Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II) — Question 2

In what two ways is velocity and technical debt related? (Choose two.)

Answer options

• A. They are not related because technical debt is non-functional and velocity is calculated based on end user functionality.
• B. As the Development Team is working on new Product Backlog items, they may unexpectedly run into technical debt that will result the team's velocity dropping.
• C. A Development Team can artificially increase velocity by allowing technical debt to be incurred.
• D. Adding estimates to technical debt will allow the Development Team to maintain constant velocity therefore ensuring predictability.

Correct answer: B, C

Explanation

Option B is correct because encountering technical debt during development can hinder progress and lower velocity. Option C is also correct as incurring technical debt can lead to a temporary increase in velocity, but this is unsustainable in the long run. Options A and D are incorrect because they misunderstand the relationship between technical debt and velocity.