Product & Project Management Interview

Interview Question:

Can you explain the difference between Scrum and Kanban methodologies?

Candidate's Answer:

### Scrum vs. Kanban: Key Differences

#### **Scrum**
- **Structure**: Time-boxed sprints (2-4 weeks).
- **Roles**: Scrum Master, Product Owner, Development Team.
- **Artifacts**: Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment.
- **Meetings**: Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-Up, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective.
- **Work Planning**: Sprint-based, set work at the start of each sprint.
- **Change Management**: Changes discouraged mid-sprint.

#### **Kanban**
- **Structure**: Continuous flow, no fixed iterations.
- **Roles**: No specific roles required.
- **Tools**: Kanban Board to visualize workflow.
- **WIP Limits**: Explicit limits on work-in-progress.
- **Meetings**: Not prescribed, flexible.
- **Work Planning**: Ongoing, pull tasks as capacity allows.
- **Change Management**: Changes can be made at any time.

### Summary
- **Scrum**: Best for projects needing regular reviews and structure. Fixed sprints with defined roles and meetings.
- **Kanban**: Ideal for flexible, continuous delivery environments. Emphasizes ongoing work visualization and flow optimization without prescribed roles or meetings.

Evaluation:

Your answer provides a good overview of the key differences between Scrum and Kanban methodologies. You have highlighted the structural differences, roles, artifacts, meetings, work planning, and change management aspects of both methodologies, which is important in understanding how they differ.

To improve your answer, you could provide more specific examples or real-world scenarios where each methodology might be more suitable. Additionally, emphasizing the benefits and limitations of each methodology could provide a more comprehensive understanding for the interviewer.

Overall, your answer is clear, organized, and covers the main points effectively. I would rate it 4.5/5.

Interview Question:

How do you handle conflict within a Scrum team?

Candidate's Answer:

Well-defined roles

Evaluation:

Your answer of "well-defined roles" in handling conflict within a Scrum team is a good starting point but it may not be comprehensive enough. While well-defined roles can help clarify responsibilities and prevent conflicts arising from misunderstandings or lack of clarity, there are other important factors to consider when managing conflicts in a Scrum team.

In addition to well-defined roles, it is important for the Scrum Master to create a positive team environment where open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged. This can help team members address conflicts early on before they escalate. The Scrum Master should also facilitate discussions and help the team reach consensus on how to resolve conflicts in a timely manner.

It is also important for team members to practice empathy and active listening when conflicts arise. By understanding each other's perspectives and concerns, team members can work towards finding mutually acceptable solutions.

To improve your answer, you could also mention the importance of establishing a team charter or agreement that outlines how conflicts will be addressed within the team. This can provide a structured process for resolving conflicts and help prevent them from negatively impacting team dynamics.

Overall, your answer is a good starting point but could be strengthened by including some additional strategies for managing conflict within a Scrum team. I would rate your answer 3.5/5.