PBIs are the elements that make up the product backlog in Agile or Scrum development methodology. They provide a clear and concise description of the product’s features, functionalities, and requirements from a user’s perspective. Let’s look at three primary attributes that characterize PBI.
1. Prioritized Order
This is among the most critical attributes of PBIs. The Product Owner, in consultation with the team, arranges PBIs in the product backlog according to their importance or priority level. This prioritized list helps the team know what items need to be worked on first. For example, the PBI deemed most critical to advancing the project or delivering the highest value to the customer is placed at the top, followed by items of decreasing priority. It is worth noting that the order of PBIs can change over time as project priorities shift.
| PBI Orders | Description |
|---|---|
| High Priority | Bugs, critical features |
| Medium Priority | Regular features, improvements |
| Low Priority | Nice-to-have features |
2. Estimated Size
Another significant attribute of a PBI is its estimated size. This estimate helps teams determine how much work is involved in completing a particular item. Various teams use different metrics for estimating the size of an item. This can be in the form of story points, ideal days, or t-shirt sizes- Small (S), Medium (M), Large (L), and Extra Large (XL). The main idea behind these metrics is to provide a comparative measure of effort or complexity rather than a precise measure of duration.
| Size Estimation | Description |
|---|---|
| Small(S) | Minor tweaks, bug fixes |
| Medium(M) | New feature development |
| Large(L) | Major feature or functionality |
3. Business Value
Every PBI should provide some value to the business. This can be in terms of revenue generation, cost savings, process improvements, or enhanced customer satisfaction. The business value of a PBI helps in prioritizing the order of items in the backlog. Those items with higher business value receive a higher priority. For instance, a PBI centered on improving the speed of the checkout process on a shopping website can have high business value as it directly impacts conversion rates and customer satisfaction.
| PBI | Business Value |
|---|---|
| Improve Checkout Process | High |
| Add colour Themes | Medium |
| Fix minor text errors | Low |
In conclusion, these attributes (Priority, Estimated Size, and Business Value) are essential for PBIs. They allow both the scrum team and the product owner to manage, estimate, and deliver work efficiently throughout the project lifecycle. Like any aspect of Agile or Scrum methodologies, a sound understanding and execution of PBIs is essential to ensure a successful project outcome.
Practice Test
True or False: PBIs, or Product Backlog Items, always contain a complete action plan and detailed instructions for implementation.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: PBIs should be clear and concise yet leave room for the team to determine the best way to implement the solution.
In agile development, the three attributes of PBIs are: description, order and value. True or False?
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: These three attributes help in defining, ordering, and evaluating backlog items.
The development team is responsible for assigning value to PBIs. True or False?
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: The Product Owner is responsible for assigning value to the PBIs, helping to prioritize work based on value delivered.
PBIs should be ______ by the implementing team.
- a) Neglectable
- b) Estimable
- c) Unattainable
- d) None of the above
Answer: b) Estimable.
Explanation: A key attribute of effective PBIs is that they need to be estimable by the team that is going to implement them.
PBIs are focused on technical tasks. True or False?
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: PBIs are focused on delivering value to the customer, not on the underlying technical tasks needed to achieve that value.
One of the attributes of PBIs is being ____.
- a) Flexible
- b) Detailed
- c) Independent
- d) Dependent
Answer: c) Independent.
Explanation: Good PBIs are independent in order that they can be worked on in any order.
A PBI is always followed by a user story. True or False?
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: While user stories are often used in creating PBIs, this is not always the case. Other forms, such as use cases, can also be utilized.
PBIs need to provide value to the stakeholders. True or False?
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: One of the main attributes of a PBI is that it provides value to the stakeholders and helps achieve the goals of the project.
The Product owner is responsible for maintaining the PBI. True or False?
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: The Product Owner’s responsibility includes maintaining the Product Backlog, including its PBIs, to ensure they are relevant and prioritized.
PBI attributes include being testable. True or False?
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: An important attribute of a PBI is that it should be testable to ensure it meets its criteria and provides the expected value.
All PBIs should relate to one another. True or False?
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: PBIs should ideally be independent. If they have a dependence on other PBIs, it can complicate scheduling and implementation.
A PBI should be _____ for a customer to understand.
- a) Complex
- b) Simple
- c) Jargon-filled
- d) Long-winded
Answer: b) Simple.
Explanation: The Product Backlog Items should be simple and clear enough for a customer to understand, highlighting the value it provides.
PBIs should always be implemented in the order they are written. True or False?
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: Although PBIs are ordered by the Product Owner based on value and priority, the development team may implement them based on technical feasibility or dependencies.
Having both functional and non-functional requirements in PBIs is a best practice. True or False?
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: It’s good to have both functional and non-functional requirements in PBIs as they both provide value and are necessary for a complete product.
Acceptance criteria is not necessary in a PBI. True or False?
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: Acceptance criteria are necessary for a PBI as they define what it means for it to be finished and working as intended.
Interview Questions
What are the three key attributes of PBIs or Product Backlog Items?
The three key attributes of PBIs are: they should be valuable, negotiable and estimable.
Can you describe what it means for a PBI to be “Valuable”?
A PBI is valuable when it directly contributes to the goals and objectives of the product and the stakeholders see value in its implementation.
Could you define what it means for a PBI to be “Negotiable”?
A PBI is negotiable when the details are not concretely defined upfront. The development team and the product owner can negotiate the PBI’s form and implementation details according to the needs.
What does it mean for a PBI to be “Estimable”?
A PBI is estimable when the development team can reasonably estimate the complexity and work required to deliver it.
Can you discuss the importance of a PBI being valuable?
The importance of a PBI being valuable is that it justifies the time and resources used to implement it. If a PBI is not valuable, it would be a waste of resources to work on it.
Why is the negotiation attribute important in PBIs?
The negotiation attribute is crucial in PBIs because it allows for agile development, where requirements and solutions evolve through the collaborative efforts of self-organizing and cross-functional teams.
How does the Estimable attribute benefit the development team?
The Estimable attribute benefits the development team by allowing them to plan and manage the workload effectively. It aids in avoiding overcommitment or underutilization of resources.
Why are these attributes essential in Scrum methodology?
These attributes are vital in Scrum methodology as they ensure that the work is prioritized correctly, resources are effectively allocated, and all work drives value, leading to successful product delivery.
Can a PBI have more than these three attributes?
Yes, a PBI can have more attributes, such as being small enough to fit in a sprint and being testable. However, being valuable, negotiable, and estimable are considered the key ingredients.
How can a PBI be made more negotiable?
A PBI can be made more negotiable by avoiding too many technical details in its initial description, and by encouraging conversation about its implementation during planning meetings.
Is it okay to work on a PBI that is not estimable?
If a PBI is not estimable, it often indicates lack of understanding. It’s advisable to break it down further or defer it until enough is known to make it estimable.
What happens if a PBI is not valuable?
If a PBI is not valuable, it should not be worked on, as it won’t contribute positively towards the product’s goals and objectives.
How does being estimable contribute towards the success of a Sprint?
Being estimable helps to accurately plan the Sprint by ensuring the workload is achievable, thus contributing to the success of a Sprint.
Can negotiation of a PBI change its worth or value?
The negotiation of a PBI cannot change its inherent worth or value. The value is determined by the product owner based on the stakeholders’ needs. The negotiation is about how and when it can be best implemented.
How could a PBI lose its value?
A PBI could lose its value if the requirements of the product or stakeholders change, or if the market conditions change making the features it represents no longer relevant or needed.
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