Scrum Product Backlog

The primary goal of Scrum is to deliver the desired product to the customer (internal or external) on time and with minimal cost.

The Product Owner develops, defines and prioritizes the product concept project requirements.

Product Backlog

The product backlog is a prioritized list of tasks that the Scrum team needs to complete. A well-structured backlog not only simplifies planning for releases and iterations—it also gives the team clarity on what they will work on next.

The effectiveness of the backlog depends on the engagement and feedback of the entire team. Through collaboration, the team should balance the workload among all members and ensure successful product delivery.

Proper Backlog Management

After the backlog is created, it’s important to regularly update it as tasks are completed. The Product Owner should review and refine the backlog before each sprint planning meeting to adjust priorities and make necessary changes.

If the backlog grows too large, it's important to differentiate between short-term and long-term tasks. Before marking a task as “short-term,” it should be thoroughly defined. This can include:

• writing user stories
• discussing complexity with the team
• estimating the effort required

Prioritizing the Product Backlog

What if the business owner demands new features, marketing pushes their own priorities, and developers say they’re overloaded? The key is proper prioritizationvin a way that keeps everyone satisfied.

While task prioritization is the Product Owner’s responsibility, other team members are actively involved in the process. Together, they should arrive at an optimal team workload and establish clear criteria for prioritizing tasks. Typically, the most valuable tasks for the business are handled first.