CST Agile Estimation Techniques & User Stories 3

Question 1

What does the 'Cone of Uncertainty' illustrate in the context of Agile planning and estimation?

Accepted Answer

That estimation uncertainty decreases as more is learned about the project over time

Answer

The Cone of Uncertainty shows that estimates become more accurate as a project progresses and teams gain knowledge, justifying emergent, just-in-time planning rather than detailed upfront estimation.

Question 2

Why is comparing velocity between different Scrum teams considered an anti-pattern?

Accepted Answer

Story points are team-relative calibrations, making cross-team comparisons meaningless

Answer

Story points are calibrated within each team's unique context, so comparing them across teams is meaningless and potentially harmful if it pressures teams to inflate estimates to appear more productive.

Question 3

What is the core argument of the '#NoEstimates' movement?

Accepted Answer

The cost of creating estimates often exceeds their value, and flow-based metrics may be more useful

Answer

The #NoEstimates movement argues that traditional estimation activities consume significant time and energy, and that tracking flow metrics like cycle time or throughput can provide better forecasting with less overhead.

Question 4

What is the role of acceptance criteria in a User Story?

Accepted Answer

To specify the conditions that must be met for the story to be considered complete

Answer

Acceptance criteria define the specific conditions under which a User Story is considered done, enabling the team and Product Owner to verify the story delivers the intended value.

Question 5

A Scrum team is asked to estimate a User Story that involves technology they have never used before. What is the BEST approach?

Accepted Answer

Create a spike to investigate the technology before estimating the actual story

Answer

A spike (time-boxed research task) allows the team to gain sufficient understanding of the unfamiliar technology to make an informed estimate before committing to deliver the story.

(CST) Certified Scrum Trainer Practice Test

(CST) Certified Scrum Trainer Practice Test

CST Agile Estimation Techniques & User Stories 3