Sprint backlog

From CEOpedia | Management online

Sprint backlog - in the SCRUM methodology, it is a set of tasks selected from the backlog of the product, which is implemented in a given sprint. It is determined before the start of the sprint, when planning it. In contrast to the product backlog, which usually consists of user stories, the sprint backlog contains a list of specific tasks to be performed by the development team during the sprint.

All tasks in the current sprint backlog should contain the following information:

a description of the given task, including information about the user's story from which it originates, estimated time of task completion, member of the team responsible for the task, the status of a given task.

Steps for creating a sprint Backlog==Sprint's backlog is the result of sprint planning, in which the development team, Product owner and Scrum master take part. It is created in the following steps===1. Selection of user stories from the backlog of the product=

The team determines which stories contained in the product backlog will be completed during the next sprint. The following issues are taken into account in the selection:

  • the sprint goal that was set by the team at the beginning of the planning,
  • the priorities of the stories - usually the team tries to implement the stories with the highest priority in the first place,
  • speed of the team - at what pace the team members work, and so how much work they will be able to do during the sprint. Two estimation methods are possible here:
  • based on the speed of completing tasks in the previous sprint,
  • based on the availability of the team, and therefore information on how much time each team member will work in a given project.

2. Division into tasks

Every single story that has been selected for the sprint is divided into individual tasks to be performed. Tasks should have the following features:

  • be possible to be carried out by one person,
  • the time of completing one task should not exceed 8 hours,
  • performing all tasks for a given story results in an automatic "closing" of the story,
  • have real value for the project - the sprint backlog should only receive tasks that have a real impact on the project; so we do not add tasks related to, for example, recruitment or organizational meetings to the backlog.

Examples of task types to which a story can be divided:

  • preparation of documentation,
  • UI project,
  • test planning,
  • test automation,
  • implementation,
  • meeting with the product owner,
  • buffer,
  • preparation of test cases,
  • code review,
  • tests,
  • improvement of errors.

3. Task estimation

For each task that was defined in the previous step, the team determines the predictable time of its execution in ideal hours, so how many hours will it take for one person to perform this task in ideal conditions. If a given task is estimated to be over 8 hours, then it should be considered whether it would be reasonable to split it into several smaller ones - especially if the estimated length of implementation is several times greater than 8 hours.

Tasks should be assessed jointly by the entire team, and not by its individual members, without agreement with the others.

An example of a tool that can be used to estimate tasks is planning poker.

Changes in the backlog during the sprint

The owner of the sprint backlog is the development team, and only he can make changes during the sprint.

Backlog presents information about the status of a given sprint, which is why it is constantly updated during the sprint - for example, information about who the given task was assigned to and the status of its implementation are added.

There are changes in the tasks themselves, so if the team decides that all the necessary tasks are not taken into account during the sprint planning, or that the tasks have been incorrectly formulated, then they can make the necessary changes to the sprint backlog, and then continue working according to the new arrangements.

It is also possible to edit the backlog consisting of removing unnecessary tasks, or changes related to the estimated labor intensity.

A particular example of a change introduced in the sprint backlog is changes in the sprint range itself, i.e. e.g. removing tasks or stories from it, if the team decides that it will not be able to perform them within a given sprint. Such changes should, however, be determined through negotiations with Product Owner.

Examples of Sprint backlog

  • Developing a new feature for a mobile app: This example involves developing a new feature for a mobile app. The tasks would include designing the feature, coding it, testing it, and releasing it.
  • Updating an existing feature: This example involves updating an existing feature for a mobile app. The tasks would include analyzing the existing feature, making changes to the code, testing the changes, and releasing the update.
  • Fixing bugs: This example involves identifying and fixing bugs. The tasks would include analyzing the bug, developing a fix, testing the fix, and releasing the fix.
  • Adding new features to an existing website: This example involves adding new features to an existing website. The tasks would include identifying the new features, designing them, coding them, testing them, and releasing them.

Advantages of Sprint backlog

Sprint backlog is a valuable tool for SCRUM teams as it offers several advantages. These include:

  • Improved clarity - Sprint backlog gives teams a clear view of their goals and objectives for the upcoming sprint. This helps them plan better and stay focused on the tasks that need to be completed.
  • Improved agility - By having a well-defined list of tasks, teams can quickly adapt to changes and adjust their plans as needed. This helps teams stay agile in their approach to development.
  • Improved communication - Having a sprint backlog allows team members to communicate more effectively and efficiently. This helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that tasks are completed in a timely manner.
  • Increased visibility - Having a sprint backlog also makes it easier for stakeholders to stay informed of the team's progress. This helps to ensure that everyone is aware of the team's progress and can provide feedback and input if needed.

Limitations of Sprint backlog

The sprint backlog is an important tool for managing work in the SCRUM methodology, however, it has some limitations. These include:

  • Poorly defined tasks. The sprint backlog usually consists of tasks that are too generic and are not fully defined, which can lead to confusion about the exact scope of the task.
  • Limited visibility. The sprint backlog does not provide a global view of the project, so it can be hard to track the progress of the project as a whole.
  • Difficult to prioritize tasks. The sprint backlog is focused on tasks that need to be completed in a given sprint, so it's difficult to prioritize tasks beyond the scope of the sprint.
  • Not enough feedback. As the sprint backlog is focused on tasks, there is limited feedback on the progress of the product and its development.

Other approaches related to Sprint backlog

Sprint backlog is a key element of the SCRUM methodology and consists of tasks selected from the product backlog. There are other approaches related to the sprint backlog that can help to plan and manage sprints more effectively:

  • Kanban boards - a visual representation of tasks and their status. Kanban boards can be used to track the progress of tasks from the backlog, allowing the team to identify any issues or blockers early on.
  • Burndown chart - a visual representation of the amount of work remaining in a sprint. This chart is updated regularly to ensure that the team is on track to complete all tasks within the sprint.
  • Daily standup - a daily meeting where the team members discuss what they've done, what they are working on, and any challenges they are facing. This allows the team to stay up to date with the progress of the sprint and identify any potential issues.

In summary, the sprint backlog is an important part of the SCRUM methodology, and there are a number of other approaches that can help to make the most of the sprint. These approaches include kanban boards, burndown charts and daily standups, which can help to ensure that tasks from the sprint backlog are completed on time and to the necessary standard.


Sprint backlog — recommended articles
Product backlog — Project lifecycle — Feature-driven development — Life cycle project management — Baseline schedule — Behavior driven development — Agile project management methodology — Life cycle approach — Project status report

References

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