PSM I — Practice Question

Who Decides the Product Backlog Order in Scrum?

Question

Who has the final decision about the order of items in the Product Backlog? (choose the best answer)

Answer

  • D. The Product Owner.

Explanation

In the Scrum framework, the Product Owner has the final decision-making authority over the order of items in the Product Backlog. This responsibility ensures that the most valuable and impactful tasks are prioritized, aligning the Scrum Team's efforts with the overall business objectives and stakeholder needs. Understanding this key aspect of the Scrum process is crucial for success in the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) certification exam.

Download 212 More PSM I Questions

Complete question set with detailed explanations for every answer. Real exam questions organized in PDF format.

$25
Download PDF

Instant download • Clear explanations • Organized format

Show Detailed Analysis
The Product Owner has the final decision about the order of items in the Product Backlog. This responsibility is fundamental to the role, as the Product Owner is accountable for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the Scrum Team. The Product Owner prioritizes backlog items based on various factors such as business value, risk assessment, stakeholder feedback, and market conditions. This prioritization helps ensure that the most valuable features are delivered first, thus supporting effective delivery and customer satisfaction. While the Development Team may provide input on technical considerations and the feasibility of backlog items, they do not have the authority to reorder the backlog. This clear delineation of roles ensures that the Product Owner can make informed decisions that align with the product vision and strategy, ultimately benefiting the entire Scrum Team and stakeholders.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
{'A': 'The Development Team does not have the final say in the order of backlog items, as their role focuses on the execution of the items rather than their prioritization. While they can provide valuable feedback on technical feasibility, they are not responsible for deciding what should be built first.', 'B': 'The Scrum Master facilitates the Scrum process but does not have the authority to prioritize the Product Backlog. Their role is to support the Product Owner and the Development Team, ensuring that Scrum practices are followed, rather than making decisions about backlog order.', 'C': 'Stakeholders can influence the Product Backlog through feedback and suggestions, but they do not have the final decision-making power. The Product Owner synthesizes this feedback but ultimately decides the order based on strategic goals.'}
Real-World Application
In a software development team, the Product Owner might prioritize a new feature that significantly increases user engagement based on user feedback and market analysis. The Development Team then works on this feature first, ensuring that they deliver the most value to users quickly.
Common Pitfalls

Assuming that the Development Team can change backlog priorities.Believing that the Scrum Master has the authority to prioritize backlog items.Underestimating the importance of stakeholder feedback in backlog ordering.

Expert Insights

Scrum Guide Reference

Scrum Guide 2020, Section 3.3 - The Product Owner

Expert Author

MR

Marcus Rodriguez

Product Owner & Business Analyst

Backlog management, stakeholder collaboration, user stories

Key Concepts

Product Backlog Product Owner Prioritization Stakeholder Engagement Scrum Roles