Estimating Product Backlog Items in Scrum

Estimating Product Backlog items is a crucial aspect of Scrum, ensuring that the Developers have a realistic understanding of the effort required to complete each item. This article explores who is responsible for creating these estimates.

Exam Question

Who creates a Product Backlog Item’s estimate?
(choose the best answer)
A. The Scrum Master.
B. The Developers, alone.
C. The Product Owner with input from the Developers.
D. The most senior people in the organization, including architects and subject matter experts.
E. The Developers after clarifying requirements with the Product Owner.

Correct Answer

E. The Developers after clarifying requirements with the Product Owner.

Explanation

Correct Answer

E. The Developers after clarifying requirements with the Product Owner:
In Scrum, the Developers are responsible for creating the estimates for Product Backlog items. They do this after clarifying the requirements with the Product Owner. The ones doing the work are the best ones to estimate, as they understand what needs to be done. This ensures that the estimates are realistic and based on a thorough understanding of the task.

Incorrect Answers

A. The Scrum Master: The Scrum Master facilitates the Scrum process and helps remove impediments but does not create estimates for Product Backlog items.

B. The Developers, alone: While the Developers are responsible for the estimates, they need to clarify the requirements with the Product Owner first to ensure accuracy.

C. The Product Owner with input from the Developers: The Product Owner provides the requirements and context, but the actual estimating is done by the Developers who will perform the work.

D. The most senior people in the organization, including architects and subject matter experts: Estimates should be made by the Developers who will do the work, as they have the best understanding of the tasks involved.

Responsibilities in Scrum

• Product Owner: The Product Owner is responsible for providing clear requirements and context for the Product Backlog items. They collaborate with the Developers to ensure that the requirements are well understood.
• Scrum Master: The Scrum Master facilitates the estimation process by ensuring that the Developers have the necessary environment and support to create accurate estimates.
• Developers: The Developers are responsible for creating estimates for the Product Backlog items. They do this after clarifying the requirements with the Product Owner to ensure that they have a complete understanding of what needs to be done.

Relevance to the PSPO I Exam

Understanding the roles and responsibilities in creating Product Backlog item estimates is essential for the PSPO I exam. It highlights the collaborative nature of Scrum and the importance of clear communication between the Product Owner and the Developers. This knowledge ensures that candidates appreciate the need for accurate and realistic estimates to manage work effectively.

Key Takeaways

• The Developers are responsible for creating estimates for Product Backlog items.
• Estimates are made after clarifying requirements with the Product Owner.
• The Scrum Master facilitates the estimation process but does not create estimates.
• Collaboration and clear communication are essential for accurate estimates.
• The ones doing the work are best positioned to estimate, as they understand what needs to be done.

Conclusion

Accurate estimation of Product Backlog items is a collaborative effort between the Product Owner and the Developers, facilitated by the Scrum Master. Understanding this process is crucial for effective Scrum practice and success in the PSPO I exam. For more information on preparing for the PSPO I exam, visit our PSPO I Exam Prep.