explain how Developers conduct a Daily Scrum.

Developers typically start their workday with a Daily Scrum, an essential part of the Scrum methodology. This brief, time-boxed event, also known as a standup, is designed to ensure every team member is aligned and aware of what’s going on within the group. Here’s how developers conduct this meeting, in accordance with Scrum Guide and the Scrum Alliance’s Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) exam prep materials.

I. Meeting Duration

The Daily Scrum is a 15-minute event that happens each day of a Scrum sprint. This time limit is fixed and should not extend beyond it. The idea is to have a quick communication platform where developers provide updates about their work and plan for the day ahead.

II. Participants

The key participants in this Scrum event are the Developers, the Scrum Master, and the Product Owner. The developers are the primary speakers during this meeting, while the Scrum Master ensures that the rules of Scrum are being adhered to, and the Product Owner, though often present, is typically more of an observer during the meeting.

III. Meeting Structure

1. What Was Done Yesterday: Each developer answers the question, “What did I complete yesterday that helped the team meet the sprint goal?” This provides visibility into each team member’s work.

2. What Will Be Done Today: Each developer answers the question, “What will I do today to help the team meets the sprint goal?” This facilitates forward planning and gives an insight into future work progress.

3. Obstacles: Each developer answers the question, “Do I see any impediment that prevents me or the team from meeting the sprint goal?” This is a chance to flag any issues that might prevent progress or require assistance from others.

IV. Comparison Table

V. Location

The meeting typically takes place in the same location and at the same time every day, to build pace and consistency.

VI. Scrum Master’s Role

As facilitator of the Scrum events, Scrum Master ensures the meeting starts on time, every participant gets a chance to speak, the conversation stays relevant and focused, and the meeting finishes within allotted 15 minutes.

VII. Communication

The Daily Scrum supports transparency and communication within the development team. While it’s important to communicate the progress, it’s also essential to listen to others. This two-way communication fosters effective collaboration and problem-solving.

VIII. Outcome

The outcome of a well-conducted Daily Scrum is a clear understanding of what was done, what’s planned to be done, and any impediments encountered. The team then collectively updates the sprint backlog, projecting team’s work for the next 24 hours. This constant stream of updates promotes transparency, provides a sense of team progress, and helps the team keep track of the sprint goal.

IX. Follow-Up Meetings

If the Daily Scrum highlights complex problems, these should not be worked out during the meeting due to time constraints. Instead, a separate meeting should be set-up, ensuring the Daily Scrum stays within the prescribed time limit.

From a CSM exam standpoint, understanding the purpose, structure, and flow of the Daily Scrum is essential. The exam places heavy emphasis on Scrum events and roles, with their application on a day-to-day basis. By following the above guidelines informed by Scrum Guide, prospective CSMs can better anticipate exam questions related to the Daily Scrum.