Answering: “When the Developers determine that they will not be able to finish the complete forecast, who should be present when reviewing and adjusting the Sprint work selected”

The Product Owner and the Developers should review and adjust the Sprint’s work when the Developers realize they cannot finish the full forecast. Stakeholders, the Scrum Master and project managers are not the ones who renegotiate scope.

Exam Question

When the Developers determine that they will not be able to finish the complete forecast, who should be present when reviewing and adjusting the Sprint work selected? (choose the best answer)

• A. The Product Owner and all stakeholders.
• B. The Product Owner and the Developers.
• C. The Scrum Master and the Developers.
• D. The Scrum Master, the project manager and the Developers.

Correct Answer:
B. The Product Owner and the Developers.

Let’s explore why this is the correct answer and the importance of these roles in Scrum.

Correct Answer

B. The Product Owner and the Developers.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide says that during the Sprint, scope “may be clarified and renegotiated with the Product Owner as more is learned.” The Developers own the Sprint Backlog and know what can still be done. The Product Owner knows which items matter most for value and the Sprint Goal. Together they can decide what to drop, split or change without endangering the Sprint Goal. The Guide also says that if the work turns out to be different than expected, the Developers collaborate with the Product Owner to negotiate the scope of the Sprint Backlog. The Scrum Master may help facilitate, but the decision belongs to these two groups.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. The Product Owner and all stakeholders. Stakeholders do not manage the Sprint Backlog. Without the Developers, nobody present knows what work remains.

C. The Scrum Master and the Developers. The Scrum Master cannot make value trade-offs. The Product Owner must be part of any scope change.

D. The Scrum Master, the project manager and the Developers. Scrum has no project manager, and this option still leaves out the Product Owner.

Exam Tip

Whenever Sprint scope needs to change, look for the pairing of Product Owner and Developers. Other people may help, but they do not decide.

Key Takeaways

• Scope changes during a Sprint involve the Product Owner and Developers.
• The Sprint Goal guides what to keep.
• The Scrum Master facilitates but does not decide scope.