Advising the Product Owner on Ordering the Product Backlog
In Scrum, the Product Owner is responsible for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the Scrum Team. When faced with challenges such as waiting for an external component, it is essential for the Product Owner to prioritize the flow of value in the Product Backlog.
Exam Question
The Developers ask their Product Owner to re-order the Product Backlog. The team is waiting for an external supplier to deliver a component. Without that component, there will not be enough work in the next Sprint to occupy the full team. As the Scrum Master, what advice would you give the Product Owner? (choose the best answer)
- A. Tell the Product Owner to re-order the Product Backlog so the work involving the external component can be planned in a separate Sprint.
- B. Remind the Product Owner that their primary concern is the flow of value reflected in the ordering of the Product Backlog.
- C. Tell the Product Owner that the Product Backlog should be ordered to maximize utilization of the Developers.
Correct Answer
B. Remind the Product Owner that their primary concern is the flow of value reflected in the ordering of the Product Backlog.
Explanation
Why B is Correct
B. Remind the Product Owner that their primary concern is the flow of value reflected in the ordering of the Product Backlog:
The Product Owner’s responsibility is to ensure that the Product Backlog is ordered to maximize the delivery of value. This means ordering items that deliver the most significant value to the stakeholders and the product. By focusing on the flow of value, the Product Owner ensures that the Scrum Team works on the most important tasks, even if it means some team members might be underutilized temporarily. This approach maintains the integrity and effectiveness of the Scrum framework.
Why A and C are Incorrect
A. Tell the Product Owner to re-order the Product Backlog so the work involving the external component can be planned in a separate Sprint: Re-ordering the Product Backlog solely to fit a specific Sprint’s needs can disrupt the overall ordering and value delivery. The Product Backlog should remain flexible and focused on maximizing value, not just fitting immediate constraints.
C. Tell the Product Owner that the Product Backlog should be ordered to maximize utilization of the Developers: Maximizing developer utilization is not the primary goal in Scrum. The focus should be on delivering valuable increments of the product. While utilization is important, it should not drive the ordering of the Product Backlog.
Key Points
- Flow of Value: The primary concern of the Product Owner when ordering the Product Backlog.
- Flexibility and Ordering: The Product Backlog should be flexible and prioritize high-value items.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: Ensures the Product Backlog is ordered and refined to maximize value and align with the team’s capacity.
- 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 importance of value flow in the Product Backlog and the Product Owner’s role in maintaining it is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge emphasizes the importance of value-driven ordering within the Scrum framework.
Conclusion
When the Developers ask the Product Owner to re-order the Product Backlog due to waiting for an external component, the Scrum Master should remind the Product Owner that their primary concern is the flow of value reflected in the ordering of the Product Backlog. This approach ensures that the Scrum Team remains focused on delivering high-value increments and maintains the integrity of the Scrum framework.
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