Authority to Cancel a Sprint
Understanding who has the authority to cancel a Sprint and under what circumstances is crucial for effective Scrum practice. This article explores the roles and responsibilities within a Scrum Team regarding the cancellation of a Sprint.
Exam Question
When can Developers cancel a Sprint?
(choose the best answer)
A. When the Product Owner is absent too often.
B. When functional expectations are not well understood.
C. They cannot. Only Product Owners can cancel Sprints.
D. When the selected Product Backlog items for the Sprint become unachievable.
E. When a technical dependency cannot be resolved.
Correct Answer
C. They cannot. Only Product Owners can cancel Sprints.
Explanation
Correct Answer
C. They cannot. Only Product Owners can cancel Sprints:
According to Scrum principles, only the Product Owner has the authority to cancel a Sprint. This decision is based on the overall value and viability of the Sprint Goal and is made when the Sprint Goal becomes obsolete.
Incorrect Answers
A. When the Product Owner is absent too often: The absence of the Product Owner does not give Developers the authority to cancel the Sprint. The Scrum Team should work together to address any issues caused by the Product Owner’s absence.
B. When functional expectations are not well understood: While unclear expectations can pose challenges, it does not provide grounds for Developers to cancel the Sprint. The Scrum Team should work through these challenges and seek clarity from the Product Owner.
D. When the selected Product Backlog items for the Sprint become unachievable: If the work becomes unachievable, the Scrum Team should collaborate with the Product Owner to adjust the Sprint Backlog, but only the Product Owner can decide to cancel the Sprint.
E. When a technical dependency cannot be resolved: Technical dependencies should be managed within the Sprint. The Product Owner still holds the authority to cancel the Sprint if it no longer makes sense to continue.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: The Product Owner is accountable for maximizing the value of the product and has the authority to cancel a Sprint if the Sprint Goal becomes obsolete.
- Scrum Master: The Scrum Master facilitates Scrum events and helps the team adhere to Scrum principles, ensuring that the team remains productive and focused on delivering value.
- Developers: The Developers are responsible for turning Product Backlog items into Increments of value each Sprint. They cannot cancel a Sprint but should communicate and collaborate with the Product Owner if issues arise.
Relevance to the PSPO I Exam
Understanding who has the authority to cancel a Sprint and the reasons behind it is essential for the PSPO I exam. This knowledge ensures that candidates appreciate the roles and responsibilities within a Scrum Team, particularly the authority of the Product Owner.
Key Takeaways
- Only the Product Owner has the authority to cancel a Sprint.
- Developers should work through challenges and collaborate with the Product Owner to adjust the Sprint Backlog as needed.
- The Product Owner’s decision to cancel a Sprint is based on the viability of the Sprint Goal.
Conclusion
Understanding the authority to cancel a Sprint and the roles involved is crucial for effective Scrum practice. By recognizing that only the Product Owner can cancel a Sprint, Scrum Teams can better navigate challenges and maintain focus on delivering valuable outcomes. For more information on preparing for the PSPO I exam, visit our PSPO I Exam Prep.
