Certified Scrum Master Practice Test

Who holds the responsibility for Risk Management in a Scrum environment?

1. Scrum Master

2. Developers

3. Product Owner

4. Stakeholders

The correct answer is: Product Owner

In a Scrum environment, the responsibility for Risk Management primarily lies with the Product Owner. The Product Owner plays a crucial role in managing the product backlog, which includes prioritizing features and user stories based on their value and associated risks. By understanding customer needs and potential market hurdles, the Product Owner can make informed decisions regarding which items to prioritize in the backlog to mitigate risks effectively. The Product Owner collaborates closely with the Scrum Team and stakeholders to identify and address risks during the development process. They ensure that the team is focused on delivering maximum value while being aware of potential challenges that could impact the product’s success. This proactive management of risks helps the Scrum Team navigate uncertainties and stay aligned with business objectives. In contrast, while the Scrum Master facilitates the team’s understanding of Scrum principles and the Developers are responsible for delivering the product increment, neither has the overarching role in assessing and prioritizing risks in the same manner as the Product Owner. Stakeholders also have input into potential risks, but they do not hold the responsibility for managing those risks directly within the Scrum framework. This delineation of responsibilities ensures that each role contributes effectively to the overall risk management process.