The structuring of a complex or multi-team Product Backlog is a crucial area for study. In Scrum, a Product Backlog is a prioritized list of work for the development team that originates from the product roadmap and its requirements. It contains a prioritized list of business and technical functionalities needed to develop a product or a software.

For a complex or multi-team backlog, proper structuring plays an essential role in ensuring clear communication and proper alignment on priorities among different teams. Here are three criteria that can be used to structure such a Backlog:

Ultimately, structuring a complex or multi-team Product Backlog requires a flexible, iterative approach. Each Backlog is unique and should be tailored to the particular project, team and business context. With these three criteria correctly appraised, the Certified Scrum Professional – ScrumMaster (CSP-SM) candidate would be well on their way to mastering the management of intricate Backlogs for the successful completion of projects.

Practice Test

True or False: The Product Backlog can be structured based on the functionality of features.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: Structuring a Product Backlog based on the functionality allows for a more clear and efficient way of working on and completing product features.

Multiple Select: Which of the following are common criteria for structuring a complex or multi-team Product Backlog?

  • A) Priority
  • B) Risk
  • C) Size
  • D) Color

Answer: A) Priority, B) Risk, C) Size

Explanation: Priority, Risk, and Size are common criteria used for structuring a complex or multi-team Product Backlog. The color of a backlog item is not a usual criterion.

True or False: The chronological order of implementation is a valid structure criterion for the Product Backlog.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: The chronological order of implementation helps prioritize tasks and hence, can be used as a structure criterion.

Single Select: What cannot be considered as a criteria for structuring Product Backlog?

  • A) Customer value
  • B) Dependencies
  • C) Time and cost
  • D) Design preference of the team

Answer: D) Design preference of the team

Explanation: While customer value, dependencies and time and cost are all valid considerations, the design preference of the team doesn’t fit into the criteria for structuring a product backlog.

True or False: The complexity of the tasks is not a criterion for structuring a Product Backlog.

  • True
  • False

Answer: False

Explanation: The complexity of the tasks can be a criterion as it helps in prioritizing tasks and aids in the allocation of resources.

Multiple Select: The following are reasons to structure the Product Backlog, except:

  • A) To help with prioritization
  • B) To make it more readable
  • C) To give a clearer picture of the project
  • D) To reduce the importance of the Product Owner

Answer: D) To reduce the importance of the Product Owner

Explanation: Structuring the Product Backlog helps with prioritization, readability and giving a clear picture of the project, but it doesn’t reduce the importance of the Product Owner.

True or False: Using customer feedback as a criterion for structuring a Product Backlog can help make it more customer-centric.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: Using customer feedback allows for the creation of a customer-centric Product Backlog, as the feedback ensures the product is being developed as per customer requirements.

Single Select: Which of the following is not an advised method of structuring a Product Backlog?

  • A) Based on business value
  • B) Based on risk
  • C) Based on priority
  • D) Based on the preference of the Scrum team

Answer: D) Based on the preference of the Scrum team

Explanation: Prioritization should be based on business value, risk, and priority, not the personal preferences of the Scrum Team.

True or False: The Product Backlog can be structured based solely on the estimated effort.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: Estimated effort is one of the criteria that could be used to structure the Product Backlog, however, it’s usually also combined with other criteria.

Multiple Select: Structuring a Product Backlog is beneficial for:

  • A) Prioritizing tasks
  • B) Understanding project requirements
  • C) Visualizing the project’s progress
  • D) Deciding the color scheme of the project

Answer: A) Prioritizing tasks, B) Understanding project requirements, C) Visualizing the project’s progress

Explanation: Structuring a Product Backlog can help prioritize tasks, understand project requirements and visualize progress, while the project’s color scheme is irrelevant to these considerations.

True or False: Structuring a Product Backlog based on potential risks can help in risk management.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: Risk-based structuring allows for the prioritization of tasks based on the risks associated with them, aiding risk management during the development process.

Single Select: Who is primarily responsible for maintaining the structure of the Product Backlog?

  • A) ScrumMaster
  • B) Product Owner
  • C) Development Team
  • D) Stakeholder

Answer: B) Product Owner

Explanation: The Product Owner is responsible for managing the Product Backlog, which includes maintaining and adjusting its structure as needed. The ScrumMaster, Development Team, and Stakeholders all play crucial roles in the Scrum process, but none of them are primarily responsible for the structure of the Product Backlog.

Interview Questions

What is one primary criterion that can be used for structuring a complex or multi-team product backlog?

One criterion is business value, where items that provide the most benefit to the business are ranked higher in the backlog.

Why is the order of implementation a key criterion for structuring a multi-team Product Backlog?

The order of implementation can prioritize key features or functionalities that need to be delivered first due to either business needs, dependencies, or other constraints.

What does the criterion of “risk and uncertainty” entail when structuring a complex product backlog?

This criterion entails considering the potential risks and uncertainties associated with each backlog item. Those with the highest risks or uncertainties may need to be addressed first, in order to decrease overall project risk.

Why is estimated effort often used as a criterion for structuring a multi-team product backlog?

The estimated effort required can indicate the complexity and size of backlog items. This can help teams prioritize work based on their capacity, ensuring that tasks are neither too big to handle nor unnecessarily delay the overall schedule.

What does the criterion of “architectural significance” involve when structuring a complex product backlog?

This can refer to items that may have a significant impact on the product’s architecture. These items are often prioritized due to their potential to impact many other features or require substantial resources.

How does the dependencies criterion function in the structuring a multi-team product backlog?

Dependencies refer to the relationship between different backlog items. Items that have many dependencies or are depended upon by many other items should be prioritized to minimize delays and bottlenecks.

Can customer feedback be considered a criterion for structuring a complex product backlog?

Yes, customer feedback is a valid and crucial criterion. Backlog items directly addressing customer demands or reported issues should be prioritized for the product to closely meet market requirements.

What is the impact of team skills set while structuring a multi-team product backlog?

Team skill set is a critical factor. Backlog items that align with the current skills of team members can be planned for earlier sprints, while those requiring skill upgradation or external help can be planned accordingly.

Why is legal/regulatory compliance a potential criterion for prioritizing a complex product backlog?

Items that ensure compliance with legal or regulatory requirements are essential to mitigate any risks of non-compliance, which can lead to fines or penalties.

How does innovation potential serve as a criterion in structuring a multi-team product backlog?

Backlog items that contribute more to innovation, often lead to competitive advantage. These items, while they may initially seem less urgent, may be strategically important and thus prioritized.

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