Certified Scrum Master Practice Test

Why is it important to have an increment that meets the Definition of Done?

1. To ensure the product is aligned with customer expectations

2. To maintain quality and reduce risks

3. To have a complete user manual ready

4. To satisfy the investors

The correct answer is: To maintain quality and reduce risks

Having an increment that meets the Definition of Done is crucial primarily because it maintains quality and reduces risks associated with the software development process. The Definition of Done is a shared understanding among the Scrum Team of what it means for work to be complete. This includes various criteria such as testing, documentation, and review processes that ensure the increment is functional, bug-free, and potentially shippable. When each increment adheres to the Definition of Done, it builds a high-quality product incrementally. This quality assurance minimizes the risk of defects and issues surfacing later in the project lifecycle, which can be more costly and time-consuming to rectify. By ensuring that increments are completed thoroughly, there is a reduced chance of technical debt accumulating, thereby leading to a more reliable and maintainable codebase over time. In contrast, while alignment with customer expectations, the availability of a user manual, and investor satisfaction are important considerations, they are secondary benefits that often rely on the primary condition of having quality increments that meet the Definition of Done. Without a robust quality assurance process encapsulated in the Definition of Done, customer expectations may not be met and overall project success can be jeopardized.