Product Owner Activities During a Sprint
The Product Owner plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Scrum Team is aligned with the product vision and goals. During a Sprint, the Product Owner engages in various activities to support the team and ensure the Product Backlog is well-managed.
Exam Question
Which of the following activities will a Product Owner engage in during a Sprint?
(choose the best answer)
A. Answer questions from the Developers about items in the current Sprint.
B. Prioritize the Developers’ work on the Sprint Backlog.
C. Run the Daily Scrum.
D. Update management on what is being worked on.
Correct Answer
A. Answer questions from the Developers about items in the current Sprint.
Explanation
Correct Answer
A. Answer questions from the Developers about items in the current Sprint:
During the Sprint, the Product Owner is available to clarify and answer questions from the Developers about Product Backlog items that are being worked on. This helps ensure that the team has a clear understanding of the requirements and can proceed without unnecessary delays.
Why the Other Options Are Less Effective
B. Prioritize the Developers’ work on the Sprint Backlog:
Once the Sprint has started, the Sprint Backlog is fixed, and the Developers self-manage their work. The Product Owner prioritizes the Product Backlog, not the Sprint Backlog. The Developers decide how to achieve the Sprint Goal.
C. Run the Daily Scrum:
The Daily Scrum is facilitated by the Developers themselves. The Scrum Master may ensure that the Daily Scrum takes place, but it is not the Product Owner’s responsibility to run this event.
D. Update management on what is being worked on:
While the Product Owner may communicate progress to stakeholders and management as needed, this is not a primary activity during the Sprint. The focus is on ensuring that the Developers have the necessary information to work effectively on the Sprint Backlog items.
Importance of the Product Owner’s Role During a Sprint
- Clarification and Support: By answering questions and providing clarifications, the Product Owner ensures that the Developers have a clear understanding of the requirements, which helps in achieving the Sprint Goal.
- Stakeholder Engagement: The Product Owner continues to engage with stakeholders to gather feedback and refine the Product Backlog, ensuring that it aligns with the evolving needs and priorities.
Effective Practices for the Product Owner
- Availability: Be available to the Developers to answer questions and provide clarifications promptly.
- Backlog Refinement: Continuously refine and prioritize the Product Backlog to prepare for future Sprints.
- Stakeholder Communication: Maintain open communication with stakeholders to gather feedback and keep them informed about the product’s progress.
Relevance to the PSU I Exam
Understanding the activities that a Product Owner engages in during a Sprint is crucial for the PSU I exam. It demonstrates knowledge of the roles and responsibilities within a Scrum Team and how they contribute to achieving the Sprint Goal.
Key Takeaways
- The Product Owner engages in answering questions from the Developers about items in the current Sprint.
- The Product Owner prioritizes the Product Backlog, not the Sprint Backlog.
- The Daily Scrum is facilitated by the Developers, not the Product Owner.
Conclusion
During a Sprint, the Product Owner’s primary activity is to answer questions from the Developers about items in the current Sprint. This ensures that the team has the necessary clarity to achieve the Sprint Goal. For more information on preparing for the PSU I exam, visit our Professional Scrum with UX PSU I™ Exam Prep.
