Sprint backlog

Definition

A sprint backlog is a prioritized list of tasks and items that a development team commits to completing during a specific sprint in the Scrum framework. This list is derived from the product backlog and consists of user stories, bugs, and other tasks that the team selects to achieve the sprint goal. It serves as a focal point for the team, allowing them to manage their work effectively and track progress throughout the sprint.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sprint backlog is created during the sprint planning meeting where the development team selects items from the product backlog based on priority and estimated effort.
2. It is a living document that can be modified during the sprint as new information emerges or when tasks are completed ahead of schedule.
3. The sprint backlog must remain visible to all team members, typically displayed on a physical or digital board, fostering transparency and accountability.
4. The items in the sprint backlog are often broken down into smaller tasks to help teams manage their workload more effectively and facilitate daily progress tracking.
5. Each item in the sprint backlog is usually estimated in terms of effort required, enabling teams to plan better and measure their capacity for future sprints.

Review Questions

• How does the sprint backlog influence a Scrum team's ability to meet their sprint goal?
  • The sprint backlog directly influences a Scrum team's ability to meet their sprint goal by providing a focused list of tasks that are prioritized based on what is essential for achieving that goal. By clearly outlining what needs to be accomplished during the sprint, it allows team members to allocate their time and resources efficiently. Regularly reviewing and updating the sprint backlog ensures that any adjustments needed to stay aligned with the goal can be made promptly.
• Discuss how the relationship between the product backlog and the sprint backlog affects project prioritization.
  • The relationship between the product backlog and the sprint backlog is crucial for project prioritization because items in the sprint backlog are selected from the product backlog based on their priority and relevance to current goals. The product backlog reflects the overall vision and requirements of the project, while the sprint backlog allows teams to focus on immediate tasks for successful delivery within a specific timeframe. This connection ensures that efforts are aligned with both short-term objectives and long-term project goals.
• Evaluate how effective management of the sprint backlog can contribute to improved team performance over multiple sprints.
  • Effective management of the sprint backlog contributes to improved team performance over multiple sprints by fostering continuous learning and adaptation. When teams regularly update their sprint backlogs based on retrospectives and lessons learned from previous sprints, they can refine their processes, improve estimation accuracy, and better understand their capacity. This iterative refinement allows teams to become more efficient and responsive over time, ultimately enhancing their ability to deliver value consistently.

Related terms

product backlog: A dynamic, ordered list of features, enhancements, bug fixes, and technical tasks required to develop a product, serving as the single source of truth for what needs to be completed.

sprint goal: A clear and concise statement that defines what the team aims to achieve during a sprint, guiding the work in the sprint backlog.

Scrum team: A cross-functional group of individuals responsible for delivering a potentially releasable product increment at the end of each sprint, including roles like Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developers.