During a Sprint, what happens to the scope of work?

During a Sprint, the scope of work can be actively discussed and negotiated. This reflects the dynamic nature of Agile development, emphasizing collaboration and adaptability. While the Product Backlog has a prioritized list of work items, the actual items the team commits to during the Sprint Planning meeting create a fixed scope for that Sprint. However, the Product Owner and the Developers are encouraged to engage in ongoing conversations about the scope, particularly if new insights or feedback arise that suggest adjustments could enhance the product's value.

This flexibility does not mean that the scope is always changing or that the team can alter what they are committed to at will. Instead, it acknowledges the reality that as work progresses, teams may find it beneficial to reassess priorities and adjust the scope in a manner that aims to deliver the highest value possible.

The rationale for this approach is rooted in the principles of Scrum, which values adaptability and responsiveness to changing circumstances, customer feedback, and evolving understanding of requirements. Thus, while there’s a commitment to delivering the agreed-upon work by the end of the Sprint, discussions about the scope can and should happen, especially if they contribute to delivering a better product.