Certified Scrum Master Practice Test

Who decides when to release the product?

1. Scrum Master

2. Development Team

3. Product Owner

4. Project Manager

The correct answer is: Product Owner

The decision about when to release the product lies with the Product Owner. This role is critical because the Product Owner is responsible for maximizing the value of the product and managing the product backlog. They must prioritize the backlog items based on factors such as business value, market demands, and stakeholder requests. In this capacity, the Product Owner is uniquely positioned to assess the readiness of the product for release. This includes evaluating whether the increment meets the Definition of Done and aligns with customer and stakeholder expectations. The Product Owner collaborates closely with the Development Team to understand the progress and capabilities of the product, ensuring that the release timing aligns with strategic goals and value delivery. In Scrum, the Product Owner acts as the liaison between the stakeholders and the Development Team, which gives them the authority to make release decisions based on comprehensive insights and priorities. While other roles such as the Scrum Master, Development Team members, or a Project Manager may influence or provide input regarding the product's release, it is the Product Owner who has the final say in determining the timing of releases.