Scrum Sprint Backlog

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Scrum 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 a forecast by the Development Team about what functionalities will be made available in the next increment and the work needed to deliver that functionality as a 'Done' increment. It is owned exclusively by the development team. The Sprint Backlog only contains items that the team agrees it can complete during the sprint, and it becomes a highly visible, real-time picture of the team’s work.

Guide: The Scrum Sprint Backlog

What is Scrum Sprint Backlog?
The Sprint Backlog is a planned set of items that the team commits to completing during a Sprint from the Product Backlog. It contains a clear, detailed, and agreed-to list of work the Development Team aims to get done in a sprint.
Why is it important?
The Sprint Backlog is important as it provides a clear understanding of what needs to be done, helps keep the team on track and focused, and ensures a clear view of progress during a sprint.
How it works:
The Scrum Team selects items from the Product Backlog and breaks them down into tasks to form the Sprint Backlog during the Sprint Planning meeting. The team inspects the Sprint Backlog regularly to check for obstacles. The Sprint Backlog is updated throughout the sprint as more is learned.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Scrum Sprint Backlog:
1. Understand its purpose: It's a forecast by the Development Team about what functionality will be in the next Increment and the work needed to deliver that functionality.
2. Know its importance: It helps the Development Team focus and organize their work.
3. Understand its dynamics: It is continuously updated and optimized by the team.
4. Relate it to the Scrum values: The Sprint Backlog should reflect commitment, focus, openness and courage.
5. Understand its creation process: It is created during the Sprint Planning Meeting from the Product Backlog.
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CSM - Scrum Sprint Backlog Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Scrum Sprint Backlog

Question 1

The Development Team has completed all the items in the Sprint Backlog before the end of the Sprint. What should they do next?

Correct Answer: Consult with the Product Owner to see if additional items from the Product Backlog can be brought into the Sprint

The best action for the Development Team to take when they complete all items in the Sprint Backlog before the end of the Sprint is to consult with the Product Owner to see if additional items from the Product Backlog can be brought into the Sprint. This allows the team to utilize the remaining capacity effectively while ensuring they are working on items that provide value and are aligned with the Product Owner's priorities. The other options are not ideal because they either waste the team's remaining capacity, work on items without proper prioritization and agreement from the Product Owner, or make changes to the Sprint Backlog without collaboration.

Question 2

ScrumMaster found that a user story selected from the Product Backlog for the Sprint is bigger than anticipated. What action should the ScrumMaster take?

Correct Answer: Ask the development team to break down the user story into smaller tasks

In a Scrum framework, if a user story selected from the Product Backlog for the Sprint turns out to be bigger than anticipated, the best course of action would be to 'Ask the development team to break down the user story into smaller tasks'. This is because the development team should have the necessary understanding of the scope and context of the tasks to best decide how to break it down properly. Removing the user story from the Sprint Backlog without consulting the team is inappropriate as it does not promote transparency and collaboration. Asking the Product Owner to break down the user story is not a good approach either, because the development team owns the Sprint Backlog and they foster the necessary technical insight about user story implementation. Lastly, ignoring the issue would contradict Scrum's principle of continuous improvement and adaptation.

Question 3

Who is responsible for managing the Sprint Backlog?

Correct Answer: The Development Team

In Scrum, the Development Team is responsible for managing the Sprint Backlog. This includes tasks such as creating, updating, and prioritizing the Sprint Backlog items. The Development Team owns this process as it enables them to organize their work to achieve the Sprint Goal. The Scrum Master is responsible for ensuring that the team follows the Scrum process and provides help whenever needed but does not manage the Sprint Backlog. The Product Owner is responsible for the Product Backlog, not the Sprint Backlog. The idea that both the Development Team and Scrum Master collaboratively manage the Sprint Backlog is incorrect because, while the Scrum Master supports the team, the actual management and ownership of the Sprint Backlog lie solely with the Development Team.

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Other Scrum Artifacts concepts

Artifact TransparencyBurn down ChartsScrum Burndown ChartScrum Burn Down ChartScrum Daily Standup (Daily Scrum)Scrum Definition of DoneScrum IncrementsScrum Product BacklogScrum Product OwnerScrum Sprint GoalScrum TasksScrum TeamScrum User StoriesScrum Velocity
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