of a new Scrum Team.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Understanding and adopting Agile principles and Scrum values is fundamental to the workings of a Scrum Team.
Who should define the “Definition of Done”?
- Scrum Master
- Product Owner
- Development Team
- All above
Answer: Development Team
Explanation: The Development Team defines the “Definition of Done” for each product increment to ensure transparency and quality.
The launch of a new Scrum Team should focus on the process not the people.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: While the process is important, Scrum is based on a foundation of empirical process control, and the people (team) are regarded as the most important variable in this process.
The Scrum Master in a new Scrum Team should act as a facilitator.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The Scrum Master acts as a servant leader for the Scrum Team by facilitating Scrum events, removing obstacles, and helping the team become self-organizing.
Interview Questions
What is the first step in launching a new Scrum Team?
The first step in launching a new Scrum Team is to select the product owner, scrum master, and development team members.
What are some considerations when selecting the Product Owner for a new Scrum Team?
The Product Owner should be someone who has a solid understanding of the product, the customers, and the business goals. Moreover, they have to be available to the team and be capable of making priority decisions.
What role does the Scrum master play in a new Scrum Team?
The Scrum Master coaches the team members and helps them understand and implement Scrum principles and practices. Moreover, they remove obstacles that may hinder the team’s progress.
What are the primary responsibilities of the development team?
The Development Team is responsible for delivering potentially shippable functionalities at the end of each Sprint. They are self-organizing and cross-functional with all the skills required to deliver the product increment.
How do you decide on the size of the Scrum Team?
The Scrum Guide recommends having a Development Team size between 3 and 9 members. Any smaller, and the team may not have all the skills required. Any larger, and the team may become inefficient due to the extra coordination.
What is the delivering of a ‘Done’ increment?
A ‘Done’ increment is a version of the product that is potentially shippable—meaning it is in useable condition and meets the Scrum Team’s definition of done.
How is the vision of the product defined, and who is responsible for it?
The product vision encapsulates the overarching goal of the product. It is typically defined by the Product Owner, often in collaboration with stakeholders.
What is the purpose of the Sprint?
Sprints are time-boxed iterations during which specific work is completed and made ready for review. Their purpose is to create regular, predictable delivery points to provide frequent feedback and opportunities for adjustment.
What is the main goal of the Sprint Retrospective?
The main goal of the Sprint Retrospective is to provide an opportunity for the Scrum Team to review its practices and make necessary improvements for the next Sprint.
What is the role of a stakeholder in the Scrum process?
Stakeholders are individuals outside the Scrum Team who have an interest in the product being developed. They may include clients, users, managers, and other interested parties. Their feedback is critical for the Product Owner’s prioritization and Product Backlog refinement.
How should the Scrum Team handle changes in requirements during work on a Sprint?
Once a Sprint has started, its scope should remain unchanged. If a requirement change is necessary, it would generally be incorporated into the next Sprint’s backlog.
How does a Scrum Team ensure proper communication among team members and their roles?
Scrum emphasizes regular and open communication. Daily Scrum meetings are one of the keys for frequent inspection and adaptation, enabling everyone to stay on the same page.
How does the Scrum Team manage the Product Backlog?
The Product Owner is responsible for the Product Backlog, including its content, availability, and ordering. However, the entire team can contribute to its refinement, ensuring items are clear, transparent, and ready for work.
What is the importance of the Definition of Done in Scrum?
The Definition of Done provides a shared understanding of what it means for work to be complete. It maximizes transparency of the work done in a Sprint and ensures everyone has the same expectations.
How should the Scrum Team handle conflicts?
Conflict is a natural part of any team’s interactions. Productive conflict resolution can lead to more creative problem-solving and better team dynamics. The Scrum Master often plays a key role in facilitating this process.
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