Responsibilities of Self-Managing Developers in Scrum

In Scrum, Developers are expected to be self-managing, taking responsibility for organizing and executing their work within the team. Let’s examine the key responsibilities of self-managing Developers.

Exam Question

Choose two responsibilities of self-managing Developers. (choose the best two answers)

• A. Report daily progress to stakeholders.
• B. Pull Product Backlog items for the Sprint.
• C. Do the work planned in the Sprint Backlog.
• D. Increase velocity.
• E. Reorder the Product Backlog.

Correct Answers

B. Pull Product Backlog items for the Sprint.

C. Do the work planned in the Sprint Backlog.

Explanation

Why B and C are Correct

B. Pull Product Backlog items for the Sprint:

During Sprint Planning, the Developers select or “pull” Product Backlog items into the Sprint Backlog based on their capacity and the Sprint Goal. This action reflects their autonomy in choosing the work they will undertake and their commitment to delivering value.

C. Do the work planned in the Sprint Backlog:

Once the Sprint Backlog is defined, it is the responsibility of the Developers to execute the work. This includes designing, developing, testing, and delivering the items selected for the Sprint. Self-managing Developers ensure that the work is completed according to the Definition of Done.

Why A, D, and E are Incorrect

A. Report daily progress to stakeholders:

While transparency is essential in Scrum, the daily reporting of progress to stakeholders is not a direct responsibility of the Developers. The Product Owner typically handles stakeholder communication and updates.

D. Increase velocity:

Increasing velocity should not be a primary goal. Instead, the focus should be on delivering value and maintaining a sustainable pace. Velocity is a metric that can help the team understand their capacity but should not be the main objective.

E. Reorder the Product Backlog:

Reordering the Product Backlog is the responsibility of the Product Owner, who ensures that it reflects the priorities and maximizes value. Developers may provide input, but they do not have the authority to reorder the backlog.

Key Points

• Autonomy: Self-managing Developers have the autonomy to select work items and organize their efforts to achieve the Sprint Goal.
• Execution: Developers are responsible for executing the work planned in the Sprint Backlog, ensuring that it meets the Definition of Done.

Responsibilities in Scrum

• Product Owner: Orders the Product Backlog and ensures it is refined and ready for Sprint Planning.
• Scrum Master: Facilitates events and helps remove impediments, ensuring the team adheres to Scrum principles.
• Developers: Self-manage their work, pull Product Backlog items for the Sprint, and execute the work planned in the Sprint Backlog.

Relevance to the PSM I Exam

Understanding the responsibilities of self-managing Developers is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge helps candidates appreciate the autonomy and accountability of Developers within the Scrum framework.

Conclusion

In Scrum, self-managing Developers are responsible for pulling Product Backlog items for the Sprint and doing the work planned in the Sprint Backlog. These responsibilities reflect their autonomy in organizing and executing their work, ensuring they deliver value and achieve the Sprint Goal.

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