Answering: “Who is accountable for managing the progress of work during a Sprint?” (PSM I)

The Developers manage the progress of work during the Sprint. They own the Sprint Backlog and adapt it every day, so no one else manages that progress for them.

Exam Question

Who is accountable for managing the progress of work during a Sprint? (choose the best answer)

• A. The Scrum Master.
• B. The Product Owner.
• C. The most junior member of the team.
• D. The Developers.

Correct Answer

D. The Developers.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide lists the Developers’ accountabilities, including “Creating a plan for the Sprint, the Sprint Backlog” and “Adapting their plan each day toward the Sprint Goal.” Managing progress means exactly this: looking at what is left, deciding what to do next, and changing course when needed. The Daily Scrum is the formal point for that inspection, but the Developers can adjust the plan at any time. The Scrum Master helps remove impediments, and the Product Owner clarifies scope, but neither runs the Sprint’s work. Seniority inside the team does not give anyone that authority either.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. The Scrum Master. The Scrum Master serves the team and removes impediments. Managing the work would undermine self-management.

B. The Product Owner. The Product Owner manages the Product Backlog and value, not the Developers’ day-to-day progress.

C. The most junior member of the team. Scrum assigns no special accountability by seniority. All Developers share responsibility for their plan.

Exam Tip

Questions about managing work “during the Sprint” point to the Developers. Remember the Developers’ four accountabilities from the Scrum Guide.

Key Takeaways

• The Developers manage Sprint progress.
• They adapt their plan each day toward the Sprint Goal.
• Seniority creates no separate authority within the team.