Scrum is an agile project management framework that is commonly used for software development projects. In Scrum, work is broken down into small, manageable chunks called user stories. User stories represent units of work that provide value to the end user. However, user stories are often too large and complex to complete in one sprint iteration. So they need to be broken down into smaller tasks that can be realistically completed within a sprint. This brings up the question: who is responsible for creating these tasks in Scrum?
Product Owner
The Product Owner plays a key role in Scrum and is responsible for maximizing the value of the product. Part of their role is to maintain the Product Backlog, which contains user stories that represent work to be done on the product. The Product Owner works with the development team to help break down user stories into smaller tasks during Sprint Planning meetings. Therefore, the Product Owner does have some involvement in task creation.
However, the Product Owner should not be solely responsible for defining tasks. Since the development team will be the ones doing the actual work, they are best equipped to determine the tasks necessary to complete each user story. The Product Owner guides the process but the development team collectively determines the tasks.
Development Team
The Development Team has the primary responsibility for creating tasks out of user stories in Scrum. As the ones doing the hands-on work, they have the knowledge and insight needed to effectively break down user stories into granular tasks.
There are several reasons why the Development Team should drive task creation:
Technical expertise
The Development Team has the technical skills and expertise to understand what type of work is required to complete each user story. They know whether tasks should involve coding, testing, database work, etc. The Product Owner provides the big picture view, but relies on the Development Team to fill in the technical details.
Sizing
When creating tasks, the Development Team also determines sizing estimates, usually using story points or hours. Estimating the level of effort for each task helps with sprint planning and capacity. It is very difficult for the Product Owner to size tasks accurately without hands-on experience doing the actual work.
Accountability
Having the Development Team create their own tasks fosters greater commitment, engagement, and accountability. Assigning tasks to the team can feel directive. But letting team members volunteer for tasks they identify themselves leads to more ownership over work.
Alignment
When the Development Team breaks down stories into tasks themselves, it ensures the tasks are aligned with the capacity, skills, and strengths of the individuals on the team. For example, team members can create tasks that align with their expertise and interest in certain parts of the code base. Misalignment can occur if tasks are created externally without input from the team.
Scrum Master Role
The Scrum Master plays more of a coaching role in task creation. The Scrum Master works to empower the Development Team and Product Owner to collaborate effectively on breaking down user stories into tasks.
Specific responsibilities of the Scrum Master include:
- Coaching the Development Team on techniques for task breakdown and estimation.
- Facilitating productive Sprint Planning sessions where tasks are identified.
- Helping the Development Team understand the appropriate level of granularity for tasks.
- Encouraging ownership of tasks by Development Team members.
- Keeping the Product Owner focused on goals and acceptance criteria rather than solution specifics.
The Scrum Master does not tell the Development Team which tasks to create or how to estimate them. But they help establish processes that foster effective task creation.
Tips for Effective Task Creation
Here are some tips for the Development Team on creating quality tasks from user stories:
Involve all team members
All Development Team members should collaborate to identify tasks. This prevents overlooking critical steps and spreads knowledge.
Define tasks before estimation
Break down stories into tasks before trying to estimate them. Estimating nebulous “large” tasks results in inaccuracies.
Keep tasks small
Good tasks are typically 1-16 hours. Larger tasks should be split up further. Smaller tasks allow more accurate estimation.
Use action verbs
Start task names with action verbs like “Develop”, “Create”, “Refactor” to define tangible work. Avoid vague phrases like “work on”.
Consider sequence
Identify prerequisites and dependencies between tasks to put them in the right sequence.
Focus on business value
Make sure all tasks relate directly back to the user story and help drive business value. Avoid “gold plating”.
Key Takeaways
– The Development Team drives the process of creating tasks from user stories during Sprint Planning.
– The Product Owner provides high level perspective, but the team collectively determines the tasks.
– Tasks created by the Development Team lead to greater commitment, accuracy, and alignment.
– The Scrum Master coaches the team on effective task identification techniques.
– Involving all team members, defining tasks before estimating, keeping tasks small, using action verbs, and focusing on value all help create meaningful tasks.
Conclusion
Defining appropriate tasks is critical for executing sprints effectively in Scrum. Tasks translate user stories into executable units of work. While the Product Owner plays an influential role, the Development Team should have primary control over decomposing stories into tasks. This empowers the team to take ownership over sprint execution. The Scrum Master provides guidance on the task creation process but avoids being prescriptive. Overall, task creation in Scrum is a collaborative effort but centered around the Development Team’s autonomy and accountability. When done right, it leads to increased transparency, better estimation, and higher chances of sprint success.