Concepts
When studying for the Certified Scrum Professional – ScrumMaster (CSP-SM) exam, it is crucial to understand the connection between Product Goal and Product Backlog. The Product Goal provides a long-term objective that a Scrum team is working towards, while the Product Backlog is a list of tasks or features that the team plans to work on to achieve the Product Goal. There are several techniques one can use to facilitate the move from the Product Goal to the Product Backlog. This article will explore two such techniques: Decomposition and Prioritization, complete with examples for a deeper understanding.
Decomposition
Decomposition is the practice of breaking down the Product Goal into smaller, more manageable items, often referred to as Product Backlog Items (PBIs). These PBIs constitute the Product Backlog. This method aids in organizing the work that the Scrum team needs to execute to establish the Product Goal.
For example, if your Product Goal is to create an online bookstore, you would need to decompose that into smaller tasks – this could include creating a user interface (UI), setting up a payment system, linking up with publishers for book details, establishing security protocols, etc. Each of these tasks forms an individual PBI and collectively constitutes your Product Backlog.
As a quick comparison:
| Before Decomposition | After Decomposition |
| Product Goal: Build an Online Bookstore | Product Backlog: 1. Design UI – 2. Set up payment system – 3. Link to book publishers – 4. Implement security protocols |
Prioritization
Once the Product Backlog is established through decomposition, the next step is to prioritize these backlog items. Prioritization helps the team decide on which items to focus first based on value, risk, dependencies, and a variety of other factors. This ensures that the most important items are addressed first, making the team’s work more efficient and effective.
Returning to our example, considering the features needed for an online bookstore, you will need to prioritize these PBIs. Creating the user interface could be given high priority to attract and retain users while implementing security protocols could be given second priority to protect user information. Setting up the payment system may be the next priority to perform transactions successfully, and finally, linking to book publishers could be the last priority once the primary features are up and running.
Here’s how it might look:
| Priority | Product Backlog Item |
| 1 | Design UI |
| 2 | Implement security protocols |
| 3 | Set up payment system |
| 4 | Link to book publishers |
Remember, the order might change based on actual business needs and strategic decisions. The key takeaway is to have a logical order in tackling the Product Backlog items, based on their respective value and urgency.
Mastering the skills of Decomposition and Prioritization will allow Scrum Masters—if not all members of the Scrum team—to effectively break down Product Goals into manageable, actionable items. The intentional and strategic move from setting a Product Goal to creating and refining the Product Backlog is essential in reaching product success and ensuring that the Scrum team is consistently delivering value.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True/False: One of the techniques for moving from Product Goal to Product Backlog is the use of User Stories.
Answer: True
Explanation: User Stories is a popular technique utilized in Scrum for defining product features from a user perspective. They help in connecting the product goal with the product backlog.
Which technique is commonly used to move from Product Goal to Product Backlog?
- a) Gantt Chart
- b) User Stories
- c) SWOT Analysis
- d) Pareto Chart
Answer: b) User Stories
Explanation: User Stories help to break down the product goal into smaller, manageable tasks (product backlog items) that contribute towards achieving the product goal.
True/False: The Product Owner is responsible for applying techniques to move from product goal to product backlog.
Answer: True
Explanation: The product owner is primarily responsible for the product backlog, including converting the product goal to actionable items.
Multiple Select: Which of the following are techniques for moving from the Product Goal to the Product Backlog in Scrum?
- a) User Stories
- b) Use Cases
- c) Product Roadmapping
- d) Risk Assessment
Answer: a) User Stories, b) Use Cases, c) Product Roadmapping
Explanation: These are techniques for defining and elaborating the product backlog items from the product goals.
True/False: It is not necessary to apply at least two techniques when moving from Product Goal to Product Backlog.
Answer: False
Explanation: Applying various techniques like user stories, use cases, etc, helps in creating a comprehensive product backlog addressing various aspects of the product goal.
Which of the following is NOT a technique for moving from Product Goal to Product Backlog?
- a) User Stories
- b) SWOT Analysis
- c) Prototyping
- d) Product Roadmapping
Answer: b) SWOT Analysis
Explanation: SWOT Analysis is a strategic planning tool and is not typically used to move from Product Goal to Product Backlog.
True/False: Story Mapping technique does not assist in moving from Product goal to the Product backlog.
Answer: False
Explanation: Story Mapping is an effective way of converting product goals into user-oriented tasks for product backlog.
Is it important to prioritize the Product Backlog items after moving from the Product Goal?
- a) Yes
- b) No
Answer: a) Yes
Explanation: Prioritizing helps to organize the product backlog based on business value and urgent needs.
Multiple Select: The techniques for moving from Product Goal to Product Backlog are used to establish:
- a) Scope
- b) Timeline
- c) Costs
- d) Client Expectations
- e) Risks
Answer: a) Scope, d) Client Expectations
Explanation: The techniques are used to define and clarify what is required (scope) and what the customer expects from the product (client expectations).
True/False: One can apply the same set of techniques to move from Product Goal to Product Backlog for every project.
Answer: False
Explanation: The specific techniques employed to move from the product goal to the product backlog may vary based on the nature and requirements of each individual project.
Great blog post! Applying techniques to transition from Product Goal to Product Backlog is crucial.
I usually start with user story mapping to break down the Product Goal into smaller deliverable features.
I found that impact mapping is another great technique to decompose the Product Goal.
Thanks for the informative post!
Using the MoSCoW method can also assist in prioritizing backlog items derived from the Product Goal.
For larger goals, I use the technique of breaking down epics into stories.
Story mapping is good, but it can be time-consuming if not done properly.
Thanks for sharing! Very helpful.