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

The Scrum Team may add its improvement items to the Sprint Backlog for the next Sprint. Scrum allows it but does not require a set number or a particular owner.

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 2020 Scrum Guide says of the Sprint Retrospective: “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. Scrum lets the team decide how to act on what it learned, and putting improvements in the Sprint Backlog is a good way to make them visible and get them done. Earlier versions of the Guide required at least one improvement in the next Sprint Backlog, but the 2020 version removed that rule. The team owns its improvements, not any single person.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. Choose at least one improvement to place in the Product Backlog. Process improvements are about how the team works, so they belong in the Sprint Backlog if anywhere. Scrum also sets no minimum number.

C. Decline to add improvements when things are running smoothly. Continuous improvement applies even when things go well. There is always something to inspect and improve.

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

Exam Tip

Watch for older Scrum Guide rules in options. The 2020 Guide made adding improvements to the Sprint Backlog optional with the word “may”.

Key Takeaways

• Retrospective improvements may go into the next Sprint Backlog.
• The 2020 Guide removed the old one-improvement rule.
• The whole Scrum Team owns its improvements.