1. What is Scrum and how is it different from Agile?
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Scrum is a structured framework within the Agile philosophy that delivers work in short, time-boxed iterations called sprints. Agile is a broader set of principles emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and responsiveness to change, while Scrum provides a defined process with roles, events, and artifacts. By following Scrum, teams can implement Agile principles consistently, achieve measurable progress, and maintain transparency and regular feedback throughout the project.
2. What are the main roles in Scrum?
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Scrum consists of three primary roles: the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team. The Scrum Master guides the team in Agile practices and removes impediments. The Product Owner prioritizes work, manages the product backlog, and represents stakeholder interests. The Development Team delivers completed product increments, collaborating closely to meet sprint objectives and maintain high-quality outcomes.
3. What are the key Scrum events?
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The main Scrum events include Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. Sprint Planning sets the work for the sprint, Daily Scrum ensures alignment, the Sprint Review demonstrates completed work to stakeholders, and Retrospective identifies opportunities for improvement. These events promote transparency, teamwork, and continuous improvement while keeping focus on delivering value each iteration.
4. How are conflicts managed within a Scrum team?
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Conflicts are handled through open communication, active listening, and structured problem-solving. The Scrum Master facilitates discussions to ensure they remain constructive and solution-focused. This approach strengthens team relationships, fosters collaboration, and keeps the project on track while maintaining a positive work environment.
5. What are Scrum artifacts and why are they important?
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Scrum artifacts include the Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and Increment. They provide visibility into the work, track progress, and clarify responsibilities. Artifacts serve as reference points for planning, monitoring, and evaluating outcomes. Keeping artifacts updated ensures transparency, accountability, and effective management throughout the project.
6. How is high-quality work maintained within the team?
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Quality is ensured through practices such as Test-Driven Development, continuous integration, peer reviews, and retrospective feedback. The Scrum Master promotes adherence to these practices and nurtures a culture of accountability. Early detection of defects, incremental improvements, and consistent review help the team deliver reliable, high-quality increments in every sprint.
7. What is a burndown chart and how is it used?
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A burndown chart visually tracks the remaining work in a sprint or project over time. It helps teams monitor progress, identify potential delays, and adjust plans to stay on schedule. By showing completed versus pending work, it aids in decision-making, ensures accountability, and maintains steady progress toward sprint goals.
8. How are changes handled during a sprint?
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Changes during a sprint are evaluated collaboratively with the Product Owner and development team. Urgent changes may be incorporated with replanning, while non-critical items are added to the backlog for future sprints. This approach helps maintain focus on current commitments while safeguarding delivery quality.
9. How are effective daily stand-ups conducted?
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Daily stand-ups are concise meetings where team members share updates on progress, plans, and obstacles. The Scrum Master ensures the meeting stays time-boxed, inclusive, and purposeful. Proper facilitation keeps the team aligned, highlights issues early, and drives continuous progress toward sprint goals.
10. How is the success of a Scrum team measured?
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Success is measured by achieving sprint objectives, delivering high-quality product increments, fostering collaboration, and meeting stakeholder expectations. Other indicators include adaptability, continuous improvement, and timely value delivery. Collectively, these metrics reflect the team’s efficiency, quality, and ability to meet project goals in an Agile environment.