CASM Questions and Answers

Scrum is built aroundtimeboxed iterationscalled Sprints, where teams work in a fixed period (typically 1-4 weeks) to deliver a potentially shippable product increment.

A.Incorrect. While Scrum incorporates some Lean principles, its foundation is timeboxing, not Lean.

B.Incorrect. Scrum and DevOps are complementary but distinct. Scrum is not based on DevOps principles.

C.Correct.Timeboxing is a core aspect of Scrum, ensuring focused delivery within a defined timeframe.

D.Incorrect. Scrum rejects sequential (Waterfall-like) processes in favor of iterative and incremental work.

References:

Scrum Guide 2020: Sprints and Timeboxing

Lean is aproduction philosophyderived from Toyota's manufacturing system, which focuses on delivering customer value by reducing waste, improving flow, and continuously enhancing processes.

A.Incorrect. Lean is not a standard for delivering software. It is a broader philosophy that can be applied across industries.

B.Correct.Lean’s primary objective is to optimize customer value by eliminating inefficiencies and improving workflow.

C.Incorrect. While Lean uses pull systems to manage workflow, this is a method within Lean and not its overall definition.

D.Incorrect. DevOps values align with Lean principles but do not define Lean itself.

References:

Lean Thinking by James Womack and Daniel Jones

SAFe Framework: Applying Lean Principles

TheDefinition of Done (DoD)is a shared understanding of what constitutes completeness for a backlog item or increment, ensuring transparency and quality.

A.Incorrect. This describes Sprint requirements, not the Definition of Done.

B.Correct.The DoD is an agreement among the team about the criteria that must be met for work to be considered done.

C.Incorrect. The Sprint Review reflects completed work but does not define the DoD.

D.Incorrect. Completing work for a Sprint doesn’t necessarily mean adhering to the DoD.

References:

Scrum Guide 2020: Definition of Done.

Scrum provides a framework for managing complex work by breaking it into manageable Sprints, fostering team collaboration, and delivering incremental results.

A.Incorrect. While Lean optimizes processes and removes waste, Scrum provides a structured framework to manage focus in complex projects.

B.Incorrect. DevOps improves collaboration between development and operations but does not provide specific mechanisms for managing focus in complex projects.

C.Incorrect. ITIL focuses on service management rather than iterative project delivery.

D.Correct.Scrum’s iterative and incremental approach helps teams focus on immediate priorities and deliver value regularly.

References:

Scrum Guide 2020

Agile Practices for Complex Project Management

ThePractice Backlogserves as the single source of truth for requirements within a service management practice, similar to how a Product Backlog functions in Scrum.

A.Incorrect. This describes a Sprint Backlog, not the Practice Backlog.

B.Correct.The Practice Backlog acts as the comprehensive repository for requirements specific to a practice.

C.Incorrect. While the Practice Backlog informs the roadmap, it is not a detailed project plan.

D.Incorrect. Only B accurately reflects the nature of a Practice Backlog.

References:

ITIL 4 and Agile Service Management: Practice Backlog as a requirements repository.

Agile is often misunderstood, and one common misconception is treating it as a methodology. Let’s analyze the options:

A.Correct. Agile is applicable beyond software development. It originated in software but has since been applied to areas like marketing, operations, and even HR.

B.Incorrect.Agile is not a methodology. It is a mindset or philosophy characterized by values and principles outlined in the Agile Manifesto. Frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, or SAFe operationalize Agile, but Agile itself is not prescriptive.

C.Correct. Agile is defined by its guiding values and principles, which include customer collaboration, responding to change, and delivering value frequently.

D.Correct. Frameworks like Scrum and SAFe, as well as processes, help bring Agile principles into practice.

References:

Agile Manifesto: agilemanifesto.org

“Scrum Guide 2020” and “Kanban Method” for frameworks operationalizing Agile.

The Sprint Review focuses on inspecting the increment and adapting the backlog, not on identifying improvement actions for the team.

A.Correct. Discussions on successes are part of the Sprint Review.

B.Correct. Challenges faced during the Sprint are addressed in the Sprint Review.

C.Incorrect.Reflection on what to do differently is a key focus of the Sprint Retrospective, not the Sprint Review.

D.Correct. Reviewing the state of the backlog is a central activity in the Sprint Review.

References:

Scrum Guide 2020: Sprint Review and Retrospective distinctions.