When preparing for the PSM I exam, it’s essential to understand the relationship between the Sprint Goal and the Sprint Backlog. One frequently encountered question on the exam is:
Exam Question
True or False: The Sprint Goal is selected before the Sprint Backlog is created.
- A. True
- B. False
Correct Answer:
B. False
Let’s dive into why this is the correct answer and clarify the details to help you succeed in your PSM I exam.
The Scrum Guide and the Sprint Goal
According to the most recent updates in the Scrum Guide, Sprint Planning is a crucial event that kicks off each Sprint. This event includes the entire Scrum Team: the Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developers. During Sprint Planning, several important topics are discussed, but there is no prescribed order for these discussions.
Key Elements of Sprint Planning:
Establishing the Sprint Goal
The Sprint Goal is a key outcome of Sprint Planning. It provides a clear and focused objective for the Sprint. The Product Owner proposes potential goals, and the Developers collaborate to ensure these goals are realistic and achievable within the Sprint’s time frame.
Creating the Sprint Backlog
The Sprint Backlog includes the Sprint Goal, the selected Product Backlog items, and a plan for delivering them. The Sprint Goal is determined during Sprint Planning, and the selected items and plan are then developed with the Sprint Goal in mind.
During Sprint Planning
- Sprint Planning Begins:
- The Scrum Team gathers to start planning for the upcoming Sprint.
- Collaborative Planning:
- The team works together to discuss and define the Sprint Goal. This collaboration ensures the goal is clear and achievable.
- Selecting Product Backlog Items:
- With the Sprint Goal in mind, the Developers select items from the Product Backlog that will help achieve this goal. These items are added to the Sprint Backlog.
- Developing the Plan:
- The Developers create a plan for how they will deliver the selected Product Backlog items during the Sprint. This plan, along with the Sprint Goal and selected items, forms the complete Sprint Backlog.
Thus, the Sprint Goal is not selected before the Sprint Backlog is created. Instead, the Sprint Goal is formulated during the Sprint Planning event and is a crucial part of the Sprint Backlog.
Importance of This Concept
Understanding this concept is vital for several reasons:
- Focus and Clarity: The Sprint Goal provides a clear focus for the Developers, ensuring all efforts are aligned towards a common objective.
- Prioritization: By setting the Sprint Goal during Sprint Planning, the team can prioritize Product Backlog items that are most likely to achieve the desired outcome.
- Commitment: The Developers commit to the Sprint Goal, driving their work and decisions throughout the Sprint.
Why This Matters for Your PSM I Exam
Grasping the nuances of Sprint Planning, including the roles of the Sprint Goal and Sprint Backlog, is crucial for PSM I exam success. Understanding that the Sprint Goal is part of the Sprint Backlog, created during the Sprint Planning event, will help you answer exam questions accurately and apply Scrum principles effectively in real-world scenarios.
Conclusion
In Scrum, the Sprint Goal is a fundamental element that guides the work of the Developers. It is created during the Sprint Planning event and becomes part of the Sprint Backlog. By mastering these concepts, you will be well-prepared to excel in the PSM I exam and beyond.
For more detailed preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to boost your confidence and knowledge as you embark on your Scrum journey.
