Understanding Scrum Artifacts and Their Inspection During Scrum Events

Scrum is a framework that helps teams work together to generate value through adaptive solutions for complex problems. Central to Scrum are its artifacts, which provide transparency of key information and are subject to regular inspection and adaptation during various Scrum events. Understanding these artifacts and when they are inspected is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the Scrum process.

Exam Question

What artifacts are part of Scrum, and during which Scrum Events are they likely to be the subject of inspection?

Explanation

Scrum Artifacts

Scrum defines three primary artifacts, each with a specific purpose and role in the framework:

• Product Backlog:
  Description: The Product Backlog is an ordered list of everything that is known to be needed in the product. It is dynamic, constantly evolving as new information arises about the product and the market. The Product Owner is responsible for the Product Backlog, including its content, availability, and ordering.
  Commitment: Product Goal – the long-term objective for the Scrum Team. They must fulfill it within the Scrum framework.
• Sprint Backlog:
  Description: The Sprint Backlog is the set of Product Backlog items selected for the Sprint, plus a plan for delivering the product Increment and realizing the Sprint Goal. It is created during the Sprint Planning event and is owned by the Developers.
  Commitment: Sprint Goal – the single objective for the Sprint that provides guidance to the Scrum Team on why it is building the Increment.
• Increment:
  Description: The Increment is the sum of all the Product Backlog items completed during a Sprint and the value of the Increments of all previous Sprints. The Increment must be usable and meet the Definition of Done.
  Commitment: Definition of Done – a shared understanding of what it means for work to be complete, ensuring that the Increment is in a usable condition.

Scrum Events and Inspection

• Sprint Planning:
  Inspection Focus: The Product Backlog and Sprint Backlog.
  Details: During Sprint Planning, the Scrum Team inspects the Product Backlog to select items for the Sprint and creates the Sprint Backlog, including the Sprint Goal. This sets the direction for the work to be done in the Sprint.
• Daily Scrum:
  Inspection Focus: The Sprint Backlog.
  Details: During the Daily Scrum, the Developers inspect the progress towards the Sprint Goal and update the Sprint Backlog as necessary. This helps ensure that the team stays on track to meet the Sprint Goal.
• Sprint Review:
  Inspection Focus: The Increment and Product Backlog.
  Details: The Sprint Review involves inspecting the Increment and adapting the Product Backlog based on feedback from stakeholders. This event helps ensure that the product is progressing in a way that maximizes its value.
• Sprint Retrospective:
  Inspection Focus: The Scrum process and Definition of Done.
  Details: While not focused on a specific artifact, the Sprint Retrospective is where the Scrum Team inspects its practices, including the Definition of Done, to identify improvements for future Sprints.

Relevance to the PSM III Exam

A deep understanding of Scrum artifacts and their inspection during Scrum events is essential for the PSM III exam. Demonstrating knowledge of how these elements are interconnected and how they contribute to the success of the Scrum Team is crucial for passing this advanced level exam.

Key Takeaways

• Product Backlog: is inspected during Sprint Planning and Sprint Review.
• Sprint Backlog: is inspected during Sprint Planning and the Daily Scrum.
• Increment: is inspected during the Sprint Review to ensure it meets the Definition of Done.

Conclusion

Scrum’s artifacts are designed to maximize transparency and facilitate inspection and adaptation. Each artifact plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Scrum Team is working effectively towards its goals. Understanding when and how these artifacts are inspected during Scrum events is key to mastering Scrum practices. For more insights and to prepare for the PSM III exam, visit our Scrum Master PSM III™ Exam Prep.