The Sprint Backlog is one of the three Scrum artifacts, alongside the Product Backlog and the Increment. It is a dynamic plan that contains:
The selected Product Backlog items for the Sprint.
A plan for delivering the Increment and achieving the Sprint Goal.
The tasks and work needed to complete the selected items.
The Scrum Guide explicitly states that the Sprint Backlog is owned and managed solely by the Developers.
Analysis of Answer Choices:
Option A: The Developers (Correct)
The Developers create, maintain, and update the Sprint Backlog throughout the Sprint.
They have full ownership over their work and the plan required to meet the Sprint Goal.
As self-managing professionals, only the Developers decide how to accomplish their work.
Option B: The Scrum Master (Incorrect)
The Scrum Master is a servant leader and coach, not responsible for managing the Sprint Backlog.
They help the Scrum Team understand and follow Scrum practices, but they do not own or control artifacts.
Option C: The Product Owner (Incorrect)
The Product Owner manages the Product Backlog, ensuring it is prioritized to maximize value.
However, they do not dictate how work is done in a Sprint or modify the Sprint Backlog.
Option D: The Scrum Team (Incorrect)
While the Scrum Team (Developers, Product Owner, and Scrum Master) collaborates, the Sprint Backlog belongs exclusively to the Developers.
Key Scrum Guide Principles Supporting This Answer:
" The Sprint Backlog is a plan by and for the Developers. It is highly visible, real-time, and should be adapted as needed throughout the Sprint. "
" Only the Developers can change the Sprint Backlog during a Sprint. "
Conclusion:
The Developers are fully responsible for the Sprint Backlog. They create, modify, and own the plan to meet the Sprint Goal, ensuring agility and self-management.