During the release planning meeting, it is difficult to agree on priorities. Sales want to implement some new features to catch up with the competitors. Marketing want to work on a mobile interface…

Question

Options

• AApproach Senior Management and ask for priorities.
• BSurvey the existing customers and prioritize according to their views.
• CThe Product Owner will set the priorities.

• A
  19% (5)
• B
  11% (3)
• C
  70% (19)

Explanation

In Scrum, the Product Owner holds sole responsibility for ordering (prioritizing) the Product Backlog - this is a core, non-negotiable accountability defined in the Scrum Guide. When stakeholders disagree on priorities, the Product Owner's job is to weigh business value, strategy, and stakeholder input, then make the final call.

Why A is wrong: Escalating to Senior Management bypasses the Product Owner's authority and undermines the Scrum framework. Senior Management may inform the Product Owner, but they don't set backlog priorities.

Why B is wrong: Customer surveys are a useful input, but prioritization is not a democratic vote. The Product Owner synthesizes many signals - including customer feedback, competitive positioning, and technical needs - into a single ordered backlog.

Memory tip: Think of the Product Owner as the single voice for the product. The word "Owner" implies ownership and final authority over what gets built and when - no committee, no escalation.

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