ScrumExamHub
PSM II Practice Question

Optimizing Product Owners for Scrum in Multi-Product Firms

Get 72 more PSM II practice questions

Complete explanations included

$25 - Get Questions

Question

A multi-national company is using Scrum for product development of their five major products. What are two good alternatives for how many Product Owners the company should use for these five products? (choose the best two answers)

Answer

  • A. There is one Product Owner for each product (so five in total). Each Product Owner may delegate to others for specific value, capabilities, and functionality within their product. The five Product Owners share and align work via Product Backlogs.
  • D. There is one Product Owner responsible for all five products. This person may delegate work to others for specific value, capabilities, and functionality within each product in order to scale his role.

Explanation

Option A is a valid choice as having one Product Owner for each product ensures that each product has a dedicated individual focused on maximizing value and managing the Product Backlog. This structure allows for specialized knowledge and prioritization tailored to each product's unique needs. Option D is also a suitable choice as a single Product Owner for all five products can provide a unified vision and strategy across products. By delegating responsibilities, the Product Owner can maintain oversight while ensuring that specific features or capabilities are addressed effectively. However, this option may lead to challenges in managing multiple priorities if not handled carefully. Both approaches emphasize the importance of the Product Owner role in maximizing product value, whether through dedicated ownership or centralized management.**

Expert Author

MR

Marcus Rodriguez

Product Owner & Business Analyst

Backlog management, stakeholder collaboration, user stories

Why Other Options Are Wrong
Option B suggests having multiple Product Owners for a single product, which can lead to confusion and conflicting priorities. This violates the Scrum principle of having a singular voice to represent customer needs. Option C proposes a scenario where each Product Owner is focused solely on a specific feature of a product, which can dilute accountability and create fragmentation in product vision and strategy. Both options undermine the clarity and effectiveness of the Scrum framework, which emphasizes a single Product Owner for each product or a clear delegation structure for multiple products.
Real-World Application
In a technology company developing software for five different markets, each market has its own dedicated Product Owner who understands the local needs and can prioritize the backlog accordingly. This structure allows the company to respond swiftly to market changes, while a single Product Owner oversees all products to ensure alignment with the overall corporate strategy.
Common Pitfalls
  • Assuming multiple Product Owners for a product can improve efficiency.
  • Not recognizing the importance of a singular vision from one Product Owner.
  • Overlooking the need for alignment between Product Owners in a multi-product environment.

Key Concepts

Product Ownership Value Maximization Backlog Management Delegation in Scrum Role Clarity

Scrum Guide Reference

Scrum Guide 2020, Section: The Product Owner

Want More PSM II Practice Questions?

Get 72 additional questions with detailed explanations.

$25 Get Practice Questions

More PSM II Questions

PSM II

Resolving Scrum Team Conflicts over Definition of Done

A few members of the Scrum Team discuss work that is not being done. Some say it is part of the Definition of Done; others say it isn’t. After an hour of angry discussion, someone starts making personal insults and the anger level goes way up. What is the best action for the Scrum Master to take? (choose the best answer)
PSM II

Scrum for Distributed Teams: Optimizing Daily Scrums

A Scrum Team consists of Developers working from globally distributed locations. Organizing the Scrum events requires conferencing tools that are not easily available within the organization. The Developers propose doing a Daily Scrum only on Tuesdays. Which are the most appropriate responses for their Scrum Master? (choose the best two answers)
PSM II

Optimize Daily Scrum Productivity: Scrum Master Guidance

A Scrum Master colleague of yours wants some guidance on what to do in the following situation. During the Daily Scrum, one Scrum Team member, who is a key central figure in the organization, drags on and on about things which actually are interesting but not relevant for the Daily Scrum, day after day. What are two suggestions you offer the Scrum Master? (choose the best two answers)