Answering: “Who determines how work is performed during the Sprint?” (PSM I)

The Developers determine how the work is done during the Sprint. No one outside them, including the Scrum Master or a manager, tells them how to turn Product Backlog items into an Increment.

Exam Question

Who determines how work is performed during the Sprint? (choose the best answer)

• A. The Scrum Master.
• B. The Scrum Team.
• C. The Developers.
• D. Subject matter experts.
• E. Team manager.

Correct Answer

C. The Developers.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

In the Scrum Guide, the Developers are accountable for creating the Sprint Backlog, the plan for the Sprint, and for adapting that plan each day toward the Sprint Goal. When describing Sprint Planning, the Guide says “no one else tells them how to turn Product Backlog items into Increments of value.” The Product Owner decides what is most valuable, and the Scrum Team as a whole agrees the Sprint Goal. But the how belongs to the people doing the work. They can ask experts or the Product Owner for help, but the decision on method stays with them.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. The Scrum Master. The Scrum Master coaches and removes impediments. They do not direct how the work is done.

B. The Scrum Team. The whole Scrum Team agrees the Sprint Goal, but the Guide gives the how of the Sprint work specifically to the Developers.

D. Subject matter experts. Experts can give advice, but they do not decide how the Developers work.

E. Team manager. Scrum has no team manager role. Directing the work from outside breaks self-management.

Exam Tip

Separate the “what” from the “how”. The Product Owner leads on what, the Developers decide how, and the Scrum Team shares the Sprint Goal.

Key Takeaways

• Developers decide how to do the Sprint work.
• The Product Owner shapes what, not how.
• Outside experts advise but do not decide.