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The Nexus framework is a way of scaling Scrum for multiple teams working on a single product. The Nexus framework uses Scrum as its building block and extends it only where necessary to minimize and manage dependencies between teams 11. The Nexus framework defines the accountabilities, events, and artifacts that bind and weave together the work of the teams in a Nexus 11. One of the key events in the Nexus framework is the Nexus Sprint Planning, which is used to coordinate the activities of all teams in the Nexus for a single Sprint 11.

In Scenario B, the Nexus is developing a complex product with different parts that only certain teams can work on. There are also some highly specialized individuals outside the Nexus that are required for some of the work. In past Sprints, the Nexus encountered challenges dealing with the many dependencies between teams. Dependencies are the relationships between the work items that affect the order, timing, or outcome of the work 22. Dependencies can cause delays, rework, waste, and lower quality 22. Therefore, it is important to identify and resolve dependencies as early and as often as possible 22.

The two strategies that would be most effective in dealing with the dependencies are:

Discover and document dependent work during Cross-Team Refinement of the Product Backlog, so teams are aware of dependencies before Nexus Sprint Planning. This will allow Nexus Sprint Planning to focus on resolving dependencies for the upcoming Sprint. This is answer A. This is a valid strategy because Cross-Team Refinement is an activity where representatives from each team in the Nexus meet to decompose and refine the Product Backlog items into smaller pieces of work that can be delivered by a single team or multiple teams 11. By doing this, the teams can discover and document the dependent work that needs to be done by other teams or external parties 11. This will help the teams to be aware of the dependencies before the Nexus Sprint Planning and to prepare for them 11. This will also allow the Nexus Sprint Planning to focus on resolving the dependencies for the upcoming Sprint, rather than spending time on identifying them 11.

During Nexus Sprint Planning, have appropriate representatives from each team in the Nexus briefly meet to discuss dependencies for the upcoming Sprint. This conversation will help their individual team’s Sprint Planning. This is answer C. This is a valid strategy because Nexus Sprint Planning is an event where the Nexus, consisting of the Product Owner and appropriate representatives from each team, meet to plan the Sprint 11. The purpose of Nexus Sprint Planning is to coordinate the activities of all teams in the Nexus for a single Sprint 11. The result of Nexus Sprint Planning is a Nexus Sprint Goal that aligns with the Product Goal and a Nexus Sprint Backlog that contains the work to be done by the teams to achieve the Nexus Sprint Goal 11. During Nexus Sprint Planning, the representatives from each team can briefly meet to discuss the dependencies for the upcoming Sprint and how to resolve them 11. This conversation will help their individual team’s Sprint Planning, where they can create their own team Sprint Goal and team Sprint Backlog that support the Nexus Sprint Goal and the Nexus Sprint Backlog 11.

The other two answers are not correct because:

Have the Nexus Integration Team order the Nexus Sprint Backlog. They should control and resolve the dependencies. This is answer B. This is not a valid strategy because the Nexus Integration Team is not the owner or the controller of the Nexus Sprint Backlog. The Nexus Integration Team is a role that consists of the Scrum Master, the Product Owner, and other members who are responsible for coordinating, coaching, and supervising the integration of the work done by the teams in the Nexus 1[1][5]. The Nexus Integration Team facilitates the Nexus Sprint Planning, but does not order or dictate the Nexus Sprint Backlog 1[1][5]. The Nexus Sprint Backlog is owned and managed by the Nexus, not by the Nexus Integration Team 1[1][5]. The Nexus Integration Team helps the teams to identify and resolve the dependencies, but does not control or impose them 1[1][5].

Gather all people in the Nexus into a 48-hour Nexus Sprint Planning event. Discover, document, and resolve dependencies during this time. This is answer D. This is not a valid strategy because gathering all people in the Nexus into a 48-hour Nexus Sprint Planning event is not feasible, efficient, or effective. The Nexus Sprint Planning is not meant to be a long and exhaustive event that involves all people in the Nexus 11. The Nexus Sprint Planning is meant to be a short and focused event that involves only the Product Owner and appropriate representatives from each team in the Nexus 11. The Nexus Sprint Planning is not meant to be the only time to discover, document, and resolve dependencies 11. The Nexus Sprint Planning is meant to be the time to coordinate the activities of the teams for the upcoming Sprint and to create a Nexus Sprint Goal and a Nexus Sprint Backlog 11. The discovery, documentation, and resolution of dependencies should be done continuously throughout the Sprint, not only during the Nexus Sprint Planning 11.

A Nexus Integration Team is not responsible for actually doing the integration work during the Sprint. The Nexus Integration Team is a specialized Scrum Team that provides services and guidance to the Scrum Teams in the Nexus to ensure that the Integrated Increment is produced every Sprint 11. However, the Nexus Integration Team is not accountable for the integration of the work of the individual Scrum Teams, as this is the responsibility of the Scrum Teams themselves 22. The Nexus Integration Team helps the Scrum Teams to coordinate, coach, and supervise the application of Nexus and the operation of Scrum, but it does not take over their work or accountability 33. Therefore, the statement is false.

The best option for how Product Ownership might be structured in a company with five products is to have one Product Owner responsible for each product or one Product Owner responsible for all five products. Both of these options are consistent with the Scrum Guide, which states that the Product Owner is accountable for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the Scrum Team 11. The Product Owner may delegate work as needed, but they remain accountable for the value delivered. The Product Owner also provides clarity to the team about the product vision, goal, and backlog 11.

The other options are not advisable for the following reasons:

Assigning as many Product Owners as needed to communicate expectations and requirements to the Scrum Team is not a good idea, as it would create confusion, inconsistency, and conflict among the Product Owners and the Scrum Team. The Scrum Guide states that the Product Owner is one person, not a committee 11. Having multiple Product Owners for one product would compromise the transparency, the alignment, and the decision-making of the Scrum Team.

Having one primary Product Owner and one Product Owner for each product is also not a good idea, as it would create a hierarchy and a dependency among the Product Owners. The primary Product Owner would have too much authority and responsibility, while the Product Owners for each product would have too little. This would undermine the accountability, the collaboration, and the empowerment of the Product Owners and the Scrum Teams.

When multiple Scrum Teams work from the same Product Backlog, they should choose the Product Backlog items that they can deliver as part of an Integrated Increment, which is the combined work of all the Scrum Teams that meets the Nexus Sprint Goal 11. The Developers, who are the people in the Scrum Teams who are accountable for creating and delivering the Increment, should pull work in agreement with the Product Owner, who is the person who is accountable for maximizing the value of the product and the work performed and integrated by the Scrum Teams 11. The Developers and the Product Owner should collaborate to select the Product Backlog items that are most valuable, feasible, and aligned with the Nexus Sprint Goal 2233. Therefore, statement B is the correct answer.

Statement A is incorrect because it implies that the Scrum Teams choose the Weighted Shortest Job First, which is a prioritization technique that ranks Product Backlog items based on their value and cost 44. However, the Scrum Guide does not prescribe any specific technique for ordering the Product Backlog, and the Product Owner is the sole person responsible for managing the Product Backlog [5]. Statement C is incorrect because it suggests that each Scrum Team takes an equal number of items, which may not reflect the value, complexity, or dependencies of the items 1122. Statement D is incorrect because it assumes that the Scrum Team with the highest velocity pulls Product Backlog items first, which may not be the best way to optimize the value delivery and integration across the Nexus 1122. Statement E is incorrect because it proposes that the Product Owner should provide each team with its own Product Backlog, which would create confusion, inconsistency, and duplication of work. Having multiple Product Backlogs would also undermine the transparency and alignment that are essential for scaling Scrum 1122.

The most important concern for multiple Scrum Teams when they are working from the same Product Backlog is minimizing dependencies between teams. Dependencies are the relationships or constraints that exist between the work items or the teams that affect the delivery of the product 11. Dependencies can cause delays, rework, waste, and quality issues, and they can reduce the agility and value delivery of the Scrum Teams 2233. Therefore, minimizing dependencies between teams is a critical concern for scaling Scrum effectively 112233.

Statement A is incorrect because meeting original scope projections is not a primary concern for multiple Scrum Teams working from the same Product Backlog. Scrum does not prescribe a fixed scope for the product, but rather embraces change and adaptation based on feedback and learning 44. The Product Backlog is a dynamic and emergent artifact that reflects the current understanding of the product vision, goals, and requirements 44. The Product Owner is responsible for managing the Product Backlog and ordering the items in a way that maximizes the value of the product and the work of the Scrum Teams 44. Therefore, meeting original scope projections is not a relevant or realistic concern for scaling Scrum.

Statement C is incorrect because clear definition of requirements is not the most important concern for multiple Scrum Teams working from the same Product Backlog. While having clear and well-defined requirements is desirable and beneficial for the Scrum Teams, it is not always possible or necessary in a complex and uncertain environment 44. Scrum does not require detailed upfront specifications, but rather encourages empirical discovery and experimentation through frequent delivery and feedback 44. The Product Backlog items are refined and clarified by the Product Owner and the Developers as they collaborate and learn more about the product and the users 44. Therefore, clear definition of requirements is not the most critical concern for scaling Scrum.

Statement D is incorrect because making sure there is enough work for everyone on every team is not the most important concern for multiple Scrum Teams working from the same Product Backlog. Scrum does not focus on maximizing the utilization of the Scrum Team members, but rather on maximizing the value of the product and the work of the Scrum Teams 44. The Scrum Teams are self-organizing and cross-functional, which means they can decide how to do their work and have all the skills needed to create a potentially releasable Increment 44. The Scrum Teams pull work from the Product Backlog in agreement with the Product Owner, and they commit to delivering an Integrated Increment that meets the Nexus Sprint Goal 1144. Therefore, making sure there is enough work for everyone on every team is not the most essential concern for scaling Scrum.

The best answer for this question is A. Integrating more frequently. This answer is correct because integrating more frequently can help the Scrum Teams in a Nexus to detect and resolve integration issues or dependencies earlier and faster, and to deliver a potentially releasable product increment at the end of each Sprint. Integrating more frequently can also reduce the complexity and risk of integration, and increase the quality and feedback of value delivery 112233.

The other answers are not correct for the following reasons:

B. Doing more acceptance testing. This answer is not sufficient because doing more acceptance testing does not address the root cause of the problem, which is the late integration of the work. Acceptance testing can help to verify the quality and functionality of the product increment, but it does not ensure that the integration is done early and often. Moreover, doing more acceptance testing may consume more time and resources, and delay the delivery of the product increment 44.

C. Doing more exploratory testing. This answer is not helpful because doing more exploratory testing does not solve the issue of the late integration of the work. Exploratory testing can help to discover and learn more about the product increment, but it does not guarantee that the integration is done smoothly and quickly. Furthermore, doing more exploratory testing may introduce more uncertainty and variability, and hinder the delivery of the product increment 55.

D. Using Behavior-Driven Development. This answer is not relevant because using Behavior-Driven Development does not directly affect the integration of the work. Behavior-Driven Development is a technique that can help to define and communicate the expected behavior and outcomes of the product increment, but it does not ensure that the integration is done frequently and effectively. Additionally, using Behavior-Driven Development may require more collaboration and coordination, and complicate the delivery of the product increment [6].

E. Investing in more Requirements Traceability. This answer is not useful because investing in more Requirements Traceability does not improve the integration of the work. Requirements Traceability is a practice that can help to track and document the origin and evolution of the product requirements, but it does not ensure that the integration is done timely and efficiently. Also, investing in more Requirements Traceability may increase the overhead and bureaucracy, and slow down the delivery of the product increment [7].

F. All of the above. This answer is not correct because none of the above answers are effective for addressing the issue of the late integration of the work. As explained above, each of the above answers has its own limitations and drawbacks, and does not directly or sufficiently help the Scrum Teams in a Nexus to integrate their work more frequently and successfully. Therefore, the best answer is A. Integrating more frequently.

The best way to improve the ability of the Scrum Teams in a Nexus to produce an Increment for the next Sprint is to reduce the amount of work that the teams pull into the Sprint. This will allow the teams to focus on delivering a high-quality and valuable product Increment that meets the Definition of Done and the Product Goal. Reducing the amount of work also reduces the complexity and dependencies among the teams, which makes integration easier and faster.

The other options are not advisable for the following reasons:

Asking the Nexus Integration Team to extend the Sprint to allow more time for integration is not consistent with the Scrum principles and values. The Sprint length should be fixed and consistent throughout the product development, and it should be less than a month. Extending the Sprint would compromise the feedback loop, the transparency, and the adaptability of the Nexus 11.

Reducing the number of Scrum Teams to reduce complexity is not a viable solution, as it would also reduce the capacity and the productivity of the Nexus. The number of Scrum Teams in a Nexus should be based on the size and the scope of the product, and it should not exceed nine teams 11. Reducing the number of teams would also disrupt the existing team dynamics and collaboration.

Adding another Scrum Team to the Nexus to increase capacity is not a good idea, as it would increase the complexity and the dependencies among the teams. Adding another team would also require more coordination and communication, which would consume more time and resources. Moreover, adding another team would not necessarily increase the value or the quality of the product Increment 22.

The Definition of Done is a set of quality standards that apply to the Integrated Increment, which is the combined work of all the Scrum Teams in the Nexus that meets the Nexus Sprint Goal 11. The Definition of Done creates transparency and alignment among the Scrum Teams and the stakeholders, and ensures that the Integrated Increment is potentially releasable 22. The Definition of Done can evolve over time as the Nexus learns from its experience and feedback, and as the product complexity and quality expectations change 33. The best place to discuss and update the Definition of Done is at the Nexus Sprint Retrospective, which is an event that occurs at the end of the Sprint where the Nexus inspects and adapts its processes, tools, and interactions 11. The Nexus Integration Team, which is a group of people who are accountable for ensuring the integration and delivery of the Integrated Increment, is responsible for the Definition of Done, but they can involve the other Scrum Team members and stakeholders in the discussion and decision 1144. Therefore, statement C is the correct answer.

Statement A is incorrect because it implies that the Nexus Integration Team can unilaterally change the Definition of Done without consulting the other Scrum Teams or stakeholders, which would undermine the transparency and collaboration that are essential for scaling Scrum 1144. Statement B is incorrect because it suggests that the Definition of Done is owned by the larger development organization, which may not be familiar with the specific needs and challenges of the Nexus, and that the changes are communicated by stakeholders, who may not have the technical expertise or authority to do so 1144. Statement D is incorrect because it assumes that the Scrum Masters have the sole power to decide on changes to the Definition of Done, which would exclude the input and agreement of the Nexus Integration Team, the other Scrum Team members, and the stakeholders 1144.

The Nexus Sprint Retrospective is an event where the Nexus, consisting of multiple Scrum Teams, inspects and adapts its processes, tools, interactions, and dependencies to improve its quality and effectiveness 11. The Nexus Sprint Retrospective occurs after the Nexus Sprint Review and before the next Nexus Sprint Planning 11. The Nexus Sprint Retrospective has two parts: a first part where representatives from each Scrum Team identify shared challenges and opportunities, and a second part where each Scrum Team conducts its own Sprint Retrospective 23.

The Nexus Integration Team is a role that consists of the Scrum Master, the Product Owner, and other members who are responsible for coordinating, coaching, and supervising the integration of the work done by the Scrum Teams in the Nexus 11. The Nexus Integration Team has the overall responsibility for ensuring the Nexus Sprint Retrospective occurs 11. The Nexus Integration Team facilitates the first part of the Nexus Sprint Retrospective, where the representatives from each Scrum Team share their insights and challenges 11. The Nexus Integration Team also participates in the second part of the Nexus Sprint Retrospective, where each Scrum Team reflects on its own performance and improvement actions 11. The Nexus Integration Team helps the Scrum Teams to identify and resolve any cross-team impediments or dependencies that may affect the quality and delivery of the Integrated Increment 11.

The other three answers are not correct because:

The Scrum Master on the Nexus Integration Team. This is answer A. This is not a valid answer because the Scrum Master on the Nexus Integration Team is not the only one responsible for ensuring the Nexus Sprint Retrospective occurs. The Scrum Master on the Nexus Integration Team is a member of the Nexus Integration Team, but not the sole accountable person for the event. The Scrum Master on the Nexus Integration Team helps to facilitate the Nexus Sprint Retrospective, but does not own or control it 11.

Any Scrum Master from the Nexus. This is answer B. This is not a valid answer because any Scrum Master from the Nexus does not have the authority or the responsibility to ensure the Nexus Sprint Retrospective occurs. Any Scrum Master from the Nexus is a member of a Scrum Team, but not a member of the Nexus Integration Team. Any Scrum Master from the Nexus helps to facilitate the Sprint Retrospective of their own Scrum Team, but does not have the visibility or the influence over the other Scrum Teams or the Nexus as a whole 11.

The Developers. This is answer D. This is not a valid answer because the Developers do not have the responsibility for ensuring the Nexus Sprint Retrospective occurs. The Developers are the people who do the work of delivering a potentially releasable Increment of product value in each Sprint 11. The Developers participate in the Nexus Sprint Retrospective, but they do not organize or facilitate it. The Developers provide feedback and suggestions for improvement, but they do not have the accountability or the authority to ensure the Nexus Sprint Retrospective occurs 11.

According to the Nexus Guide1, the Nexus Sprint Review is an event where the Nexus presents the Done Integrated Increment that was built over the Sprint and collects feedback from the stakeholders. The Integrated Increment is the combined work of all the Scrum Teams in the Nexus that meets the Definition of Done. The Nexus Guide also states that the Nexus Integration Team is a specialized Scrum Team that provides services and guidance to the Scrum Teams in the Nexus to ensure that the Integrated Increment is produced every Sprint.

In the scenario, the teams are not using a shared environment, which implies that they are not integrating their work frequently and effectively. This means that there is no single Integrated Increment that can be inspected and adapted by the stakeholders. This also suggests that the Nexus Integration Team is lacking or nonexistent, or that it is not fulfilling its role of facilitating integration and resolving dependencies. Without a Nexus Integration Team and a shared environment, the Nexus cannot deliver a valuable product Increment that meets the Product Goal.

The Sprint length and the integration phase are not relevant to the scenario. The Sprint length is determined by the Nexus based on the complexity and uncertainty of the product, and it should be less than a month. The integration phase is not a separate phase in Nexus, but a continuous activity that happens throughout the Sprint. Therefore, A and B are not correct answers.