In two different practice tests, I answered very similar questions; however, in each of them, the correct answer was different. One states that any team member can create user stories, while the other states that only the product owner can. This left me confused. Saving Changes...
Putting theory aside, practically anyone can and should be empowered to create a user story and add it to the backlog as needs & wants could be expressed or occur to anyone.
However when it comes to prioritizing the backlog, that is the responsibility of the product owner as per Scrum.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
The difficult with getting a certification on agile is just what you state. Mainly if you try to get the PMI´s certification. Why? Because for each method/framework which uses user stories you will find different. Then, suppose you are trying to get the PMI´s agile certification then the answer has to be based on Scrum (@Mike Griffiths is a reference on the matter here, in my personal opinion). Going to the practice in the reality (which is not what you have to take into account when you try to get a certification) you will find frameworks like SAFe where everybody can add user stories to the backlog (I get 3 certfications including SAFe RTE). So, difficult to answer. Because of that, in my case where I am delivering certification preparation courses for years, I always say the same: if you like to get a certification your focus is totally different to try to learn how to apply of perform like a specific role (project manager or whatever) in the reality. Saving Changes...
Adding a bit to the difference between theory and reality, while anyone may create and add user stories to the backlog, the product owner may need to act as the gatekeeper as a practical matter.
In reality, when anyone can edit an important project artifact, it is easy to lose configuration control. Consider an action item list that anyone on the team can edit at any time. Some people may decide to close actions assigned to themselves rather than getting concurrence from key stakeholders that the action is satisfactorily completed. Likewise, two people may innocently try to make edits concurrently and overwrite the changes of the other person.
The same types of concerns are true of the backlog. To avoid these issues, changes to the backlog may be limited to the product owner or assigned delegates. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Gilbert, I completely agree with Kiron’s answer. While anymore on the team can create user stories, and it’s a collaborative work, at the end, it is up to the product owner to accept, reject and set final priorities. Saving Changes...
Thank you for all the answers, they were very helpful. I forgot to mention that I am studying for the PMP certification, and it's complicated when 2 study sources show 2 different answers. Often, the exam asks for an answer that is different from reality or even one that we disagree with, but it's like a teacher once told me, "don't argue with the exam." :D. I will follow the advice of Serio Luis Conte and look for the answer directly in the Scrum Guide.
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2 replies by Rami Kaibni and Sergio Luis Conte
Aug 14, 2023 12:44 PM
Rami Kaibni
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Gilberto, the exam is mostly scenario based and often you will find that you can easily eliminate two answers and then the two remaining ones will take more analysis and thinking to be able to get to the correct answer. Always think logically and think about the basics. Good Luck!
Aug 14, 2023 4:21 PM
Sergio Luis Conte
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Or, take a closer look to the agile extension of PMBOK, which is not in the version 7 but it is in version 6. I am saying this now that you stated that you are preparing to PMP exam. On the other hand, be carefull about exam practice questions you are using. For PMP, Rita is still a must.
Saving Changes...
Rajesh PatelSr. Software Engineering Manager| Optum Global SolutionHyderabad, Tg, India
User story can be created by any one but should not be pushed to product backlog without the authorization of product owner as he owns the product backlog and its prioritization. To overcome the confusion and messing up the product backlog, its a best practice that Product owner should only be allowed to create the user story. who ever want to create then can discuss and provide all the information so that product owner can prioritize as per the business impact. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Aug 14, 2023 8:23 AM
Replying to Gilberto Figueiredo
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Thank you for all the answers, they were very helpful. I forgot to mention that I am studying for the PMP certification, and it's complicated when 2 study sources show 2 different answers. Often, the exam asks for an answer that is different from reality or even one that we disagree with, but it's like a teacher once told me, "don't argue with the exam." :D. I will follow the advice of Serio Luis Conte and look for the answer directly in the Scrum Guide.
Gilberto, the exam is mostly scenario based and often you will find that you can easily eliminate two answers and then the two remaining ones will take more analysis and thinking to be able to get to the correct answer. Always think logically and think about the basics. Good Luck!
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1 reply by Gilberto Figueiredo
Aug 14, 2023 3:41 PM
Gilberto Figueiredo
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Yes, I noticed that happens a lot in the practice exams. Thank you very much for the tip. All suggestions are welcome because it's been tough to grasp all the content.
Gilberto, the exam is mostly scenario based and often you will find that you can easily eliminate two answers and then the two remaining ones will take more analysis and thinking to be able to get to the correct answer. Always think logically and think about the basics. Good Luck!
Yes, I noticed that happens a lot in the practice exams. Thank you very much for the tip. All suggestions are welcome because it's been tough to grasp all the content. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Aug 14, 2023 8:23 AM
Replying to Gilberto Figueiredo
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Thank you for all the answers, they were very helpful. I forgot to mention that I am studying for the PMP certification, and it's complicated when 2 study sources show 2 different answers. Often, the exam asks for an answer that is different from reality or even one that we disagree with, but it's like a teacher once told me, "don't argue with the exam." :D. I will follow the advice of Serio Luis Conte and look for the answer directly in the Scrum Guide.
Or, take a closer look to the agile extension of PMBOK, which is not in the version 7 but it is in version 6. I am saying this now that you stated that you are preparing to PMP exam. On the other hand, be carefull about exam practice questions you are using. For PMP, Rita is still a must. Saving Changes...
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