1. What is Scrum, and how is it different from Agile?
Ans:
Scrum is a defined framework within the Agile methodology that organizes work into fixed-length cycles called sprints. While Agile represents a set of guiding principles emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and adaptability, Scrum provides a structured process with specific roles, ceremonies, and artifacts. It allows teams to implement Agile effectively, track progress, and deliver measurable results. Scrum promotes iterative delivery, transparency, continuous feedback, and ensures that development aligns with business objectives throughout the project lifecycle.
2. What are the key roles in Scrum?
Ans:
Scrum comprises three main roles: the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team. The Scrum Master guides the team in following Agile practices, removes impediments, and ensures smooth collaboration. The Product Owner manages the backlog, sets priorities, and represents stakeholder requirements. The Development Team focuses on delivering fully functional increments, collaborating closely to meet sprint commitments, maintain quality, and achieve the goals set for each iteration. Each role works in tandem to ensure project success.
3. Can you explain the essential Scrum events?
Ans:
The core Scrum events include Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. Sprint Planning sets the scope of work for the sprint, Daily Scrum provides a platform to track daily progress, the Sprint Review showcases completed work to stakeholders, and the Retrospective identifies areas for improvement. These events encourage teamwork, transparency, and continuous improvement while keeping the team focused on delivering incremental value in every sprint cycle.
4. How are conflicts managed within a Scrum team?
Ans:
Conflicts within a Scrum team are addressed by fostering open communication, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving. The Scrum Master mediates disputes, ensuring discussions are constructive and solution-focused rather than blame-oriented. This approach promotes a positive team environment, strengthens professional relationships, and keeps projects on track. Managing conflicts effectively also supports trust, accountability, and long-term team cohesion.
5. What are Scrum artifacts, and why are they necessary?
Ans:
Scrum artifacts include the Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and Increment. These items provide transparency, track progress, and clarify responsibilities across the team. Artifacts serve as key references for planning, monitoring, and evaluating sprint outcomes. Keeping artifacts accurate and updated ensures alignment among team members, enhances accountability, and supports efficient management of tasks throughout the project. They are critical tools for maintaining workflow visibility and quality.
6. How is high-quality work maintained within a Scrum team?
Ans:
Quality is ensured through practices such as Test-Driven Development (TDD), continuous integration, peer code reviews, and feedback from sprint retrospectives. The Scrum Master reinforces adherence to these practices and encourages a culture of accountability. Early defect detection, iterative improvement, and consistent quality checks help the team deliver reliable and high-standard increments. This approach ensures that each sprint produces valuable, functional, and maintainable outputs.
7. What is a burndown chart, and how is it used?
Ans:
A burndown chart is a visual representation that tracks the remaining work in a sprint or project over time. It allows teams to monitor progress, identify bottlenecks early, and adjust plans to stay on track. By showing completed versus pending tasks clearly, the chart supports informed decision-making, promotes accountability, and helps maintain a consistent pace toward achieving sprint objectives. It also improves transparency for stakeholders and team members.
8. How are changes handled during a sprint?
Ans:
Changes during a sprint are managed collaboratively with the Product Owner and development team. Critical or urgent modifications may be incorporated immediately through replanning, while non-essential changes are added to the backlog for future sprints. This ensures that the team remains focused on current commitments without compromising delivery quality. Proper change management balances flexibility with sprint stability, maintaining progress and meeting agreed objectives.
9. How are effective daily stand-ups conducted?
Ans:
Daily stand-ups are brief, focused meetings where team members discuss progress, planned work, and obstacles. The Scrum Master ensures meetings are time-boxed, inclusive, and structured. These stand-ups promote alignment, highlight issues early, and maintain momentum toward sprint goals. When conducted effectively, they encourage collaboration, transparency, and quick problem resolution, keeping the team synchronized and productive.
10. How is a Scrum team’s success measured?
Ans:
The success of a Scrum team is evaluated by the completion of sprint goals, delivery of high-quality increments, effective team collaboration, and stakeholder satisfaction. Adaptability to changes, continuous improvement, and timely delivery of value also indicate strong performance. Together, these factors demonstrate the team’s ability to work efficiently, maintain standards, and consistently meet project objectives within an Agile environment.