Guide to Product Backlog Refinement in PSM I
What is Product Backlog Refinement?
Product backlog refinement is an ongoing process that involves adding detail, estimates, and order to items in the Product Backlog. This process is led by the Product Owner and the Development Team. It helps to ensure that the backlog remains organized and managed.
Why is it Important?
Proper backlog refinement helps to make sure the Development Team has clearly defined work items for the upcoming sprints. Hence, it ensures that the team can start work efficiently without any needless delay or confusion.
How it works?
During refinement, the product owner and the development team review the items on the backlog, discuss them, split large items into smaller ones, and estimate the relative effort required to complete each item. It ensures that the items are 'Ready' to be pulled into Sprint Planning.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Product Backlog Refinement
Remember, in an exam scenario
- The product owner is in charge of the product backlog, but this does not mean they are the only person who can update it. Development team members can also contribute under the guidance of the Product Owner.
- Refinement is an ongoing process and doesn't have a set schedule in the Scrum Guide.
- The goal of product backlog refinement is to break down items into 'sprint ready' work that can be completed within one sprint.
- Sometimes a Product Backlog includes very high-level items. These are called product backlog items (PBIs) or user stories. The Scrum Team collaborates to detail and estimate these items in further refinement sessions.