Back to Sprint Planning and Execution

Sprint Backlog

5 minutes 5 Questions

Sprint Backlog is a 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 functionality will be in the next Increment and the work needed to deliver that functionality into a 'Done' Increment. The Sprint Backlog is a plan with enough detail that changes in progress can be understood during the Daily Scrum.

A Complete Guide: Sprint Backlog

The Sprint Backlog is a key concept in the realm of Agile project management, particularly within Scrum. As a student, your understanding of this subject is vital.

What is Sprint Backlog?
The Sprint Backlog is a list of tasks identified by the Scrum team to be completed during a specific Sprint. It is a dynamic list, with items being updated or added as the team identifies new tasks.

Why is it Important?
Sprint Backlog is crucial as it provides a clear sense of direction in a Sprint, ensuring that all team members are aware of their tasks and the progress being made in the project.

How does it work?
During the Sprint Planning Meeting, the team collaborates to decide what tasks from the project backlog should be moved to the Sprint Backlog. Throughout the Sprint, tasks are moved from 'to do' to 'in progress' to 'done' as the team works towards the Sprint goal.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Sprint Backlog
In an exam setting, always remember to define the Sprint Backlog before diving into details. Show understanding of its dynamic nature and remember to focus on its role in directing the team's work. If asked about how it works, outline the process from planning to execution, ensuring to mention how tasks move within the Sprint Backlog.
Be sure to use specific terminology associated with Sprint Planning and the Backlog to clearly demonstrate your grasp of the concept.

Test mode:
Start practice test
CSM - Sprint Planning and Execution Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)

Question 1

A misunderstanding regarding a user story leads to an inaccurate task in the Sprint Backlog. As a Scrum Master, what is your approach?

Correct Answer: Encourage the Development Team to collaborate with the Product Owner to gain a clear understanding of the user story and consider any necessary adjustments to the Sprint Backlog.

In Scrum, collaboration and communication among the team members and the Product Owner are key to clarifying misunderstandings. The correct approach is to have the Development Team collaborate directly with the Product Owner for clarification, rather than proceeding based on assumptions, relying solely on written communication without interaction, or having the Scrum Master unilaterally adjust the Sprint Backlog. The Scrum Master's role is to facilitate this collaboration and ensure that the team can operate effectively, rather than to make unilateral decisions regarding the work items in the Sprint Backlog.

Question 2

You are halfway through the current Sprint. One of the items in the Sprint Backlog has been completed, but the associated User Story is not complete. What should you do as a Scrum Master?

Correct Answer: The User Story remains in the Product Backlog and the team will continue working on it in the next Sprint or when it is prioritised again.

As a Scrum Master, when an item in the Sprint Backlog is completed but the associated User Story is not, the User Story remains in the Product Backlog. It can be worked on in a subsequent Sprint or whenever it is prioritised again. Scrum promotes sustainable development, and does not favour working overtime. Therefore, the idea of asking the team to work overtime is not in line with Scrum principles. Moving to the next User Story without completing the current one leads to unfinished items and potential definition of Done issues. Also, marking the User Story as completed when it is not is misrepresentation of the actual state of the project.

Question 3

A team member suggests that the tasks are too difficult to complete within the current Sprint. As a Scrum Master, how should you respond?

Correct Answer: Assist the team in re-negotiating the Sprint Backlog and consult with the Product Owner.

The correct approach in Scrum when team members express difficulty with the tasks in a Sprint is to engage in a re-negotiation of the Sprint Backlog. This re-negotiation should involve a consultation with the Product Owner, the individual who holds the vision of the product and can help to prioritize the items in the Backlog. This aligns with the Scrum values of courage and openness, as well as its commitment to delivering value. The option where the Scrum Master changes the Sprint Backlog without consulting the Product Owner disregards the crucial role of the Product Owner and could harm the value of the product. It underestimates the importance of collaboration in Scrum. When we think about the option to ignore the team member's suggestion as it's too late to make changes, we see that this is a clear violation of the Scrum values of respect and openness. It also neglects the fact that the Scrum framework allows for change The suggestion for the team member to work extra hours is also incorrect. It suggests a lack of understanding of the principle of sustainable pace in Scrum, which highlights the importance of keeping a consistent, reliable working velocity to avoid burnout.

Go Premium

Certified ScrumMaster Preparation Package (2024)

  • 3861 Superior-grade Certified ScrumMaster practice questions.
  • Accelerated Mastery: Deep dive into critical topics to fast-track your mastery.
  • Unlock Effortless CSM preparation: 5 full exams.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund with no questions if unsatisfied.
  • Bonus: If you upgrade now you get upgraded access to all courses
  • Risk-Free Decision: Start with a 7-day free trial - get premium features at no cost!
More Sprint Backlog questions
18 questions (total)
Start 18 question test