Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:
TheSprint Backlogis one of the three Scrum artifacts, alongside theProduct Backlogand theIncrement. It is a dynamic plan that contains:
Theselected Product Backlog itemsfor the Sprint.
A plan fordelivering the Incrementand achieving the Sprint Goal.
Thetasks and work neededto complete the selected items.
TheScrum Guide explicitly states that the Sprint Backlog is owned and managed solely by the Developers.
Analysis of Answer Choices:
Option A: The Developers (Correct)
TheDevelopers create, maintain, and updatethe Sprint Backlog throughout the Sprint.
They have full ownership over their work and the plan required to meet theSprint Goal.
Asself-managing professionals, only the Developers decide how to accomplish their work.
Option B: The Scrum Master (Incorrect)
TheScrum Master is a servant leader and coach, not responsible for managing the Sprint Backlog.
They help the Scrum Teamunderstand and follow Scrum practices, but they do not own or control artifacts.
Option C: The Product Owner (Incorrect)
TheProduct Owner manages the Product Backlog, ensuring it is prioritized tomaximize value.
However, theydo not dictatehow work is done in a Sprint or modify the Sprint Backlog.
Option D: The Scrum Team (Incorrect)
While the Scrum Team (Developers, Product Owner, and Scrum Master) collaborates, theSprint Backlog belongs exclusively to the Developers.
Key Scrum Guide Principles Supporting This Answer:
"The Sprint Backlog is a plan by and for the Developers.It ishighly visible, real-time, andshould be adapted as neededthroughout the Sprint."
"Only the Developers can change the Sprint Backlog during a Sprint."
Conclusion:
TheDevelopers are fully responsible for the Sprint Backlog. They create, modify, and own the plan to meet theSprint Goal, ensuring agility and self-management.