Product Backlog Refinement is a vital action in the Scrum Framework that facilitates the smooth implementation of tasks during Sprints. Throughout the refinement approach, the Scrum team collaborates to examine, detail, and re-order the product backlog items under consideration for upcoming sprints. It allows the Scrum team to have a deep understanding of the work that needs to be done and assures everyone is clear on what the priorities are.
1. Detailing Product Backlog Items:
One primary activity that takes place during product backlog refinement is the detailing of product backlog items (PBIs). In this process, each PBI is given more depth and clarity to make it completely understandable to every member of the Scrum team.
For instance, let’s say you are working on developing a software application. A backlog item could be ‘implement feature X.’ During refining, this could be expanded to ‘implement feature X using technology Y to achieve functionality Z.’
2. Estimating Product Backlog Items:
A second critical activity during product backlog refinement is estimating the PBIs. At this point, the team deliberates on the complexity and the time each PBI might take and estimates accordingly. These estimates help the Scrum team plan the subsequent sprints effectively and set a realistic and feasible time frame for the completion of the projects.
Let’s carry on with the above software application development example. After detailing, the team may estimate that ‘implementing feature X using technology Y to achieve functionality Z’ may take 5 working days. This estimate then helps in selecting PBIs for a sprint depending on its duration.
3. Ordering Product Backlog Items:
Finally, the Scrum team also orders or prioritizes the PBIs during refinement, ensuring the most valuable tasks get implemented first. It guides the team in deciding which items they should pull next from the product backlog during the sprint planning meeting to work on.
For instance, in software application development, implementing feature X might be needed immediately to meet a client’s demands, so it should be higher on the list than other items.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Detailing PBIs | Every PBI is elaborated for easier understanding |
| Estimating PBIs | Effort and time for each PBI are determined |
| Ordering PBIs | PBIs are prioritized based on their importance |
Each one of these activities plays a significant role in ensuring the product backlog is ‘Ready’ for the next sprint. The product owner, supported by the team, carries out refining the backlog to deliver a product that closely matches customer expectations. The more detailed, estimated, and ordered the PBIs are, the easier it will be for the Scrum team to decide what to work on next and how much work is doable in the next sprint.
Practice Test
True or False: Product Backlog refinement may involve the addition of new items.
Answer: True
Explanation: As part of backlog refinement, new items can be suggested and added to the product backlog following discussions and clarifications.
Which of the following can occur during Product Backlog refinement?
- a) Estimating the effort required to complete the work
- b) Organizing a sprint
- c) Clarifying product Backlog items
- d) Prioritizing Product Backlog items
Answer: a, c, d
Explanation: These activities can occur during backlog refinement: estimating the effort required to complete the work, clarifying product backlog items and prioritizing them based on value. Organizing a sprint is usually done in the Sprint Planning Meeting, not during the refinement of the product backlog.
True or False: Product Backlog refinement does not involve removing items from the backlog.
Answer: False
Explanation: Product backlog refinement may also involve removing items that are no longer relevant or needed, keeping the backlog current and manageable.
During Product Backlog refinement, the Product Owner can:
- a) Change the function of the product
- b) Update the priority of items based on value
- c) Re-assign team members to different tasks
- d) Add a new task without discussion
Answer: b
Explanation: The Product owner has the authority to update the priority of items based on their value. The other activities do not typically occur during Product Backlog refinement.
True or False: Product Backlog refinement is also known as backlog grooming.
Answer: True
Explanation: “Backlog grooming” is another term for product backlog refinement. Both involve revising, adding, and removing items from the product backlog.
The scope of product backlog refinement activities includes:
- a) Estimating the effort for items
- b) Analyzing the budget for the project
- c) Detailing product backlog items
- d) Defining the project timeline
Answer: a, c
Explanation: Product backlog refinement can involve estimating the effort required for individual items and detailing what these items entail.
True or False: The team does not participate in product backlog refinement.
Answer: False
Explanation: The team actively participates in product backlog refinement, working with the product owner to accurately estimate the effort required and to understand each backlog item.
One of the outcomes of Product Backlog refinement is:
- a) A finalized product
- b) A work agreement between the team and stakeholders
- c) A ready and prioritized product backlog
- d) Final list of bugs to be fixed
Answer: c
Explanation: The outcome of Product Backlog refinement is to have a refined, ready, and prioritized product backlog.
True or False: Product Backlog refinement includes detailing user stories and their respective acceptance criteria.
Answer: True
Explanation: One of the tasks during product backlog refinement is to detail user stories and define acceptance criteria, to ensure everyone has a shared understanding of what is required.
The process of re-ordering the Product Backlog based on product value is called:
- a) Estimation
- b) Prioritization
- c) Scoring
- d) Categorizing
Answer: b
Explanation: The process of ordering the items in the product backlog based on their value to the product or the business is known as prioritization.
True or False: The product backlog is considered a static document which cannot be refined or changed.
Answer: False
Explanation: The product backlog is a dynamic document that is regularly refined and updated throughout the project.
Product Backlog refinement activities can include:
- a) Scheduling Sprints
- b) Running unit tests
- c) Breaking down large items into smaller, manageable items
- d) Resolving technical issues
Answer: c
Explanation: One of the activities may happen in product backlog refinement is breaking down large items into smaller, manageable ones, while scheduling sprints, running unit tests, resolving technical issues are not part of product backlog refinement.
True or False: It is the sole responsibility of Scrum Master to refine the Product Backlog.
Answer: False
Explanation: Product backlog refinement is a collaborative activity involving the Product Owner, the Scrum team, and the Scrum Master, not just the sole responsibility of the Scrum Master.
What is the percentage of effort that a Scrum team should spend on Backlog Refinement?
- a) 5-10%
- b) 10-15%
- c) 20-30%
- d) 30-40%
Answer: a
Explanation: According to the Scrum Guide, a Scrum team should spend around 5-10% of their effort on Backlog Refinement.
True or False: Changes to the backlog can be made only during the Product Backlog refinement.
Answer: False
Explanation: Changes can be made to the backlog at any point of time, however the refinement is the formal time to review and update the backlog.
Interview Questions
What is the primary purpose of Product Backlog refinement in Scrum?
The primary purpose of Product Backlog refinement is to ensure that the backlog remains populated with items that are relevant, detailed and estimated to a degree sufficient enough for upcoming sprints.
Can you list one activity that typically occurs during Product Backlog refinement?
One typical activity that occurs during Product Backlog refinement is breaking down large product backlog items (PBIs) into smaller, more manageable pieces.
What is another critical activity performed during Product Backlog refinement?
Another essential activity during Product Backlog refinement is estimating the effort required for each Product Backlog Item. This typically involves assigning story points for the work.
Can you name a third activity that is often part of the Product Backlog refinement process?
A third activity that often occurs during Product Backlog refinement is ordering or prioritizing the items on the backlog for maximum value and relevance with respect to the project objectives.
Why do teams perform Product Backlog refinement?
Teams perform Product Backlog refinement to ensure that the Product Backlog is ready for the next sprint planning meeting. Through refinement, the team can decide what work is most valuable to complete next.
Who typically leads the Product Backlog refinement process?
The Product Owner typically leads the Product Backlog refinement process.
What might happen if the Product Backlog is not properly refined?
If the Product Backlog isn’t properly refined, the team might not have a clear understanding of what needs to be done in the next sprint, leading to inefficiencies, confusion, and possibly the completion of low priority items.
How often should Product Backlog refinement occur?
Product Backlog refinement usually takes place on a regular basis and it is recommended that no more than 10% of the capacity of the Development Team is spent on refinement activities.
Who is involved in the Product Backlog refinement activities?
The Product Owner, the Scrum Master, and the Development Team are all involved in Product Backlog refinement activities.
Can Product Backlog refinement include the removal of items from the backlog?
Yes, Product Backlog refinement can include the removal of items that are no longer relevant or needed for the project.
In addition to detailing, prioritizing, and estimating effort, what else can happen during Product Backlog refinement?
During Product Backlog refinement, dependencies with other Product Backlog Items or teams can also be identified and planned for.
How is the estimated effort often documented during Product Refinement session?
The estimated effort is often documented as story points or hours during the Product Refinement session.
What tool is often used to manage the product backlog during refinement sessions?
Many teams use software tools such as JIRA, Trello, or Microsoft Azure DevOps to manage the product backlog during refinement sessions.
Can Product Backlog refinement result in new items being added to the backlog?
Yes, throughout the refinement process, the team can identify new items that need to be added to the backlog.
How should the product backlog items be ordered during refinement session?
The product backlog items should be ordered or prioritized based on their importance to the project goals, complexity, and dependencies during the refinement session.
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