Expressing Product Backlog Items
One of the key responsibilities in the Scrum framework is the clear expression of Product Backlog items. Understanding who holds this responsibility is crucial for effective product development and Scrum implementation.
Exam Question
Who is responsible 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.
Explanation
Why D is Correct
D. The Product Owner:
The Product Owner is responsible for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the Scrum Team. This involves clearly expressing Product Backlog items to ensure that the team understands what needs to be done. The Product Owner must articulate the requirements, order, and acceptance criteria to ensure clarity and alignment with the product goals.
Why A, B, and C are Incorrect
A. The business analyst who represents the Product Owner: While a business analyst might assist, the ultimate responsibility for clearly expressing Product Backlog items lies with the Product Owner. Delegating this responsibility does not absolve the Product Owner of accountability.
B. The Scrum Master: The Scrum Master facilitates Scrum events and helps the team adhere to Scrum practices but does not own the responsibility of expressing Product Backlog items.
C. The Scrum Master, or the Scrum Master may have the Developers do it: The Scrum Master supports the Scrum Team but does not take on the Product Owner’s responsibilities. The Developers may collaborate with the Product Owner for clarity, but the Product Owner retains accountability.
Key Points
- Accountability: The Product Owner holds the responsibility for expressing Product Backlog items clearly.
- Clarity and Alignment: Clear expression ensures that the Scrum Team understands the requirements and can deliver valuable increments.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: Ensures the Product Backlog is ordered and refined to maximize value and align with the team’s capacity. Clearly expresses Product Backlog items to ensure the team understands what needs to be done.
- Scrum Master: Facilitates Scrum events, removes impediments, and helps teams adhere to Scrum principles.
- Developers: Plan, manage, and execute all tasks necessary to deliver a potentially shippable Increment, ensuring quality and adherence to the Definition of Done.
Relevance to the PSM I Exam
Understanding the responsibility of the Product Owner in clearly expressing Product Backlog items is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge emphasizes the importance of clear communication and accountability in product development.
Conclusion
The Product Owner is responsible for clearly expressing Product Backlog items. This responsibility ensures that the Scrum Team understands the requirements, order, and acceptance criteria, enabling them to deliver valuable increments that align with the product goals.

Get ready for the official PSM I exam
480 PSM I practice questions, each with an in-depth explanation like the one above.
- Practice Mode: study at your own pace and choose the test length.
- Mock Exam Mode: 80 random questions in 60 minutes, like the real exam.
$29 is ScrumPrep's one-time price. The official PSM I exam fee ($200) is paid separately to Scrum.org.
More PSM I exam questions
- Which of the following activities will a Product Owner engage in during a Sprint?” (PSM I)
- Marian is the Product Owner envisioning a project for a new release of her product. She made a projection of a release date based upon a sustained velocity of 17 completed units of work per Sprint. Over the first 3 Sprints, the average velocity was 13 for work that the Developers estimated as 90% done. The Developers, feeling the need to meet the plan, figured that a velocity of 17 was within their reach.
- What are the two primary ways a Scrum Master helps a Scrum Team work at its highest level of productivity?” (PSM I)
- Which two of the following are true about the Scrum Master?” (PSM I)
- A Scrum Master is working with a Scrum Team that has Developers in different physical locations. The Developers meet in a variety of meeting rooms and have much to do logistically (for example: reserve meetings rooms and set up conference calls) before the Daily Scrum. What action should the Scrum Master take?” (PSM I)
