The Product Backlog basically is a comprehensive record of tasks that are yet to be completed. It acts as an intermediary between the product owner and scrum team, both expressing the vision of the product owner and outlining the project roadmap for the Scrum team. The tasks on the Product Backlog are referred to as Product Backlog items (PBIs). Each PBI has multiple attributes that make them self-sustaining units of work, providing clarity to the team on what the envisioned final product should resemble. Below we’ll explore three key attributes of Product Backlog items: description, order, and estimate.
A brief description of these attributes is as below:
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Description:
This is essentially a clear understanding of what is expected out of the PBI. It should succinctly cover “what” part of the PBI. The description involves not just the item’s functionality, but sometimes also the reasons behind why this item is necessary for the product.
Example: For a PBI to add a new payment method to an e-commerce website, the description could be “Implement PayPal as a payment option on checkout page to provide customers with more choices.”
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Order:
This attribute includes the prioritization of the Product Backlog items. The items are arranged in decreasing order of their value, i.e., the items delivering the maximum value are at the top, while those with lesser value are found lower on the list.
Example: If an e-commerce site owner wants to decrease cart abandonment rates, the PBI to add guest checkout might be higher on the list than a PBI to add a new product category.
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Estimate:
This is a crucial attribute which refers to the effort needed to complete the PBI, measured usually in terms of time or story points. Estimates give transparency about the work effort and can help the Scrum team determine how many items can be taken up in a particular sprint.
Example: A minor tweak, like changing the color scheme of the website, might be estimated at 2 story points, whereas integrating a new payment method could be estimated at 8 story points.
The table below summarizes these attributes:
| Attribute | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Summarizes the “what” factor of the PBI | Add PayPal as a payment option |
| Order | Determines the priority level of the PBI | Prioritize ‘add guest checkout’ over ‘add new product category’ |
| Estimate | Indicates the effort to complete the PBI | Change color scheme: 2 story points; add PayPal integration: 8 story points |
Understanding these attributes is essential for the effective use of a Product Backlog. They not only help in communicating the vision of the product owner but also help the Scrum team understand the tasks and arrange them corresponding to their value and efforts required. Furthermore, these attributes facilitate the addition of new items to the backlog and aid in continuous revaluation and refinement of the backlog, thus ensuring an up-to-date and actionable plan always exists to steer the team’s effort in the right direction.
Remember, a well-managed Product Backlog is decisive for the success of a Scrum project and understanding these attributes of a PBI plays a crucial role in this.
Practice Test
True or False: One of the attributes of a Product Backlog item is a detailed specification for the product function.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: While a Product Backlog item may include a description of the desired function, it does not necessarily need to be detailed, and instead may be brief, flexible, and open to interpretation.
In SCRUM, which of the following are attributes of a Product Backlog item? Select all that apply.
- a. Description
- b. Order
- c. Estimate
- d. Specificity
Answer: a, b, and c.
Explanation: A backlog item usually contains a description, order, and an estimate. Specificity can vary, as backlog items can range from vague notions to detailed descriptions based on the stage of the project.
True or False: A value is one of the attributes of a Product Backlog item.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: While it may not always be explicit, the value or the projected benefit of a Product Backlog item is an essential attribute. It helps prioritize backlog items.
Which of the following attributes aid in the prioritization of Product Backlog items?
- a. Description
- b. Value
- c. Priority
- d. Estimate
Answer: a, b, and d.
Explanation: The priority helps in prioritization, but it is influenced by the description, value, and estimate of a Backlog item.
True or False: The order of a Product Backlog item is determined by the Development Team.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: The order of Product Backlog items is determined by the Product Owner, often through consultation with the team and stakeholders.
Multiple select: Which of the following are defined attributes of a Product Backlog item in SCRUM?
- a. Test Conditions
- b. Completion Date
- c. Design
- d. Value
Answer: a, and d.
Explanation: Test Conditions and Value are two of the defined attributes, while Completion Date and Design can be part of the Scrum Team’s conversations but are not defined attributes in SCRUM.
True or False: The dependency is an attribute of the SCRUM Product Backlog Item.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: In SCRUM, dependencies among backlog items are considered during backlog refinement and planning.
Which among the following attributes of a Product Backlog item can be changed after the Sprint begins?
- a. Value
- b. Order
- c. Description
Answer: None.
Explanation: Once a Sprint has begun, you should not change the Product Backlog items that are committed to that Sprint.
True or False: A Product Backlog item must include a detailed time estimate.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: While it is useful to have an estimate for planning purposes, it doesn’t need to be detailed. The SCRUM methodology advocates for relative sizing.
Which among the following attributes is not part of a Product Backlog item?
- a. Task owner
- b. Order
- c. Value
- d. Description
Answer: a. Task Owner.
Explanation: The task owner is not an attribute of a backlog item. The concept of a singular ‘task owner’ is not present in SCRUM.
Which of the following are attributes for a Product Backlog item?
- a. Size
- b. Description
- c. Order
- d. Color
Answer: a, b, and c.
Explanation: Size, description, and order are actual attributes for a product backlog item, whereas color is not.
True or False: A product backlog item might include non-functional requirements.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: Backlog items can include any type of requirement, including functional, non-functional, technical work, and even knowledge acquisition work.
Which of the following is not an attribute of a Product Backlog item?
- a. Size
- b. Test conditions
- c. Value
- d. Color
Answer: d. Color.
Explanation: Color is not an attribute of a Product Backlog item. This was a trick question designed to test understanding of the actual attributes of backlog items (size, test conditions, value, etc.).
The priority of backlog items is determined by whom?
- a. Stakeholders
- b. Scrum Master
- c. The Product Owner
- d. The Development Team
Answer: c. The Product Owner.
Explanation: While all parties have input, the final decision on the priority of backlog items lies with the Product Owner.
True or False: The dependencies of a Product Backlog item is indicated by its sequence in the backlog list.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The position or order of an item in the backlog can reflect its priority, but not its dependencies. Dependencies are usually discussed during backlog refinement and planning.
Interview Questions
What is one main attribute of a Product Backlog Item in Scrum?
One main attribute of a Product Backlog Item is that it adds value to the product or project.
Can you name one essential attribute a Product Backlog Item should have according to Scrum guidelines?
The product backlog item should be estimable, allowing the team to understand the effort required to complete it.
What makes a Product Backlog Item “independently valuable”?
A Product Backlog Item is “independently valuable” when it can be developed and delivered separately from other items, bringing unique value to the user or the business.
According to Scrum, what should be a key attribute of a Product Backlog Item?
A key attribute of a Product Backlog Item according to Scrum is that it should be testable. This ensures that the final result meets the success criteria defined by the Product Owner.
What does it mean for a Product Backlog Item to be “small enough”?
A Product Backlog Item is “small enough” if it can be completed by the development team within one sprint.
How is the description of a Product Backlog Item important as one of its attributes?
A well-described Product Backlog Item is vital as it provides sufficient details for the Development Team to understand what’s to be done, reducing ambiguity and potential misinterpretations.
Is negotiability an essential attribute of a Product Backlog Item? Why?
Yes, negotiability is an essential attribute. It means that the details of the work can be refined and adjusted through collaboration between the Product Owner and the Development Team.
Why does a Product Backlog Item need to be valuable?
It needs to be valuable to ensure that every effort invested in its development will lead to an actual improvement or useful feature in the final product.
How does the attribute of being estimable benefit a Product Backlog Item’s development in Scrum?
The attribute of being estimable allows the team to evaluate the complexity of the work, plan the sprint more effectively, and better predict effort and timelines.
Why should a Product Backlog Item be able to provide an increment of potentially shippable functionality?
It should provide this increment so that the item, once completed, can add measurable progress towards the product goal, which could potentially be delivered to end users.
What is the importance of a Backlog Item being “testable”?
Being “testable” ensures quality control and that the final result aligns with the predefined success criteria.
Can a Product Backlog Item be changed after being added to the backlog?
Yes, a Product Backlog Item is flexible according to the negotiable attribute, which allows changes to be discussed and agreed upon.
Why is it necessary for each Product Backlog Item to be independent?
Each Product Backlog Item should be independent to avoid dependencies between different items. This allows for better sprint planning and smooth execution of tasks.
Does the order of Product Backlog Items matter?
Yes, Product Backlog Items are typically prioritized based on their value, risk, and dependencies. Higher priority items are more important and are often developed first.
According to Scrum, should a Product Backlog Item have a function for preparing the launch of the product?
Yes, each Product Backlog Item should contribute to the overall product increment, assisting in reaching the product’s launch phase.
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