Which statement correctly distinguishes Scrum from Kanban regarding timeboxing?

Which statement correctly distinguishes Scrum from Kanban regarding timeboxing?

• A. Scrum uses fixed-length sprints; Kanban uses cycle time
• B. Kanban uses fixed-length sprints; Scrum uses cycle time
• C. Both require timeboxing
• D. Neither uses timeboxing

Answer: (A)

Timeboxing is used to create predictable pacing in Scrum and to support continuous flow in Kanban. In Scrum, work is organized into fixed-length sprints, such as two weeks, with a defined plan for what will be delivered by the end of each sprint. This timeboxing gives a regular cadence for planning, review, and retrospective, and it constrains how much work the team commits to in one iteration. Kanban does not impose fixed-length iterations. Work flows continuously, pulled by capacity, with limits on work in progress and metrics like cycle time to measure how long items take to complete. The focus is on smooth flow and predictable delivery timing derived from cycle time, not on finishing a set of work in a predetermined sprint. So the statement that Scrum uses fixed-length sprints and Kanban relies on cycle time best captures the distinction. While Scrum ceremonies are typically timeboxed, Kanban itself isn’t defined by fixed timeboxed iterations.

Timeboxing is used to create predictable pacing in Scrum and to support continuous flow in Kanban. In Scrum, work is organized into fixed-length sprints, such as two weeks, with a defined plan for what will be delivered by the end of each sprint. This timeboxing gives a regular cadence for planning, review, and retrospective, and it constrains how much work the team commits to in one iteration.

Kanban does not impose fixed-length iterations. Work flows continuously, pulled by capacity, with limits on work in progress and metrics like cycle time to measure how long items take to complete. The focus is on smooth flow and predictable delivery timing derived from cycle time, not on finishing a set of work in a predetermined sprint.

So the statement that Scrum uses fixed-length sprints and Kanban relies on cycle time best captures the distinction. While Scrum ceremonies are typically timeboxed, Kanban itself isn’t defined by fixed timeboxed iterations.