Answering: “Who is accountable for tracking the remaining work toward the Sprint Goal?” (PSM I)

The Developers track the remaining work toward the Sprint Goal. They own the Sprint Backlog, so they are the ones who know what is left and adapt the plan.

Exam Question

Who is accountable for tracking the remaining work toward the Sprint Goal? (choose the best answer)

• A. The Scrum Master.
• B. The Project Manager.
• C. The Product Owner.
• D. The Developers.

Correct Answer

D. The Developers.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide describes the Sprint Backlog as “a plan by and for the Developers.” It calls the Sprint Backlog a highly visible, real-time picture of the work the Developers plan to accomplish to achieve the Sprint Goal. Because they own that plan, they keep track of the work remaining. The Daily Scrum is their daily check: it exists to inspect progress toward the Sprint Goal and adapt the Sprint Backlog. Tools such as burn-down charts are optional. The Scrum Master may coach on how to make progress visible, but does not track it for the team.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. The Scrum Master. The Scrum Master helps the team stay effective but is not accountable for tracking Sprint work.

B. The Project Manager. Scrum has no Project Manager accountability.

C. The Product Owner. The Product Owner tracks progress toward the Product Goal, not the remaining work of the Sprint.

Exam Tip

Split tracking questions by scope. Sprint Goal progress belongs to the Developers; Product Goal progress belongs to the Product Owner.

Key Takeaways

• The Developers own the Sprint Backlog and its progress.
• The Daily Scrum inspects progress toward the Sprint Goal.
• Burn-down charts are optional techniques.