The Development Team owns the Sprint Backlog.
Based on the provided reference, "The development team owns and maintains the sprint backlog."
Understanding the Sprint Backlog
The Sprint Backlog is a crucial artifact in the Agile framework, specifically Scrum. It represents the set of Product Backlog items selected for the Sprint, plus the plan for delivering the increment and realizing the Sprint Goal.
Here's a quick comparison mentioned in the reference:
| Backlog Type | Ownership/Maintenance | Scope | Durability | Adaptability During Sprint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint | Development Team | Short-term | Single Sprint | Cannot be altered |
| Product | Product Owner | Long-term | Evolves with product | Can be updated |
Why the Development Team Owns It
Ownership by the Development Team highlights their autonomy and responsibility for how they will achieve the Sprint Goal. They are the ones committing to deliver the work, so they plan how that work will be done within the Sprint.
Key aspects of this ownership include:
- Planning the Work: The team decides which items from the Product Backlog they can complete in a Sprint and how they will break down those items into actionable tasks.
- Self-Management: The team manages their own progress during the Sprint, adapting their plan within the Sprint Backlog as needed (though the reference states it cannot be altered during the sprint, implying the selected items and Sprint Goal are fixed, while the plan for how to deliver is adjusted). Correction based on reference: The reference explicitly states "The team cannot alter it during a sprint." This implies the content (selected items and plan) is fixed for the duration.
- Tracking Progress: The team is responsible for tracking their progress against the Sprint Backlog and communicating impediments.
The Sprint Backlog serves as the Development Team's plan for the Sprint. It is a highly visible, real-time picture of the work that the team plans to accomplish to achieve the Sprint Goal.
