Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum FrameworkEasy
A Scrum Team has just finished a Sprint. They have produced an Increment that meets their Definition of Done. The Product Owner decides not to release this Increment to production immediately, but rather to accumulate several Increments before a larger release. Which statement about this situation is true?
- AThe Increment is not truly 'Done' if it is not immediately released to users.
- BThe Scrum Master should force the Product Owner to release the Increment to ensure transparency.
- CThe Product Owner is violating Scrum principles; every Increment must be released at the end of each Sprint.
- DThe Product Owner has the authority to decide when to release the Increment, as long as it is 'Done'.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The Product Owner has the authority to decide when to release the Increment, as long as it is 'Done'.
The Scrum Guide states that the Product Owner is accountable for maximizing the value of the product, which includes the decision of when to release the 'Done' Increment. The Increment must be usable and releasable, but immediate release is not mandated.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The 'Done' Increment means it is in a usable condition and meets the Definition of Done. The decision to release is separate from its 'Done' status.
- B. The Scrum Master coaches the Product Owner but does not have the authority to force release decisions. That accountability rests solely with the Product Owner.
- C. Scrum does not mandate immediate release of every Increment. It only requires that a 'Done' Increment is usable and potentially releasable.
Increment Releasability
A 'Done' Increment is usable and potentially releasable. The Product Owner decides when to actually release it to end-users.
- Every Sprint produces a 'Done' Increment.
- A 'Done' Increment is usable and meets the Definition of Done.
- Product Owner decides release timing to maximize value.
Memory trick: Done is Done, Release is PO's Choice.