Product Backlog

5 minutes 5 Questions

The Product Backlog contains a list of all potential features of the product and serves as a single source of requirements. The product owner maintains the Backlog by continually updating and prioritizing it to ensure that the team is working on the most valuable features first. The Product Backlog…

Guide to Product Backlog in Scrum

A Product Backlog is an integral part of Scrum, a project management methodology. It contains a list of all items/features/products that need to be developed or improved.

Importance: It acts as the backbone of the project as all new features, enhancements, bugs, technical work, and knowledge acquisition are added to it. It guides the team about what needs to be done next.

What it is: It is an evolving, dynamic tool that details everything that is to be done on a project. The product owner manages the product backlog and it includes all the functionality required for an application or a project.

How it works: The priorities of the backlog items are determined by the product owner based on the current strategy and situation. The Scrum team then works on the highest priority items in the product backlog during each Sprint. After the Sprint, the Scrum team and the product owner review and revise the product backlog.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Product Backlog:
1. Understand its fundamentals: Make sure you are thorough with basics like what a Product Backlog is, who manages it, and its importance in Scrum.
2. Illustrate with examples: If possible, use real-life examples to explain the management or prioritization of the product backlog.
3. Stay current: Scrum is an evolving field, so base your answers on the latest methodologies and practices related to Product Backlog.
4. Be detailed: Do not leave key aspects unexplained. Detail what happens if the product backlog is not managed well, how items get added to it, and how priorities are adjusted.
5. Use correct terminologies: Always use the correct Scrum terminologies. For instance, don't refer to the 'Product Backlog' as just 'Backlog'.

Test mode:

Exam (Timed)

Practice (With explanations)

Start practice test

CSM - Product Backlog Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Product Backlog

Question 1

The Scrum team has discovered that some of the user stories on the Product Backlog are too vague and lack necessary details. What's the appropriate course of action?

The Scrum team should proceed with their interpretation of the user stories, assuming details will be clarified by stakeholders during the Sprint Review. The team should work with the Product Owner during Backlog refinement sessions to clarify and detail the vague user stories. Assign a technical writer to document comprehensive requirements for all user stories before bringing them to the Scrum team. The Development Team must vote on the most appropriate interpretation of the vague user stories and proceed based on majority decisions.

Correct Answer: The team should work with the Product Owner during Backlog refinement sessions to clarify and detail the vague user stories.

In Scrum, the clarification and detailing of user stories on the Product Backlog are collaborative processes. The correct approach involves the entire Scrum team, especially the Product Owner, working together during Backlog refinement to ensure that user stories are well-understood and actionable. The other options are not recommended practices within the Scrum framework. Assigning a technical writer to document requirements goes against the principle of direct communication and collaboration. Proceeding with the team's interpretation without clarification can lead to misalignment and wasted effort. Voting on interpretations undermines the role of the Product Owner in providing clarity and ensuring the Backlog aligns with stakeholders' needs.

Question 2

A team member realizes a new technology might improve the performance of a prioritized user story. What action should the team take?

Wait until the next sprint to discuss the new technology. Discuss the technology within the team and with the product owner, then decide collectively if the change is worthwhile. Immediately start implementing the new technology without discussing with the team or product owner. Ask the team member to handle the change independently without informing the product owner. Request a separate meeting with stakeholders to discuss the new technology. Ignore the suggestion and continue with the original plan.

Correct Answer: Discuss the technology within the team and with the product owner, then decide collectively if the change is worthwhile.

Collaboration and adaptability are crucial for Agile success. Discussing the discovery with the team and the product owner will ensure the best decision is made collectively. Other options avoid discussions, causing delays or issues later on.

Question 3

Just before the start of the Sprint, the Product Owner wants to add a new, high-priority item to the Product Backlog. The team is already committed for the current sprint, what should be the course of action?

The team should replace a lower priority item in the current sprint with the new item. The Scrum Master should alter the sprint length to accommodate the new item. The Product Owner should add the item to the Product Backlog for consideration in the planning of the next Sprint. The team should add the item to the current Sprint, even if it disrupts the plan.

Correct Answer: The Product Owner should add the item to the Product Backlog for consideration in the planning of the next Sprint.

The best course of action is for the Product Owner to add the high-priority item to the Product Backlog for consideration in the next Sprint planning. This is because once the team has committed to the work of the current Sprint, introducing a new item may disrupt the plan and lead to overcommitment. Replacing a lower priority item in the current sprint with the new, high-priority item may seem like a solution, but this is not advisable as it can cause unnecessary disruption and re-planning, affecting the team's velocity and productivity. Altering the sprint length to accommodate new items is not in line with the practices of Scrum, where sprint lengths are consistent and time-boxed. Thus, the other three answers are incorrect.

🎓 Unlock Premium Access

Certified ScrumMaster + ALL Certifications

🎓 Access to ALL Certifications: Study for any certification on our platform with one subscription
3861 Superior-grade Certified ScrumMaster practice questions
Unlimited practice tests across all certifications
Detailed explanations for every question
CSM: 5 full exams plus all other certification exams
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund if unsatisfied
Risk-Free: 7-day free trial with all premium features!

Start Your Free 7-Day Trial