CAPM Agile Frameworks and Methodologies Practice Question
A team is using Scrum and notices that the Product Owner frequently changes priorities during the Sprint, causing the team to rework tasks. What should the Scrum Master do first?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse the Product Owner's authority over the Product Backlog with the Sprint Backlog, assuming the Product Owner can change priorities at any time, when in fact the Sprint Backlog is frozen during the Sprint to protect the team's focus and the Sprint Goal.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Coach the Product Owner on the Sprint Backlog rule and the impact of changes.
The Scrum Master's primary responsibility is to ensure Scrum is understood and enacted. The Product Owner is violating the Sprint Backlog rule, which states that once a Sprint starts, the Product Owner cannot change the Sprint Backlog items; only the team can modify the Sprint Backlog to meet the Sprint Goal. By coaching the Product Owner on this rule and the impact of changes (e.g., rework, loss of focus, and potential Sprint Goal failure), the Scrum Master addresses the root cause without disrupting the team's workflow.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Coach the Product Owner on the Sprint Backlog rule and the impact of changes.
Why this is correct
The Scrum Master coaches the Product Owner to respect the Sprint scope.
- ✗
Shorten the Sprint duration to minimize rework.
Why it's wrong here
This does not address the behavior causing the problem.
- ✗
Ask the team to be flexible and accept the changes.
Why it's wrong here
This violates the Sprint Backlog stability principle.
- ✗
Escalate to the project sponsor for resolution.
Why it's wrong here
Scrum issues should be resolved within the team first.
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This CAPM practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAPM exam.