The Output from Sprint Planning: Providing Direction for the Sprint
Sprint Planning is a crucial event in the Scrum framework where the Scrum Team defines the work to be done in the upcoming Sprint. One key output from this event provides the team with a target and overarching direction.
Exam Question
Which output from Sprint Planning provides the Scrum Team with a target and overarching direction for the Sprint? (choose the best answer)
- A. Sprint Review minutes.
- B. The Sprint Goal.
- C. The release plan.
- D. The Sprint Backlog.
Correct Answer
B. The Sprint Goal.
Explanation
Why B is Correct
B. The Sprint Goal:
The Sprint Goal is a clear and concise statement of what the team plans to achieve during the Sprint. It provides the Scrum Team with a focus and overarching direction, guiding their efforts and helping them prioritize their work. The Sprint Goal is crafted collaboratively by the Scrum Team during Sprint Planning and serves as a benchmark for assessing progress throughout the Sprint.
Why A, C, and D are Incorrect
A. Sprint Review minutes:
Sprint Review minutes are documentation of what was discussed during the Sprint Review. They are not an output of Sprint Planning and do not provide direction for the upcoming Sprint.
C. The release plan:
The release plan outlines the timeline and major milestones for delivering the product but does not provide specific direction for a single Sprint. It is a higher-level planning artifact.
D. The Sprint Backlog:
The Sprint Backlog is a list of tasks and items the team plans to work on during the Sprint. While it details the work to be done, it does not provide the overarching direction and target that the Sprint Goal does.
Key Points
- Focus: The Sprint Goal provides a clear focus for the team, aligning their efforts towards a common objective.
- Direction: It gives the team an overarching direction for the Sprint, helping them make decisions and prioritize their work.
- Assessment: The Sprint Goal serves as a benchmark for assessing progress and success at the end of the Sprint.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: Ensures the Product Backlog is ordered and refined to maximize value and align with the team’s capacity. Collaborates with the Scrum Team to define a clear and achievable Sprint Goal.
- Scrum Master: Facilitates the Sprint Planning event, ensuring the team collaboratively defines a clear and achievable Sprint Goal.
- Developers: Collaborate to create the Sprint Goal and the Sprint Backlog, ensuring all work aligns with the Sprint Goal.
Relevance to the PSM I Exam
Understanding the importance and purpose of the Sprint Goal in providing direction and focus for the Scrum Team is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge emphasizes the role of the Sprint Goal in guiding the team’s efforts throughout the Sprint.
Conclusion
The Sprint Goal, defined during Sprint Planning, provides the Scrum Team with a target and overarching direction for the Sprint. It helps align the team’s efforts, prioritize work, and assess progress, ensuring a focused and productive Sprint.
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