A project team is concluding the final sprint to deliver two work packages. However, the scrum master has not scheduled sprints for three packages on…

The project manager's immediate priority is to understand why there is a deviation from the project plan, specifically why non-critical path items are being prioritized over critical ones. The most effective and collaborative first step is to engage the scrum master to investigate the root cause. This approach fosters communication and problem-solving within the team, which is essential in a hybrid environment. Taking any other action, such as issuing directives or escalating to the sponsor, would be premature without first gathering all the necessary information about the situation. Understanding the "why" will inform the appropriate corrective or preventive action.

A. The critical path, by definition, has zero or negative total float (slack). Attempting to find slack on the critical path to accommodate more work is a fundamentally flawed approach.

B. Instructing the scrum master to suspend a sprint is a highly disruptive, directive action that goes against agile principles of protecting the sprint and empowering the team. This should only be a last resort.

D. Contacting the project sponsor to adjust the baseline is a significant step of escalation. The project manager should first exhaust all options to resolve the issue within the project team.

1. Project Management Institute. (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition.

Section 2.8

Project Work Performance Domain: This domain covers the activities for establishing project processes

managing communications

and ensuring the project team has the knowledge and skills to produce the project’s deliverables. The first step in managing a deviation is effective communication and engagement (p. 99) to understand the situation

which aligns with asking the scrum master for clarification.

2. Project Management Institute. (2017). Agile Practice Guide.

Section 5.2.2

The Project Manager Role in an Agile Environment: In hybrid or agile environments

the project manager often acts as a servant leader

focusing on "understanding and addressing the needs of the team members and stakeholders" (p. 93). Asking for the reason behind the current plan is a key servant leadership behavior

contrasting with the command-and-control approach of option B.

3. Project Management Institute. (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition.

Section 2.4

Planning Performance Domain: This domain involves "the initial

ongoing

and evolving organization and coordination necessary to deliver the project deliverables and outcomes" (p. 53). When a forecast (SPI trending to 0.90) indicates a deviation from the plan

the project manager's role is to investigate and facilitate replanning

not to immediately escalate or dictate solutions.