When Should a Sprint Goal Be Created in Scrum?
The Sprint Goal is an essential component of each Sprint, providing a clear objective for the Scrum Team to achieve. Let’s explore the correct timing for creating a Sprint Goal within the Scrum framework.
Exam Question
When should a Sprint Goal be created? (choose the best answer)
- A. During Sprint Planning.
- B. It should have been created in the previous Sprint during Product Backlog refinement.
- C. A Sprint Goal is not mandatory in Scrum.
- D. At any time during the Sprint.
- E. It must be established before Sprint Planning in order to begin planning.
Correct Answer
A. During Sprint Planning.
Explanation
Why A is Correct
A. During Sprint Planning:
According to the Scrum Guide, the Sprint Goal is crafted during the Sprint Planning event. This is a collaborative process involving the Product Owner and the Developers, where they agree on a clear and achievable objective for the upcoming Sprint. The Sprint Goal provides focus and direction for the team and helps align their efforts towards a common purpose.
Why B, C, D, and E are Incorrect
B. It should have been created in the previous Sprint during Product Backlog refinement:
Product Backlog refinement is an ongoing activity to keep the backlog items ready for future Sprints, but the Sprint Goal is specifically defined during Sprint Planning.
C. A Sprint Goal is not mandatory in Scrum:
This statement is incorrect as the Scrum Guide emphasizes the importance of having a Sprint Goal to provide focus and coherence to the team’s efforts.
D. At any time during the Sprint:
The Sprint Goal should be defined at the beginning of the Sprint during Sprint Planning to guide the team’s work throughout the Sprint.
E. It must be established before Sprint Planning in order to begin planning:
The Sprint Goal is crafted during Sprint Planning, not beforehand. It is a result of the collaborative planning process between the Product Owner and the Developers.
Key Points
- Collaborative Creation: The Sprint Goal is created collaboratively by the Product Owner and the Developers during Sprint Planning.
- Guidance: The Sprint Goal provides direction and focus for the team’s efforts throughout the Sprint.
- Alignment: Establishing the Sprint Goal during Sprint Planning ensures that all team members are aligned and understand the objective of the Sprint.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: Collaborates with the Developers during Sprint Planning to help craft a Sprint Goal that maximizes value and aligns with the product vision.
- Scrum Master: Facilitates the Sprint Planning event, ensuring that the process leads to the creation of a clear and achievable Sprint Goal.
- Developers: Work with the Product Owner to define a Sprint Goal that is achievable within the Sprint and aligns with the team’s capacity and the overall product vision.
Relevance to the PSM I Exam
Understanding the timing and importance of creating the Sprint Goal is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge helps candidates appreciate the structured approach of Scrum and the collaborative nature of setting objectives within the framework.
Conclusion
In Scrum, the Sprint Goal is created during Sprint Planning. This collaborative process ensures that the team has a clear and achievable objective to guide their efforts throughout the Sprint. Understanding this principle is essential for effective Scrum implementation.
For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.
