Answering: “What typically happens if the Product Backlog is not sufficiently clear at Sprint Planning?” (PSPO I)

If the Product Backlog is not clear enough at Sprint Planning, the Developers will struggle to create a forecast they are confident in. Scrum does not cancel planning or replace the Scrum Master over it.

Exam Question

What typically happens if the Product Backlog is not sufficiently clear at Sprint Planning?
(choose the best answer)

• A. The Developers will find it difficult to create a Sprint forecast they are confident they can meet.
• B. Nothing in particular.
• C. The Product Owner should select the Sprint Goal for the Scrum Team so that work can begin.
• D. Sprint Planning is cancelled so refinement can be done first.
• E. The Scrum Master should not allow this to happen. Look for a new Scrum Master and re-start the Sprint.

Correct Answer

A. The Developers will find it difficult to create a Sprint forecast they are confident they can meet.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide says Product Backlog items that can be Done by the Scrum Team within one Sprint are deemed ready for selection in Sprint Planning. Refinement makes items clear enough for that. When items are vague, the Developers cannot judge their size or the work involved, so their forecast becomes guesswork. Sprint Planning still happens within its timebox. The team can work with the Product Owner to clarify items during the event, and should use the Sprint Retrospective to improve refinement for later Sprints. A shaky forecast is the natural and typical consequence.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

B. Nothing in particular. Unclear items directly affect the quality of the forecast and the Sprint plan.

C. The Product Owner selects the Sprint Goal alone. The Sprint Goal is defined by the whole Scrum Team. Unclear items do not change that.

D. Sprint Planning is cancelled to refine first. Scrum has no rule to cancel Sprint Planning. Refinement can continue during planning and the Sprint.

E. Replace the Scrum Master and restart the Sprint. This is an overreaction and not part of Scrum. Unclear items are a team problem to inspect and improve.

Exam Tip

Questions that ask what “typically happens” want the realistic consequence, not a rule. Drop options that invent Scrum rules such as cancelling events.

Key Takeaways

• Refinement makes items ready for Sprint Planning.
• Unclear items weaken the Developers’ forecast.
• Sprint Planning goes ahead within its timebox.