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Scrum PSM I: Who creates the definition of Done?

Question

Who creates the definition of `Done`?

A. The Scrum Master as he/she is responsible for the Development Team’s productivity.
B. The Scrum Team, in a collaborative effort where the result is the common denominator of all members’ definition.
C. The Product Owner as he/she is responsible for the product’s success.
D. The development organization (or Development Team if none is available from the development organization).

Answer

D. The development organization (or Development Team if none is available from the development organization).

Explanation

One of the artifacts in the Scrum framework is the Definition of Done. This is a shared understanding of what it means for a Product Backlog item or an Increment to be complete and potentially releasable. It may include quality standards, acceptance criteria, testing methods, documentation requirements, etc. The Definition of Done creates transparency by providing a clear and consistent way to inspect the work done by the Development Team.

According to the Scrum Guide, Definition of Done is created by the development organization (or Development Team if none is available from the development organization). This is because the development organization is responsible for delivering a potentially releasable Increment of “Done” product at the end of each Sprint. The development organization may have standards or guidelines that apply to all Scrum Teams working on its products. If there are multiple Scrum Teams working on a product, they must mutually define and comply with the same Definition of Done.

Therefore, I think the best answer to your question is D. The development organization (or Development Team if none is available from the development organization). This is because this option reflects who creates the Definition of Done according to the Scrum Guide. The other options are not correct because they are not responsible for creating the Definition of Done. For example:

A. The Scrum Master as he/she is responsible for the Development Team’s productivity: This option is not correct because the Scrum Master is not responsible for creating the Definition of Done. The Scrum Master is responsible for promoting and supporting Scrum, including helping everyone understand Scrum theory, practices, rules and values. The Scrum Master may help the Development Team adhere to their Definition of Done, but does not create it for them.

B. The Scrum Team, in a collaborative effort where the result is the common denominator of all members’ definition: This option is not correct because the Scrum Team does not create the Definition of Done. The Scrum Team consists of one Product Owner, one Scrum Master and one Development Team. The Product Owner and the Scrum Master are not involved in creating the Definition of Done. The Development Team may create their own Definition of Done if there is no development organization or if there are no other Scrum Teams working on the same product.

C. The Product Owner as he/she is responsible for the product’s success: This option is not correct because the Product Owner is not responsible for creating the Definition of Done. The Product Owner is responsible for maximizing the value of the product resulting from work of the Development Team. The Product Owner may define what needs to be done by ordering and managing the Product Backlog items, but does not define how it needs to be done by creating the Definition of Done.

Reference

Scrum Professional Scrum Master PSM I certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the Scrum Professional Scrum Master PSM I exam and earn Scrum Professional Scrum Master PSM I certification.