In Scrum, cross-functional team means:

• A. Utilizing external specialists for refinement
• B. The organization assigns different teams for each backlog item
• C. The Product Owner handles all technical tasks
• D. The team can perform all work required to deliver an increment, including refinement

Answer: (D)

Cross-functional means the Scrum Team has all the skills needed to deliver a usable increment without depending on people outside the team. They can design, build, test, integrate, and refine backlog items themselves, collaborating to clarify acceptance criteria and produce a done increment within the sprint. This self-sufficient, end-to-end capability is what enables fast feedback and continuous delivery.

Relying on external specialists for refinement or assigning different teams for each backlog item would create handoffs and dependencies that undermine cross-functionality. Likewise, having the Product Owner handle all technical tasks takes the work away from the team. The essence is a team that can perform all required work, including refinement, to deliver an increment.