Agile Scrum methodology may be very beneficial in a broad range of situations, but complications can occur if it is not correctly understood. It has its own set of terminology and working methods that may be confusing to people unfamiliar with the approach. In this post we will discuss part of the Agile jargon; Scrum Backlog.
However, if the whole team is unfamiliar with the agile methodology and its terms, things may easily fall into inefficiency. Two such potentially confusing scrum phrases are product backlog and sprint backlog, which are critical for planning and prioritization. Here is also a simple real use of scrum.
Before we go into the scrum backlogs, it’s important to keep in mind that Scrum is an agile methodology that emphasizes flexible, concurrent workflows. Scrum methodologies divide projects into sprints However Waterfall is most effective for projects that we want to finish in a linear manner and do not permit reverting to a previous phase. For more information, you can check our article on the agile vs waterfall technique.
What is a Product Backlog?
The product backlog is a list of all the tasks that we require to finish the project. However, this is not a simplistic task list. A well-organized product backlog splits each item task on the list into a sequence of stages that the development team could follow. There must be a period specified so that the team understands when to begin and how much time they will complete the job.
However, even if it has been planned, the product backlog is not fixed. As with the majority of elements of agile project management and agile scrum methodology, there will be adjustments. It is critical to maintaining flexibility. The project either extends or collapses.
We can say the same thing for the product backlog, which constantly changes and adapts to the development team’s work. In the ideal state, it implies that the product backlog is decreasing since we will remove completed tasks from the product backlog.
What is Sprint Backlog?
A Sprint Backlog is a list of tasks that are scheduled to be completed during a sprint.
The sprint backlog is similar to the product backlog in that it is a subsection of the product backlog. This backlog is derived from the product backlog, but it includes only those tasks that can be accomplished within an agile sprint.
Moreover, It will be determined by the project’s complexity, but the goal is to devote the team to just those items that can be accomplished within the sprint.
However, unlike product backlog, the sprint backlog, on the other hand, remains constant throughout the sprint. It is modifiable during the sprint planning meeting. Once agreed upon, the sprint’s elements and associated steps are frozen for the duration of the sprint. If any items remain incomplete critical sprint, they will be put to the product backlog and we handle them during the next sprint.
Product Scrum Backlog
To successfully deploy product backlogs, follow the steps described below. So the Product Owner is the most important person in the team; read this twice to understand and prioritize your backlogs rapidly.
Recognize
Recognize the project’s scope and break it down into stages so that the team can envision and accomplish the job in a timely way. Before interacting with the team, discuss your idea with the client.
Prioritize
Set a priority for each item and rank them in order of importance. It will be more beneficial if you sit with the team and Scrum Master when prioritizing.
Estimate
Estimate the stories depending on the commonly agreed criteria. Maintain a high degree of abstraction in your stories and never go into depth when estimating. The team will complete this job of splitting it down, and the Product Owner can leave it at a high level. Allow the team to make their own decisions about their time estimates without interfering too much.
Keep it dynamic
Keep the backlog dynamic by allowing for revisiting depending on the customer’s ideas and the team’s possibilities and keep the list open so that backlogs may be added or removed at any point throughout the project.
Practical ways in managing Sprint Scrum Backlog
In agile scrum methodology, there are many effective methods to manage the Sprint Backlog.
The Scrum team will review the product backlog and choose a task to execute in the sprints based on the Product Owner’s priority. The recommendations listed below may help you handle these sprint backlogs efficiently.
Think and Make a Decision
Even if the Scrum Master organizes the sprint meeting, they do not make all of the decisions. n agile scrum methodology, you have to allow the team to debate and select each backlog so that each cross-functional group member may concentrate on their area of expertise.
Accept and do not assign
After the team has discussed and agreed on the backlogs and the time estimate for completing the job, they will accept work and do not let any person assign any task.
Update the backlog on a regular basis
During standup meetings, update the document daily so that the Product Owner can create a burndown chart and assess if the sprint backlog will be finished within the scheduled sprint.
Accept extra tasks
Sprint backlog items do not have to be coding-related; any work needed for delivery may be accepted at any time throughout the sprint.
Conclusion
Product backlogs and sprint backlogs are two different types of backlogs that we use in product development. The team needs it to stay motivated to complete the task. They provide an update on the current development as well as the remaining suggestions for improvements to the product. If a Product Backlog does not exist, a Sprint Backlog cannot be established. Product Backlog, on the other hand, can exist on its own. These backlogs are critical because they serve as a clear record that keeps all members of the Scrum Team and stakeholders informed about the product.