Understanding the Work Required to Complete a Product Backlog Item
In Scrum, the Developers are responsible for ensuring that every Product Backlog item they select during Sprint Planning is completed according to the Scrum Team’s Definition of Done. This means that all necessary tasks—whether analysis, design, development, testing, or any other activities—must be completed to deliver a fully functional and releasable Increment.
Exam Question
How much work is required of the Developers to complete a Product Backlog item selected during the Sprint Planning?
(choose the best answer)
A. A proportional amount of time on analysis, design, development, and testing.
B. As much as is required to meet the Scrum Team’s Definition of Done.
C. All development work and at least some testing.
D. As much as they can fit into the Sprint, with remaining work deferred to the next Sprint.
Correct Answer
B. As much as is required to meet the Scrum Team’s Definition of Done.
Explanation
Correct Answer
B. As much as is required to meet the Scrum Team’s Definition of Done:
The Definition of Done is a key aspect of Scrum. It outlines the criteria that a Product Backlog item must meet to be considered complete. The Developers are responsible for doing all the work necessary to meet this Definition of Done for each Product Backlog item selected during Sprint Planning. This ensures that each item is fully integrated, tested, and potentially shippable by the end of the Sprint.
Why the Other Options Are Less Appropriate
A. A proportional amount of time on analysis, design, development, and testing:
While it is important to balance different activities, Scrum does not prescribe a proportional allocation of time. The focus is on completing the work necessary to meet the Definition of Done, regardless of how time is allocated.
C. All development work and at least some testing:
Scrum requires that all work necessary to meet the Definition of Done be completed, including full testing. Partially completed work, including partial testing, does not satisfy the Definition of Done.
D. As much as they can fit into the Sprint, with remaining work deferred to the next Sprint:
Scrum emphasizes completing Product Backlog items within the Sprint according to the Definition of Done. Work should not be deferred to the next Sprint, as this would violate the principle of delivering a potentially shippable Increment each Sprint.
Relevance to the PSD Exam
Understanding the responsibilities of Developers in completing Product Backlog items according to the Definition of Done is crucial for the PSD exam. It reinforces the importance of delivering fully completed, potentially shippable Increments at the end of each Sprint.
Key Takeaways
- Definition of Done: Developers must complete all work necessary to meet the Scrum Team’s Definition of Done for each Product Backlog item selected during Sprint Planning.
- Complete Work: Partial completion or deferring work to the next Sprint is not acceptable; the focus is on delivering potentially shippable Increments.
Conclusion
In Scrum, the Developers are responsible for ensuring that each Product Backlog item meets the Definition of Done by the end of the Sprint. This means completing all necessary tasks, from analysis to testing, to deliver a fully functional and potentially shippable Increment. For more information on preparing for the PSD exam, visit our Professional Scrum Developer PSD™ Exam Prep.
