Product Backlog Item (PBI)

5 minutes 5 Questions

Product Backlog Items (PBIs) or simply Backlog items constitute the main object of the product backlog. These items include requirements, tasks, bugs, etc. that need to be worked upon in the project. Each PBI has a description, order, value, and an estimate. The Product Owner is responsible for add…

Guide: Understanding Product Backlog Item (PBI)

The Product Backlog Item (PBI) is a critical component in Scrum and Agile methodologies.

What is it?
A PBI is an item on the product backlog, which can be a feature, bug fix, or any work that needs to be done in the project. Each PBI has a specific description, an estimate of effort required, priority order, and value to the project.

Why is it important?
PBI is important because it helps in organizing work in a prioritized manner - enabling the team to deliver maximum value. It gives clarity about what needs to be done, when, and by whom.

How does it work?
The Product Owner creates and manages the product backlog, adding or modifying items as necessary. During Sprint Planning, the team discusses each PBI, determines their effort, and moves them to the Sprint Backlog.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Product Backlog Item (PBI)
1. Understand the definition and purpose: Make sure you understand what a PBI is and why it's used.
2. Learn the creation and management process: Know who is responsible for creating and managing the PBI, and how this process works.
3. Understand PBI in the context of Sprints: Be clear about the role of PBI in Sprint Planning and during sprints.
4. Answer scenario-based questions correctly: In scenario-based questions, analyze the situation well and choose the answer based on the function and purpose of PBI.

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PSM I - Product Backlog Item (PBI) Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Product Backlog Item (PBI)

Question 1

As a Scrum Master, you notice during a meeting that the team takes a lot of time determining which PBIs are ready for the sprint. What do you do to speed up the process?

Coach the team on how to effectively refine PBIs and ensure they meet the Definition of Ready. Recommend that the development team works overtime to ensure more PBIs can be discussed and hence more can be deemed ready for the sprint. Propose the introduction of a new role dedicated to preparing PBIs for sprint readiness, thereby reducing the time the team spends on this during the meeting. Suggest splitting the meeting into two parts: one for discussing the PBIs in depth and another for selecting them for the sprint.

Correct Answer: Coach the team on how to effectively refine PBIs and ensure they meet the Definition of Ready.

The correct approach is to coach the team on how to effectively refine Product Backlog Items (PBIs) and ensure they meet the Definition of Ready, which helps in making the selection process for the sprint quicker. Splitting the meeting or recommending overtime does not tackle the root cause of the problem and may lead to burnout or decreased efficiency. Introducing a new role dedicated to preparing PBIs is not recommended in Scrum because it can lead to key knowledge being siloed and undermines the cross-functional, collaborative nature of the team.

Question 2

As a Scrum Master, you're observing that there is a general misunderstanding within the team about the estimates being used for PBIs. How might you address this problem?

Implement a strict rule that all PBIs must have unanimous team agreement on estimates before being approved for sprint inclusion. Assign the role of estimation exclusively to the most experienced team members to ensure consistency and accuracy. Organize a workshop with the team to redefine the Definition of Done (DoD) with the expectation that a clearer DoD will automatically lead to better estimates. This session will also cover the aspects of why estimates can differ and how this impacts the sprint planning process. Introduce a session to review and practice estimation techniques, ensuring the team understands the purpose and variability in estimates.

Correct Answer: Introduce a session to review and practice estimation techniques, ensuring the team understands the purpose and variability in estimates.

The best approach in handling misunderstandings around estimates is to educate and align the team's understanding and practices around estimation. This can be effectively achieved through a review and practice session, which is a direct approach to address uncertainties and improve estimation accuracy as a team. The wrong answers, though related to team processes and improvement, either impose unproductive constraints (such as requiring unanimous agreement or delegating estimation to a subgroup) or misdirect the effort to solve the problem (such as redefining the Definition of Done in hopes of indirectly improving estimates).

Question 3

In the context of Scrum, which statement best represents the responsibility of the Product Owner concerning the Product Backlog?

Collaborating with stakeholders to define project scope and objectives in detail, thereby ensuring comprehensive project planning before Sprint execution begins. Allocating specific tasks to Development Team members for each Sprint. Establishing high-level project timelines without the input of the Scrum Team. Maximizing the value of the product resulting from work of the Development Team.

Correct Answer: Maximizing the value of the product resulting from work of the Development Team.

The Product Owner is responsible for maximizing the value of the product and the work of the Development Team by clearly expressing Product Backlog items, ordering them to best achieve goals and missions, ensuring the Product Backlog is visible, transparent, and clear. Allocating specific tasks to Development Team members, establishing project timelines without team input, and defining project scope in detail without involving the Scrum Team are not responsibilities of the Product Owner, making them incorrect answers.

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