Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Theory & PrinciplesMedium
A Product Owner is constantly adding new, high-priority items to the Product Backlog, leading to a long and complex list. The Developers find it difficult to forecast future work and stakeholders are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of potential features. This situation primarily increases which type of risk?
- AScope creep risk
- BTechnical debt risk
- CMarket risk
- DRegulatory compliance risk
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Scope creep risk
A constantly growing Product Backlog with new high-priority items, making it hard to manage and forecast, directly increases the risk of scope creep, where the project's scope expands beyond its initial boundaries.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While a large backlog could indirectly lead to technical debt if quality is rushed, the direct issue is scope management.
- C. Market risk relates to the product's acceptance in the market, not directly to the internal management of the backlog size.
- D. Regulatory risk pertains to compliance with laws, which is not directly indicated by a large, complex Product Backlog.
Risk Management: Scope Creep
The uncontrolled expansion of a project's scope without adjustments to time, cost, or resources. Often results from continuous addition of new features or requirements.
- Leads to project delays and cost overruns.
- Undermines effective planning and forecasting.
- Can be mitigated by careful backlog management and clear scope boundaries.
Memory trick: Uncontrolled scope leads to project dismay.