Empiricism Flashcards
Why is scrum called “the art of possible”?
We do the best we can with what we have.
What is the planning of a release based upon?
- The goals 2. The features and capabilities to deliver that goal 3. Probable cost and date of delivery.
Where in the planning is empiricism needed?
Given the goal on the one hand and the resources, market situation, etc. on the other hand, trade-offs must be reached. The POs role is to assess what is possible. E.g. maybe goal can be only reached later or maybe goal must be changed.
What is the difference between commitment and guarantee?
Commitment is more of a forecast, it means the team is committed to the course of action. It means the teams does its best with what they have. Guarantee is seen as a contract. Problem: teams see commitment as contract and try to do anything to reach it. In most cases, the quality will suffer.
Why is “forecast” a better word?
Forecast is more like the wheather: you don’t have exact numbers but you have something you can work with t make decisions.
Sales area also works with forecasts.
Describe the empirical approach
Making observations, forming experiments on how we think we can improve, and continually seeking better performance.
Do ppl. like uncertainty?
Psychology studies have shown that people will choose a certain but poor outcome over an uncertain but potentially better outcome.
What is the biggest problem with predictability?
Being forced to produce predictability warps reality and causes people to spend time and energy creating a façade that meets expectations.
What to use instead of predictable plans?
Define clear goals and clear experimenting frames. Define how you will measure it and be open to everything it comes.
What is predictable productivity? How should it be used?
E.g. story points, velocity. It should be not used at all. Instead, the focus should be on
1. A clear goal
2. Removing waste and impediments
3. Producing value
“ it’s not how fast you go that matters but whether you reach your destination”
What to do in order to “move faster”?
To go faster, place smaller bets, run shorter experiments, and evaluate where you are more frequently.
How predictable is a career?
Not predictable at all and is a static plan of someone else. Cultivate empiricism also in your work life: By cultivating flexibility, by trying new things, and by solving hard problems and acquiring whatever skills we need to do so. In the end, adaptability and ability to learn quickly are the keys to success
What does it mean, introducing an agile process into a team/company?
It doesn’t mean, that new tools and practices/rituals are brought in.
It is a way of thinking and acting that involves continually seeking better results and better outcomes. As such, specific practices will change as conditions and skills change. We cannot plan how this is going to proceed, and as different teams have different challenges, their path toward agility will be different. There is no “magical” set of practices, roles, or processes that makes this easier.
Explain why a thermostat is a good analogy for empiricism?
In short: it adapts to the goal temperature when needed using an “inspect and adapt” feedback loop.
1. The goal has to be chriystal clear (goal temperature!), 2. It inspects frequently enough, to have it all under control. Transparency: we have to see and check what is actually going on in order to be able to adapt to the actual environment. So we have the three factors: goal temperature, current temperature and frequency if “inspect and adapt”.
What are the three pillars of empiricism in the context of SCRUM?
- Transparency: no hidden agenda
- Inspection: inspection can be done for the product, processes, people aspects, practices, and continuous improvements
- Adaption: continuous improvement, the ability to adapt based on the results of the inspection
