PMP Practice Questions #149
In an Agile environment, your team is midway through a sprint working on several features for a new software product when a key stakeholder requests significant changes to one of the features, based on new customer feedback. What is the most appropriate action for the team to take?
A) Ignore the stakeholder’s request until the current sprint is completed and review it in the next sprint planning session.
B) Evaluate the impact of the requested changes immediately, and if significant, consider incorporating them in the current sprint if it does not disrupt the sprint goal.
C)Immediately implement the changes without evaluating their impact on the current sprint’s workload or goals.
D) Update the product backlog and prioritize the changes for future sprints without disrupting the current sprint.
Analysis
In this Agile project scenario, the team faces a significant request for changes from a key stakeholder while midway through a sprint. The challenge is to address the change request in a manner that balances responsiveness to stakeholder feedback with the integrity and objectives of the current sprint. This requires careful consideration of the impact of changes on the sprint’s goals and the team’s capacity to adapt without disrupting ongoing work.
Analysis of Options:
Option A: Ignore the stakeholder’s request until the current sprint is completed and review it in the next sprint planning session. This option suggests deferring the stakeholder’s request until the next planning session. The use of “ignore” is problematic as it implies neglecting the stakeholder’s input, which could negatively impact stakeholder relationships. A more collaborative approach would involve acknowledging the request and explaining the process for incorporating feedback, potentially revisiting this option with a softer tone. However, as it stands, it may seem dismissive and could be seen as rigid in an Agile context.
Option B: Evaluate the impact of the requested changes immediately, and if significant, consider incorporating them in the current sprint if it does not disrupt the sprint goal. This option strikes a balance between agility and maintaining sprint integrity. It involves assessing the requested changes to determine their impact on both the project’s business objectives and the current sprint’s workload. This allows the team to make an informed decision about whether to integrate the changes immediately or defer them, depending on their alignment with the sprint’s goals and feasibility within the current workflow.
Option C: Immediately implement the changes without evaluating their impact on the current sprint’s workload or goals. This approach advocates for immediate action without due consideration of the broader implications on the sprint. It ignores the potential disruptions to sprint goals and team workload, which could lead to decreased productivity and team morale. This option is less favorable in maintaining the structured flexibility that Agile frameworks advocate.
Option D: Update the product backlog and prioritize the changes for future sprints without disrupting the current sprint. This option involves updating the backlog with the new requirements and prioritizing them for future sprints, thus preserving the current sprint’s focus and stability. It is a pragmatic approach that respects the sanctity of the sprint in progress while also acknowledging and planning for the stakeholder’s needs. This option is practical if the changes are not urgent and can wait until the next sprint without significant consequences.
Conclusion: Option B is the most appropriate choice for this scenario. It provides a balanced approach by evaluating the significance and feasibility of implementing the changes within the current sprint framework. This option allows for adaptability in response to new information without compromising the current sprint’s objectives or team dynamics. It respects Agile principles of responsiveness and flexibility, while also maintaining order and focus on the sprint goals.
However, if immediate implementation poses too great a risk to the sprint’s success, Option D serves as a solid alternative. It allows the team to address the stakeholder’s request in a timely manner without disrupting the ongoing sprint, ensuring that changes are considered and planned appropriately within the Agile workflow. This tiered approach—evaluating for immediate inclusion or deferring to a future sprint—ensures that changes are managed effectively while adhering to Agile practices.
PMP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
|---|---|
| Process | Task 10: Manage Project Changes |
Topics Covered
- Change Control in Agile
- Sprint Goal
- Chane in Sprint
