The Scrum Master should help the Product Owner see that the purpose of ordering the Product Backlog is to maximize value. Handing the job to the Developers, ordering by speed or extending the Sprint all miss the point.
Exam Question
The Scrum Master observes the Product Owner struggling with ordering the Product Backlog. What is an appropriate action for the Scrum Master to take? (choose the best answer)
- A. Suggest that the Developers order the Product Backlog to be sure that it is a feasible ordering of work.
- B. Encourage the Product Owner to work with the Developers to see which items technically are fastest to implement.
- C. Offer the Product Owner help in understanding that the goal of ordering the Product Backlog is to maximize value.
- D. Present the Product Owner with an ordered Product Backlog to use.
- E. Suggest the Product Owner extend the Sprint, so he can have more time to order the Product Backlog.
Correct Answer
C. Offer the Product Owner help in understanding that the goal of ordering the Product Backlog is to maximize value.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Ordering Product Backlog items is one of the Product Owner’s accountabilities in the Scrum Guide. The Scrum Master serves the Product Owner by “helping find techniques for effective Product Goal definition and Product Backlog management.” Reminding the Product Owner that value is the guide gives a clear basis for decisions. From there, the Product Owner can weigh risk, dependencies and the Product Goal. The Product Owner can still consult the Developers on dependencies and effort, but the Product Owner keeps the decision.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
A. Have the Developers order the Product Backlog. The Product Owner is accountable for ordering. The Developers can advise but do not own the order.
B. Order items by which are technically fastest to build. Speed of implementation alone does not maximize value. A quick but low-value item should not jump the queue.
D. Give the Product Owner a ready-made ordered Product Backlog. The Scrum Master would be taking over the Product Owner’s accountability instead of coaching.
E. Extend the Sprint so the Product Owner has more time. Sprints have a fixed length. Ordering the backlog is ongoing work, not a reason to change the timebox.
Exam Tip
When a Scrum Master sees someone struggle with their own accountability, the right answer is coaching that person, not doing the work for them.
Key Takeaways
- The Product Owner orders the Product Backlog to maximize value.
- The Scrum Master coaches Product Owners on backlog management.
- Sprint length does not change to fix backlog problems.
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