One of the key services aScrum Master provides to the Product Owneris helping them findeffective Product Backlog management techniques. This ensures that the Product Owner can maximize the value of the product and effectively manage the Product Backlog.
According to the2020 Scrum Guide, the Scrum Master serves the Product Owner by:
Helping the Product Owner find techniques for effective Product Goal definition and Product Backlog management.
Facilitating stakeholder collaboration when needed.
Supporting empirical product planning for complex environments.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. Assign tasks to the Developers:Tasks are not assigned in Scrum. Developers are self-organizing and responsible for determining how they will complete the work.
B. Write user stories:Writing user stories is a Product Owner responsibility, not the Scrum Master's.
C. Prioritize the backlog:The Product Owner prioritizes the Product Backlog, not the Scrum Master.
[Reference:, 2020 Scrum Guide: Scrum Master’s Service to the Product Owner, ]
TheSprint Backlogis owned solely by theDevelopers, as they are responsible for planning, managing, and executing the work required to meet the Sprint Goal. The Sprint Backlog is ahighly visible, real-time planfor delivering the Increment. It includes:
TheSprint Goal.
The set of Product Backlog items selected for the Sprint.
A plan for delivering the Increment.
According to the2020 Scrum Guide, the Developers:
Have full ownership and accountability over the Sprint Backlog.
Decide how to adapt their work plan daily to achieve the Sprint Goal.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. Scrum Master:The Scrum Master facilitates the Scrum process but does not own the Sprint Backlog.
C. Product Owner:The Product Owner manages the Product Backlog, not the Sprint Backlog.
D. Scrum Team:While the Sprint Goal is owned by the entire Scrum Team, the Sprint Backlog is specifically managed and executed by the Developers.
TheProduct Owneris accountable for ordering theProduct Backlog. This responsibility includes prioritizing items to maximize the value of the product and ensuring that the most important work is addressed first.
According to the2020 Scrum Guide:
The Product Owner is responsible formanaging the Product Backlog, which includesorderingthe Product Backlog items to achieve the Product Goal effectively.
The Product Owner works collaboratively with stakeholders, the Scrum Team, and other involved parties to understand priorities, but the final decision on ordering rests solely with them.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. Scrum Master:The Scrum Master facilitates and coaches the team but does not manage or order the Product Backlog.
B. Stakeholders:Stakeholders provide input and feedback, but they do not have the authority to order the Product Backlog.
D. Developers:Developers collaborate with the Product Owner to clarify and refine items but do not make decisions about ordering the backlog.
One of the primary services a Scrum Master provides to the Scrum Team isremoving impedimentsto the team’s progress. By doing so, the Scrum Master ensures that the team can work without unnecessary disruptions and remain focused on achieving the Sprint Goal.
According to the2020 Scrum Guide, the Scrum Master serves the Scrum Team in several ways, including:
Coaching the team in self-management and cross-functionality.
Helping the team focus on creating high-value Increments.
Removing impediments to the team’s progress.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. Prioritize the Sprint Backlog:This is the Product Owner's responsibility as part of Product Backlog management.
B. Develop a release plan:Scrum does not require a release plan, and if it is needed, the Product Owner leads this activity with input from the Developers.
C. Manage the Product Backlog:Managing the Product Backlog is the Product Owner's accountability, not the Scrum Master's.
