Answering: “During the Sprint Retrospective a Scrum Team has identified several high priority process improvements. Which of the following statements is most accurate?” (PSPO I)

The Scrum Team may add retrospective improvements to the Sprint Backlog for the next Sprint. It is an option, not an obligation, and the team decides, not the Scrum Master alone.

Exam Question

During the Sprint Retrospective a Scrum Team has identified several high priority process improvements. Which of the following statements is most accurate?
(choose the best answer)
A. The Scrum Team should choose at least one high priority process improvement to place in the Product Backlog.
B. The Scrum Team may add the items to the Sprint Backlog for the next Sprint.
C. The Scrum Team should decline to add a process improvement to the Sprint Backlog when things are running smoothly.
D. The Scrum Master selects the most important process improvement and places it in the Sprint Backlog.

Correct Answer

B. The Scrum Team may add the items to the Sprint Backlog for the next Sprint.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide says that in the Sprint Retrospective the team identifies the most helpful changes to improve its effectiveness, and that “the most impactful improvements are addressed as soon as possible. They may even be added to the Sprint Backlog for the next Sprint.” The word “may” matters. The 2020 version dropped the older rule that at least one improvement had to go into the next Sprint Backlog. Improvements are about how the team works, so they belong with the team’s plan rather than the Product Backlog.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. Choose at least one improvement to place in the Product Backlog. Process improvements are not product needs, and the Scrum Guide sets no minimum rule like this.

C. Decline improvements when things run smoothly. There is always room to improve. Smooth running is not a reason to stop improving.

D. The Scrum Master picks the most important improvement. The Scrum Team decides together. The Scrum Master facilitates but does not choose for them.

Exam Tip

Note the modal verb. The 2020 Scrum Guide says improvements “may” go into the next Sprint Backlog, so options with “must” or “at least one” are outdated.

Key Takeaways

• Retrospective improvements may go into the next Sprint Backlog.
• The whole Scrum Team decides which improvements to act on.
• Improvement continues even when things go well.