The correct answer is A — Suggest the product owner start by focusing on the next 2 sprints instead of 10.
Agile embraces progressive elaboration — planning is done in detail only for the near term, while long-term plans remain high level and flexible. By encouraging short-term focus, the Scrum Master helps the product owner shift from a predictive mindset to an adaptive one.
PMI Agile Practice Guide:
“Agile projects plan at multiple levels (release, iteration, and daily), focusing on near-term commitments while allowing flexibility for change. Planning multiple sprints in detail violates the principle of adaptability.”
(PMI Agile Practice Guide, Section 5.3 — Progressive Elaboration)
Mike Griffiths adds:
“Detailed long-term estimates reduce agility. The product owner should learn to prioritize work based on value, and accept that estimates beyond the next sprint or two are rough forecasts.”
(PMI-ACP Exam Prep, Chapter 5 — Adaptive Planning)
Other options:
B undermines agile principles by reverting to waterfall planning.
C misuses the retrospective, which is team-focused.
D may alienate the product owner rather than encourage a mindset shift.
Answer: A
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