The correct answer is C – Request that the Product Owner include a spike in the next iteration's backlog so they can perform an initial investigation.
A spike is a time-boxed activity that allows teams to research or experiment to gain knowledge about technical or functional aspects of an upcoming feature or integration. Since the team lacks experience with the new component, using a spike will allow them to explore and reduce uncertainty before actual development begins.
From the PMI Agile Practice Guide:
“Spikes are research activities that help teams gain the knowledge needed to reduce uncertainty and risk in upcoming stories.”
(PMI Agile Practice Guide, Section 5.3 – Backlog Refinement)
Mike Griffiths writes:
“Spikes are used when the team is not confident about how to implement a story due to technical or domain uncertainty. Spikes help mitigate risk and inform estimation.”
(Mike Griffiths, PMI-ACP Exam Prep Book, Chapter 5 – Adaptive Planning)
Other options are suboptimal:
A involves team extension, which contradicts Agile's preference for stable, cross-functional teams.
B is misaligned—technical investigation is a team responsibility, not the Product Owner's.
D avoids learning and may compromise solution quality.
Answer: C
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