Answering: “Who is accountable for clearly expressing Product Backlog items”

The Product Owner is accountable for clearly expressing Product Backlog items. Others such as business analysts or Developers may do the work, but the accountability stays with the Product Owner.

Exam Question

Who is accountable for clearly expressing Product Backlog items?
(choose the best answer)
A. The business analyst who represents the Product Owner.
B. The Scrum Master.
C. The Scrum Master, or the Scrum Master may have the Developers do it.
D. The Product Owner.

Correct Answer

D. The Product Owner.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide lists “Creating and clearly communicating Product Backlog items” among the activities that make up the Product Owner’s accountability for effective Product Backlog management. It then says the Product Owner “may do the above work or may delegate the responsibility to others. Regardless, the Product Owner remains accountable.” A business analyst or a Developer might write the details of an item, and often that is helpful. If the item is unclear, though, the Product Owner is the one who answers for it. The question asks about accountability, so D is the only correct answer.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. A business analyst representing the Product Owner. Someone may help write items, but accountability cannot be passed to them.

B. The Scrum Master. The Scrum Master can help the Product Owner find techniques for clear items but is not accountable for them.

C. The Scrum Master or the Developers on their behalf. The Scrum Master has no accountability for the Product Backlog to delegate in the first place.

Exam Tip

Accountability questions test who answers for the result, not who does the work. When delegation is mentioned, the accountability still stays with the original owner.

Key Takeaways

• The Product Owner is accountable for clear Product Backlog items.
• The work can be delegated, accountability cannot.
• The Scrum Master supports but does not own the Product Backlog.