Understanding Scrum Roles: Product Owner and Scrum Master
In Scrum, the roles of the Product Owner and Scrum Master are essential for ensuring the success of the Scrum Team and the delivery of high-value products.
Exam Question
True or False: Every Scrum Team must have a Product Owner and Scrum Master.
(choose the best answer)
A. False. A Scrum Master is only required when asked for by the Scrum Team.
B. True. Outcomes are affected by their participation and availability.
C. False. A Product Owner can be replaced by a subject matter expert in the Scrum Team.
D. True. Each must be 100% dedicated to the Scrum Team.
Correct Answer
B. True. Outcomes are affected by their participation and availability.
Explanation
Correct Answer
B. True. Outcomes are affected by their participation and availability:
Every Scrum Team must have both a Product Owner and a Scrum Master, as these roles are essential for the proper functioning of the team and the Scrum framework. The Product Owner is responsible for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the Scrum Team, while the Scrum Master is responsible for ensuring that Scrum is understood and enacted. The effectiveness of the Scrum Team is directly influenced by the active participation and availability of both the Product Owner and the Scrum Master.
Why the Other Options Are Less Appropriate
A. False. A Scrum Master is only required when asked for by the Scrum Team:
This is incorrect because the Scrum Master is a fundamental role in Scrum, responsible for coaching the team, facilitating Scrum events, and ensuring that Scrum practices are followed. The Scrum Master is always required for a Scrum Team.
C. False. A Product Owner can be replaced by a subject matter expert in the Scrum Team:
This is incorrect because the Product Owner has a specific role in managing the Product Backlog and making decisions about the order of work. A subject matter expert cannot fulfill the same responsibilities as a Product Owner.
D. True. Each must be 100% dedicated to the Scrum Team:
While it is true that the roles are essential, Scrum does not mandate that the Product Owner and Scrum Master be 100% dedicated to a single team. They can serve multiple teams, depending on the context and needs of the organization.
Relevance to the PSD Exam
Understanding the necessity of the Product Owner and Scrum Master roles is crucial for the PSD exam. It highlights the importance of these roles in ensuring the effectiveness of the Scrum Team and the successful delivery of products.
Key Takeaways
- Every Scrum Team must have a Product Owner and a Scrum Master to ensure the proper application of Scrum practices.
- The participation and availability of these roles are critical to the success of the Scrum Team.
- These roles are not optional and cannot be replaced or omitted in a Scrum Team.
Conclusion
The roles of Product Owner and Scrum Master are fundamental to the success of a Scrum Team. Their participation and availability directly affect the outcomes of the team’s work. For more information on preparing for the PSD exam, visit our Professional Scrum Developer PSD™ Exam Prep.
