CAPM Practice Exam Question

You are managing a software development project. The team has completed several iterations but is experiencing difficulties maintaining a consistent pace and meeting iteration goals. What should be your FIRST action to improve the situation and ensure more effective iterations?

A) Extend the length of each iteration to allow more time for tasks.

B) Re-evaluate the iteration planning process to ensure realistic task allocation.

C) Implement daily stand-up meetings to increase accountability.

D) Assign additional resources to increase the workforce.

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Correct Answer: B) Re-evaluate the iteration planning process to ensure realistic task allocation.

Explanation:

The best answer is B, re-evaluating the iteration planning process to ensure realistic task allocation. This approach is most effective because it addresses potential root causes of the team's difficulties in maintaining pace and meeting iteration goals. Here’s why this action is optimal:

1. Root Cause Analysis: By re-evaluating the iteration planning process, you can identify whether the issue lies in how tasks are being allocated. Perhaps tasks are being underestimated, or too many tasks are being planned for the available time and resources, leading to consistent failures in meeting iteration goals.
2. Sustainable Pace: Agile methodologies emphasize maintaining a sustainable pace for the team to ensure long-term productivity without burnout. Revisiting the planning process allows for adjustments that respect the team's capacity, which is essential for maintaining morale and effectiveness.
3. Feedback and Adaptation: This approach aligns with Agile principles of feedback and continuous improvement. By analyzing the outcomes of previous iterations and making informed adjustments, you enhance the team's ability to perform more effectively in future iterations.
4. Efficiency Over Expansion: Adding more time to each iteration (Option A) or increasing the workforce (Option D) may seem like viable solutions but could lead to increased costs and complexity. Furthermore, these actions might not address underlying issues such as task estimation errors or workflow inefficiencies.
5. Communication and Collaboration: Implementing daily stand-up meetings (Option C) is beneficial for improving communication and quickly addressing issues as they arise. However, without first ensuring that the iteration planning is realistic, even daily meetings may not prevent the team from falling short of their goals.

Re-evaluating the iteration planning process (Option B) ensures that each sprint is set up for success from the start, with tasks that are well-understood and achievable within the team's capacity. This strategic approach helps in building a more resilient and effective Agile team.