Understanding a Ready Product Backlog Item
In Scrum, a Product Backlog item is considered “ready” when it is well-defined, understood by the team, and small enough to be completed within a Sprint. These characteristics ensure that the team can confidently pull the item into a Sprint and work on it effectively.
Exam Question
Which of the following best describe a ready Product Backlog item?
(choose the best two answers)
A. It is a complete user story with all its components.
B. It has been fully described in the requirements document.
C. It has been changed from unready to ready status in the tracking tool.
D. It can be most likely done within one Sprint.
E. It is well understood by the Developers and Product Owner at Sprint Planning.
Correct Answers
D. It can be most likely done within one Sprint.
E. It is well understood by the Developers and Product Owner at Sprint Planning.
Explanation
Correct Answers
D. It can be most likely done within one Sprint:
A Product Backlog item should be small enough to be completed within a single Sprint. This ensures that the item is manageable and can contribute to a potentially releasable Increment by the end of the Sprint.
E. It is well understood by the Developers and Product Owner at Sprint Planning:
For a Product Backlog item to be considered ready, it must be well understood by both the Developers and the Product Owner. This mutual understanding is crucial during Sprint Planning, as it allows the team to accurately estimate and commit to the work.
Why the Other Options Are Less Appropriate
A. It is a complete user story with all its components:
While a complete user story is important, being “ready” in Scrum is more about the item’s clarity, size, and mutual understanding among the team, rather than just completeness.
B. It has been fully described in the requirements document:
Scrum values working software over comprehensive documentation. A ready item doesn’t require extensive documentation but rather enough information for the team to understand and work on it effectively.
C. It has been changed from unready to ready status in the tracking tool:
Changing the status in a tracking tool is a procedural step and doesn’t necessarily reflect the true readiness of the item. Readiness is determined by the item’s clarity, size, and the team’s understanding, not just by a status change.
Relevance to the PSD Exam
Understanding what constitutes a ready Product Backlog item is essential for the PSD exam. It ensures that you can effectively participate in Sprint Planning and contribute to a successful Sprint.
Key Takeaways
- Sprint-Ready Size: A ready Product Backlog item should be small enough to be completed within a Sprint.
- Mutual Understanding: The item should be well understood by both the Developers and the Product Owner before the Sprint begins.
- Beyond Documentation: Readiness in Scrum focuses more on understanding and size rather than just having complete documentation or status changes.
Conclusion
In Scrum, a ready Product Backlog item is one that is well understood by the team and small enough to be completed within a Sprint. This ensures that the team can confidently take on the work and deliver a potentially releasable Increment. For more information on preparing for the PSD exam, visit our Professional Scrum Developer PSD™ Exam Prep.
