The Product Backlog is an ordered list of whatever needs to be done in the project. It is the single source of requirements for any changes to be made to the product. A Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) is responsible for maximizing the value of the product that the development team creates, and he/she carries out this responsibility by maintaining and constantly refining the Product Backlog.

The Product Backlog evolves as the product and the environment in which it will be used evolves. The Product Backlog items have the attributes of a description, order, estimate, and value. They are often defined by User Stories, which are descriptions of the functionality that the software should have, expressed from the perspective of an end user.

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Example of a Product Backlog Item

For instance, a good Product Backlog item might look something like this:

“As a mobile user, I would like the application to remember my login information so that I don’t have to enter it each time I use the application.”

Desired Outcome: The application should have a “Remember Me” checkbox on the login page. When checked, the application should securely store the user’s login information and prefill it the next time the user opens the application.

Value: This will increase the ease of use for frequent users, encouraging them to use the application even more.

Roles and Responsibilities of CSPO

The CSPO is the one who makes sure that the Product Backlog is visible, transparent, and clear to all, every item has a value assigned and shows what will be done next. It’s crucial for the Product Owner to understand, what are the differentiating factors in tackling the Product Backlog and prioritizing items on it. The focus is always at the maximization of value. One concept that helps here is Cost of Delay, combined with business value. It helps to identify valuable items and to reduce the time to market.

A simple comparison between High and Low Value and High and Low Cost of Delay might look something like:

High Value Low Value
High CoD High Priority Medium Priority
Low CoD Medium Priority Low Priority

CoD = Cost of Delay

The Product Owner has to apply these concepts in the real world to create a deliverable Product Backlog. Furthermore, the Product Owner uses the backlog to set the course of the project and to respond to emerging requirements and technologies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having a clear description of the desired outcome and value of each Product Backlog item is essential in Scrum. It not only clarifies the expectations but also ensures that the produced work is valuable and beneficial for the users. By clearly articulating and understanding these aspects, the CSPO can ensure the product’s success and align the team on what must be done next.

Practice Test

True or False: A Product Backlog item should include a description of the desired outcome.

Answer: True

Explanation: To ensure clarity about what is to be accomplished, every item on the Product Backlog must provide a precise description of the desired outcome.

What is the best method for conveying the value of a Product Backlog item?

  • a. Attaching a price tag to it
  • b. By explaining its direct impact on the business
  • c. By giving it a high priority

Answer: b. By explaining its direct impact on the business

Explanation: The value of a Product Backlog item is best explained by outlining its direct impact on the business or users, it helps the development team to understand why this work is important.

True or False: The Product Owner is the one who decides the value of a Product Backlog item.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Product Owner is responsible for determining the value of a Product Backlog item, this in turn helps in prioritizing the items in the backlog.

Select all that apply: What should be included in a Product Backlog Item?

  • a. Description of the desired outcome
  • b. Definition of Done
  • c. Value explanation
  • d. Acceptance criteria

Answer: a. Description of the desired outcome; c. Value explanation; d. Acceptance criteria

Explanation: A Product Backlog Item should include a description of what the team is aiming for, what value this item can bring, and acceptance criteria. The Definition of Done applies to the work that is directly connected to the creation of a Potentially Shippable Increment.

True or False: A Product Backlog Item should always be a feature.

Answer: False

Explanation: A Product Backlog Item can be a feature, a user story, a bug fix, a technical work, or even a knowledge acquisition.

The value explanation of a Product Backlog Item helps the development team to:

  • a. Decide if they want to work on it
  • b. Understand why this work is important
  • c. Negotiate its importance with the Product Owner

Answer: b. Understand why this work is important

Explanation: By explaining what value a Product Backlog Item can bring to the business or to the users, the development team creates an understanding of the importance of the work.

True or False: The description of desired outcome in a Product Backlog Item should be written in technical language.

Answer: False

Explanation: The description of desired outcome should be written in a language that is understandable to all stakeholders, not just to technical team members.

Who is responsible for writing the Product Backlog Items?

  • a. The Scrum Master
  • b. The Product Owner
  • c. The whole team

Answer: b. The Product Owner

Explanation: The Product Owner is usually responsible for creating and refining Product Backlog Items.

True or False: A Product Backlog Item can be created mid-sprint if necessary.

Answer: True

Explanation: While it’s ideal to have Product Backlog Items ready and prioritized before a Sprint starts, in certain cases new items can be created based on new information or changes that emerged mid-sprint.

The value of a Product Backlog Item is usually associated with:

  • a. The amount of effort to implement it
  • b. The impact on the business or on the users
  • c. The complexity of the task

Answer: b. The impact on the business or on the users

Explanation: The value of a Product Backlog Item is associated with the benefits it will bring to the business or to the users, not with the effort or complexity of the task.

Interview Questions

Q1: What is a Product Backlog in Scrum methodology?

A1: A Product Backlog is a sorted list of everything that needs to be done within the project. It contains an ordered list of Product Backlog Items (PBIs), ideally expressed in terms of user value and ordered by priority.

Q2: What is a Product Backlog Item?

A2: A Product Backlog Item (PBI) is an atomic, coherent part of the product development which usually includes a description, order of priority, and estimate.

Q3: What essential elements should a PBI include?

A3: A PBI should include a description, value, order, and an estimate.

Q4: What is the importance of a description in the Product Backlog Item?

A4: The description provides clear details about what is expected from a specific item. It gives everyone involved a clear understanding of what needs to be achieved with that PBI.

Q5: How important is the ‘desired outcome’ in a Product Backlog Item?

A5: The ‘desired outcome’ is very important as it defines the goal that needs to be reached in order to consider the item as done. It provides a clear path for the development team and helps setting expectations.

Q6: What does ‘value’ mean in the context of a Product Backlog Item?

A6: ‘Value’ in a PBI implies both the benefits to the end-user and business value. This helps in prioritizing the Product Backlog and enables the Scrum Team to focus on the most valuable elements first.

Q7: Why is it necessary to include ‘value’ in a Product Backlog Item?

A7: ‘Value’ helps in understanding the importance of the item in achieving business objectives and in meeting user needs. This helps the Product Owner in prioritizing the PBIs.

Q8: How does a PBI contribute to the successful implementation of Scrum?

A8: A well-defined PBI advantages the Scrum team by giving them clear and prioritized goals, and the stakeholders by accurately reflecting their needs and priorities in a flexible, continually updated format.

Q9: Can a Product Backlog Item be updated or changed?

A9: Yes, PBIs can be updated or changed. The Product Backlog is a living document, so items can be added, removed, or reprioritized depending on the project requirements and stakeholder feedback.

Q10: How does a Product Owner decide the priority of items in the Product Backlog?

A10: The priority will be defined based on the value, risk, dependencies, and learning outcomes associated with each PBI. It’s typically the Product Owner’s role to decide on these priorities.

Q11: Why is it important for PBIs to be ‘independently deliverable’?

A11: Making PBIs independently deliverable gives the development team the flexibility to work on the tasks in the order of the priority set by the Product Owner without worrying about dependencies.

Q12: How does ‘value’ in a PBI assist in the prioritization of the Product Backlog?

A12: The ‘value’ aspect of a PBI assists in the prioritization of the Product Backlog as it allows the Product Owner to order the PBIs based on the value they add to the customer and the business.

Q13: Who is responsible for creating the Product Backlog Item?

A13: It is primarily the Product Owner’s responsibility to create PBIs, however, any member of the team can propose items. The Product Owner is then responsible for prioritizing these items.

Q14: Can a Product Backlog be changed after it has been finalized?

A14: The Product Backlog is a live document and can be updated as and when necessary to meet the project requirements and stakeholder feedback.

Q15: What happens if a Product Backlog Item is not completed within a sprint?

A15: If a PBI is not completed within a sprint, it can be carried over to the next sprint or reprioritized depending on its value and urgency.

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