CAPM Agile Frameworks and Methodologies Practice Question
In a Kanban system, what is the primary purpose of limiting Work in Progress (WIP)?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
To identify bottlenecks and improve flow by preventing overloading.
In Kanban, limiting Work in Progress (WIP) is primarily to identify bottlenecks and improve flow by preventing overloading of the system. Option A correctly states this purpose. Option B is incorrect because WIP limits do not assign work to team members; work is pulled based on capacity. Option C is incorrect because velocity is a Scrum metric, not directly measured by WIP limits in Kanban. Option D is incorrect because while quality may improve indirectly, the primary purpose is flow management, not ensuring individual work item quality.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
To identify bottlenecks and improve flow by preventing overloading.
Why this is correct
WIP limits reveal bottlenecks when a column hits its limit, prompting the team to address the constraint and improve flow.
- ✗
To assign work to the most available team member.
Why it's wrong here
WIP limits do not assign work; they control how many items are in progress at once.
- ✗
To measure the team's velocity accurately.
Why it's wrong here
Velocity is a Scrum concept; Kanban uses lead time and cycle time instead.
- ✗
To ensure each work item has high quality before moving to the next stage.
Why it's wrong here
While limiting WIP can indirectly support quality, the primary purpose is to manage flow and identify bottlenecks.
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