Which statement is true about the Product Backlog? Choose only ONE best answer.
A. It should not have more than 6 months of work.
B. It supplements the requirements document.
c. It is a living artifact that evolves as the product and the environment in which it will be used evolves.
D. It is a complete project plan that the Scrum Team commits to completing.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C. It is a living artifact that evolves as the product and the environment in which it will be used evolves.
Explanation:
The Product Backlog is a key element in Scrum, representing an ordered list of everything that might be needed in the product. It is dynamic and continuously updated throughout the product development lifecycle. As new information emerges about customer needs, market conditions, technology changes, or business priorities, the Product Backlog is refined and reordered. This flexibility allows the Scrum Team to adapt to changing circumstances and deliver the most valuable features first.
Option A is incorrect because there is no strict rule limiting the Product Backlog to only six months of work. The backlog can span various lengths of time depending on the product’s complexity and roadmap. Instead, it is prioritized so the most important and immediate items are worked on first.
Option B is incorrect because the Product Backlog is not merely a supplement to a traditional requirements document. It replaces heavy upfront documentation with a more agile, evolving list of product needs that drives development.
Option D is incorrect because the Product Backlog is not a fixed project plan. Scrum embraces adaptability rather than committing to a complete plan upfront. The backlog items are refined continuously, and the Scrum Team commits to deliverables only for the current Sprint, not the entire project.
In summary, the Product Backlog is a living, evolving artifact that reflects the current understanding of what the product needs to deliver. Its ongoing refinement allows the Scrum Team to remain flexible and focused on delivering value aligned with changing priorities and external conditions.