Product Owner Activities During a Sprint
The Product Owner plays a pivotal role during a Sprint, ensuring that the team remains aligned with the product goals and that any questions about the Product Backlog items are addressed promptly. Understanding the key activities of a Product Owner during a Sprint is crucial for effective Scrum implementation.
Exam Question
Which of the following activities will a Product Owner engage in during a Sprint? (choose the best answer)
- A. Answer questions from the Developers about items in the current Sprint.
- B. Prioritize the Developers’ work on the Sprint Backlog.
- C. Run the Daily Scrum.
- D. Update management on what is being worked on.
Correct Answer
A. Answer questions from the Developers about items in the current Sprint.
Explanation
Why A is Correct
A. Answer questions from the Developers about items in the current Sprint:
The Product Owner is responsible for ensuring that the Product Backlog items are well understood and that the team has all the information they need to work effectively. During the Sprint, the Product Owner will engage with the Developers to answer any questions they may have about the Product Backlog items, ensuring clarity and alignment with the product goals.
Why B, C, and D are Incorrect
B. Prioritize the Developers’ work on the Sprint Backlog: Once the Sprint begins, the Developers are responsible for managing their own work to meet the Sprint Goal. The Product Owner does not prioritize tasks within the Sprint Backlog during the Sprint; instead, they ensure the Product Backlog is well-ordered before Sprint Planning.
C. Run the Daily Scrum: The Daily Scrum is a team event for the Developers to inspect their progress toward the Sprint Goal and plan the next 24 hours. The Scrum Master facilitates this event, not the Product Owner.
D. Update management on what is being worked on: While the Product Owner may communicate with stakeholders and management, the primary focus during a Sprint is to support the team by answering questions and ensuring clarity on the Product Backlog items. Regular updates to management are typically provided during the Sprint Review.
Key Points
- Support and Clarity: The Product Owner supports the Developers by answering questions and ensuring clarity on the Product Backlog items during the Sprint.
- Sprint Backlog Management: The Developers manage the Sprint Backlog once the Sprint begins, and the Product Owner’s role is to provide necessary information.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: Ensures the Product Backlog is ordered and refined to maximize value and align with the team’s capacity. Engages with Developers to answer questions and provide clarity on Product Backlog items.
- Scrum Master: Facilitates Scrum events, removes impediments, and helps teams adhere to Scrum principles.
- Developers: Plan, manage, and execute all tasks necessary to deliver a potentially shippable Increment, ensuring quality and adherence to the Definition of Done.
Relevance to the PSM I Exam
Understanding the key activities of the Product Owner during a Sprint is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge emphasizes the importance of the Product Owner’s role in providing support and clarity to the Scrum Team.
Conclusion
During a Sprint, the Product Owner’s primary activity is to answer questions from the Developers about items in the current Sprint. This responsibility ensures that the Scrum Team has the necessary information to work effectively and deliver valuable increments.
For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.
