Explanation
This question is about managing an agile team when a team member leaves the project temporarily due to some urgent personal issues. In such a situation, the project manager should follow the agile principles and values, such as collaboration, self-organization, and customer satisfaction. Therefore, the best option is to reach an agreement with the team on how to handle the situation. The project manager should communicate with the team and the team member who is leaving, and facilitate a discussion on how to redistribute the tasks, adjust the scope, or reprioritize the backlog. The project manager should also support the team in finding the best solutions, such as cross-training, mentoring, or pairing. The project manager should also monitor and control the project performance and the team morale, as well as communicate the progress and the issues to the relevant stakeholders. The other options are not consistent with the agile principles and values, as they may compromise the quality, functionality, or value of the product, or the trust, respect, or empowerment of the team. Convincing the team member not to leave until the project is completed may not be realistic or ethical, as the team member may have a valid reason to leave, or it may affect their personal or professional well-being. Reaching out to the procurement team to hire a substitute for the team member may not be feasible or beneficial, as it may increase the cost, risk, or complexity of the project, or it may disrupt the team dynamics or the sprint rhythm. Allowing senior management to decide how to proceed with the project may not be necessary or effective, as the senior management may not have the authority or the expertise to make the best decisions for the project, or it may undermine the team's autonomy or accountability. References:
PMI, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) - Sixth Edition, Project Management Institute Inc., 2017, pp. 28-29, 35-36, 54-55, 487.
What to do when capacity is reduced in the middle of the Sprint? (e.g. Sick Leave), Project Management Stack Exchange, 2018, pp. 1-2.
Are You Handling a Team Member Leaving Your Project Properly?, Online PM Courses, 2017, pp. 1-2,
4-5.
Four things you should do whenever someone leaves your project, Planview Blog, 2018, p. 1.
How to save your project when a key team member leaves, Futuramo Blog, 2017, p. 1.