When overwhelmed by support tickets, the agile approach is toprioritize systemic problem-solving over reactive work. According to thePMI Agile Practice Guide (Section 5.5: Quality and Continuous Improvement)andMike Griffiths' PMI-ACP Exam Prep Book (Chapter 7: Problem Detection and Resolution), agile teams should identifyroot causesrather than just addressing symptoms. Byanalyzing the backlog, the team can spot patterns and addresssystemic issues, reducing incoming ticket volume in the long run.
* Option Cis correct: addressing the root cause improves sustainability and overall efficiency.
* Option Aleads to burnout and is unsustainable.
* Option Bignores prioritization or value.
* Option Dis not a strategic response-it increases cost without solving the core issue.

The correct answer is C - Conduct retrospectives at the end of every sprint.
According to the Agile framework, regular retrospectives are a key practice to inspect and adapt the process.
If team members have concerns about the Scrum Master's processes, the appropriate time and space to bring up and resolve such issues is the Sprint Retrospective.
From the PMI Agile Practice Guide:
"Retrospectives are a time-boxed event that enables the team to inspect itself and create a plan for improvements to be enacted during the next iteration. It provides a structured opportunity for feedback and reflection." (PMI Agile Practice Guide, Section 3.5, Iteration Retrospectives) Mike Griffiths further adds:
"Teams must take ownership of their process. The role of the agile leader, such as a Scrum Master, is to facilitate improvement via mechanisms like retrospectives. They are not responsible for enforcing process, but for enabling continuous improvement." (Mike Griffiths, PMI-ACP Exam Prep Book, Chapter 4 - Team Performance) Why the other options are incorrect:
* A may undermine the team's self-organization and brings hierarchy into team-level process adjustments.
* B may address some confusion, but doesn't actively involve the team in process improvement.
* D is inappropriate-sprint planning is for work planning, not process feedback.
Therefore, the most agile-appropriate and validated solution is: C
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The project manager should engage in a constructive conversation with the team member to understand the reasons behind the performance dip. Instead of focusing on blame, it's important to discuss the specifics of the project deliverables and identify any challenges or factors that may be affecting the team member's performance. Providing constructive feedback helps the team member understand the areas of improvement while maintaining a supportive environment. This approach encourages open communication, identifies potential solutions, and can lead to a positive outcome for both the team member and the project.

The best approach to resolving this conflict is collaborating, as it encourages open communication and active participation from all team members. In this case, the graphic designer's non-participation is causing frustration within the team. The Scrum Master should facilitate a discussion where the designer can express their concerns, and the team can share why their attendance in meetings is important. By collaborating, the Scrum Master can help find a solution that addresses both the designer's needs and the team's expectations, ensuring better teamwork and alignment moving forward. This approach encourages mutual respect and fosters a cooperative environment.