PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
You are managing a marketing campaign project using an agile approach. During the daily standup, a developer mentions they have started working on a feature that was not agreed upon in sprint planning. The product owner is not aware of this work. What should you do as the Scrum Master?
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
✓
Remind the team that only items from the sprint backlog should be worked on, and ask the developer to stop and discuss with the product owner after the standup
The Scrum Master's role is to ensure the team adheres to Scrum practices, including focusing only on the sprint backlog during the sprint. Unauthorized work can lead to scope creep and undermine sprint goals. The developer should stop and discuss with the product owner after the standup to determine if the feature should be added to the product backlog for future consideration. Option A is wrong because allowing unplanned work without stakeholder agreement disrupts the sprint plan. Option C is wrong because it still permits unplanned work without proper prioritization by the product owner. Option D is wrong because adding the feature to the product backlog should be done only after discussion with the product owner, not ignored, and the team should not continue working on it during the current sprint.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Allow the developer to continue because the feature might add value
Why it's wrong here
Allowing a developer to pursue unplanned work, even if it "might add value," directly violates the Scrum principle of a stable sprint backlog and a focused sprint goal. This action by the Scrum Master would fail to protect the team from external interference and internal distractions, leading to potential scope creep, missed sprint commitments, and a loss of predictability. The Scrum Master's role is to remove impediments and ensure the team remains focused on the agreed-upon sprint objectives.
- ✓
Remind the team that only items from the sprint backlog should be worked on, and ask the developer to stop and discuss with the product owner after the standup
Why this is correct
This is the correct action because the Scrum Master's primary responsibility is to protect the sprint goal and the integrity of the sprint backlog. By reminding the team to focus solely on committed sprint backlog items, the Scrum Master reinforces agile principles. Asking the developer to stop and discuss with the Product Owner after the standup ensures that any new work is properly evaluated, prioritized, and potentially added to the product backlog by the Product Owner, maintaining transparency and control over the product's direction.
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Ask the developer to work on the feature after the current sprint
Why it's wrong here
Unilaterally instructing a developer to work on a new feature after the current sprint circumvents the Product Owner's critical role in managing and prioritizing the product backlog. The Scrum Master or developer does not have the authority to decide when new features are implemented. All new work must be presented to the Product Owner, who is responsible for assessing its value, prioritizing it against other items, and deciding its placement within the product backlog for future consideration.
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Add the feature to the product backlog and ignore it for now
Why it's wrong here
While adding a new feature to the product backlog is the correct initial step for any new idea, "ignoring it for now" is an incomplete and inappropriate response. The Product Owner is solely responsible for the product backlog, including its prioritization, refinement, and ensuring it reflects the highest value work. Simply adding an item without involving the Product Owner for proper evaluation and prioritization neglects their critical role in maximizing product value and strategic alignment.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to the PMP Exam and Project Management Basics
Key term
Sprint Planning
Sprint Planning is a time-boxed meeting at the start of a Scrum sprint where the team decides what work they can deliver and how they will do it.
Key term
Scrum Methodology
Scrum is a lightweight process framework that helps teams deliver complex projects in small, iterative chunks called sprints.
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