PMP Question #105: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

Question

A company is using an agile approach to launch a new product. In the second sprint, the team encounters a technical problem they have never faced before. What should the project manager do?

Options

• AOrganize an early retrospective with the team to analyze the problem
• BAsk the product owner to write the specifications for the related user story
• CFacilitate a problem-solving session with the team to analyze the problem
• DInform the project sponsor about the problem faced by the team

Explanation

When an agile team encounters an unprecedented technical problem during a sprint, the project manager should facilitate a session for the team to collaboratively analyze and resolve the issue.

Common mistakes.

• A. An early retrospective is typically for process improvement at the end of a sprint or major phase, not for immediate problem-solving that needs to occur during a sprint to unblock progress.
• B. The product owner defines 'what' needs to be built (specifications/user stories), not 'how' to solve a technical implementation problem encountered by the development team.
• D. Informing the project sponsor is an escalation, which might be necessary later if the problem is severe and impacts scope or schedule significantly, but the first step is to enable the team to solve it themselves.

Concept tested. Agile problem-solving and team facilitation

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