What is the nature of the relationship between backlog ordering, PO objectives, and the Sprint Goal?

• A. The relationship is entirely dependent on the Scrum Master
• B. The relationship is not relevant to the Sprint
• C. The relationship is direct; the Product Owner typically arrives with a business objective that drives the Sprint Goal
• D. The relationship is only important in large teams

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is how backlog ordering and the Product Owner’s objectives shape the Sprint Goal. The Product Owner is responsible for ordering the Product Backlog to maximize value and to reflect the business objectives behind each item. The Sprint Goal is a short, shared objective for the Sprint that guides what the Scrum Team aims to achieve in that period. In Sprint Planning, the team selects backlog items that will help achieve that objective, with the backlog order steering which items are most important to include. So the Sprint Goal is effectively driven by the Product Owner’s business objective and the prioritized backlog, creating a direct link between what’s prioritized, what the PO wants to accomplish, and what the Sprint is supposed to deliver. The Scrum Master facilitates the process but does not set these goals, and this relationship matters for every Sprint, not just in large teams.