1. What is Scrum and how does it differ from Agile?
Ans:
Scrum is a structured framework under the Agile philosophy that delivers work in time-boxed iterations called sprints. While Agile represents a set of guiding principles for flexibility and collaboration, Scrum provides a clear process with defined roles, events, and artifacts. This framework helps teams implement Agile practices consistently and achieve measurable outcomes in project delivery. Scrum emphasizes iterative progress, transparency, and regular feedback to ensure alignment with project goals.
2. What are the main roles in Scrum?
Ans:
Scrum primarily consists of three key roles: the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team members. The Scrum Master facilitates the Agile process, ensuring the team follows Scrum practices correctly. The Product Owner prioritizes work, manages the product backlog, and represents stakeholder needs. Meanwhile, the Development Team focuses on delivering completed product increments, collaborating effectively to meet sprint goals and maintain high-quality outputs.
3. Can you explain the key Scrum events?
Ans:
The primary Scrum events include Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. Sprint Planning defines the work to be completed, Daily Scrum ensures team alignment, the Sprint Review demonstrates the increment to stakeholders, and the Retrospective identifies improvements for future sprints. These events foster collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement while keeping the team focused on delivering value in each iteration.
4. How are conflicts managed within a Scrum team?
Ans:
Conflicts are resolved by encouraging open dialogue, active listening, and structured problem-solving within the team. The Scrum Master mediates disputes, ensuring discussions remain constructive and focused on solutions rather than assigning blame. This approach helps maintain a positive work environment, strengthens team relationships, and keeps the project on track while fostering collaboration and trust.
5. What are Scrum artifacts and why are they important?
Ans:
Scrum artifacts include the Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and Increment. They provide transparency into the work, track progress, and clarify responsibilities for all team members. Artifacts act as reference points for planning, monitoring, and measuring the outcome of sprints. By maintaining clear and updated artifacts, the team ensures alignment, accountability, and efficient management of tasks throughout the project.
6. How is high-quality work ensured within the team?
Ans:
Quality is maintained through practices such as Test-Driven Development, continuous integration, peer code reviews, and regular sprint retrospectives. The Scrum Master ensures adherence to these best practices and facilitates a culture of quality and accountability. Consistent feedback, early defect detection, and incremental improvements help the team deliver reliable, high-standard product increments in each sprint.
7. What is a burndown chart and how is it used?
Ans:
A burndown chart visually tracks the remaining work in a sprint or project over time. It helps teams monitor progress, identify bottlenecks early, and adjust work plans to stay on schedule. By providing a clear view of completed versus pending tasks, the chart supports informed decision-making, ensures accountability, and helps maintain a steady pace toward achieving sprint goals.
8. How are changes handled during a sprint?
Ans:
Changes during a sprint are addressed in collaboration with the Product Owner and the development team. Urgent or critical modifications may be incorporated into the ongoing sprint with replanning, while non-critical changes are added to the product backlog for future sprints. This ensures the team remains focused on current commitments without compromising delivery quality or sprint objectives.
9. How are effective daily stand-ups facilitated?
Ans:
Daily stand-ups are short, focused meetings where team members share updates on progress, plans, and obstacles. The Scrum Master ensures the meeting is time-boxed, inclusive, and goal-oriented. By maintaining structure and promoting active participation, the stand-up keeps the team aligned, identifies issues early, and supports continuous progress toward sprint objectives.
10. How is the success of a Scrum team measured?
Ans:
Scrum team success is measured by achieving sprint goals, producing high-quality product increments, fostering effective collaboration, and satisfying stakeholders. Continuous improvement, adaptability to change, and timely delivery of value are also key indicators. Together, these factors reflect the team’s ability to work efficiently, maintain quality, and consistently meet project expectations in an Agile environment.