Determining the Number of Product Backlog Items for a Sprint

In Scrum, deciding how many Product Backlog items to select for a Sprint is a critical decision that impacts the team’s ability to deliver a potentially shippable product increment. Here’s an analysis of an exam question related to this topic:

Exam Question

Who determines how many Product Backlog items the Developers select for a Sprint? (choose the best answer)

• A. The Scrum Master.
• B. The Product Owner.
• C. The Developers.
• D. The Scrum Team.
• E. The stakeholders attending Sprint Planning.

Correct Answer

C. The Developers.

Explanation

Why C is Correct

The Developers determine how many Product Backlog items to select for a Sprint. This decision is based on their assessment of their capacity, the complexity of the tasks, and their past performance. The Developers are responsible for delivering the work they commit to during the Sprint, so it is essential that they decide the amount of work they can realistically complete.

Key Points about Developers’ Role:

• Self-Management: Scrum emphasizes self-managing teams, where Developers have the autonomy to decide how much work they can take on.
• Capacity Planning: Developers assess their capacity, considering factors such as team availability, skills, and any upcoming interruptions.
• Commitment: By deciding the number of Product Backlog items themselves, Developers ensure they are committed to delivering a potentially shippable increment by the end of the Sprint.

Examining the Other Options

A. The Scrum Master: The Scrum Master facilitates the Sprint Planning meeting but does not decide the number of items. Their role is to ensure the Scrum process is followed and to help the team stay focused.

B. The Product Owner: The Product Owner prioritizes the Product Backlog and presents the most valuable items to the team, but they do not decide the amount of work the Developers should take on.

D. The Scrum Team: While the Scrum Team collaborates during Sprint Planning, the specific decision on the number of items to select is made by the Developers, based on their capacity and understanding of the work.

E. The stakeholders attending Sprint Planning: Stakeholders do not attend Sprint Planning. Their input is typically gathered during the Sprint Review and through regular communication with the Product Owner.

Roles and Responsibilities in Scrum

• Developers: Determine the number of Product Backlog items to select for a Sprint based on their capacity and the complexity of the tasks.
• Scrum Master: Facilitates the Sprint Planning meeting and helps remove impediments but does not make decisions on the work to be selected.
• Product Owner: Prioritizes the Product Backlog and ensures the team focuses on delivering the most valuable items but does not decide the amount of work for the Sprint.

Relevance to the PSM I Exam

Understanding who determines the number of Product Backlog items to select for a Sprint is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge helps candidates recognize the importance of self-managing teams and the role of Developers in planning and committing to their work. Mastery of these concepts is essential for effectively implementing Scrum practices and achieving certification.

Conclusion

The Developers determine how many Product Backlog items to select for a Sprint. This ensures that the team can commit to delivering a potentially shippable product increment based on their capacity and understanding of the work. Understanding this aspect of the Scrum framework is crucial for success in the PSM I exam.

For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.