Who is primarily responsible for knowing the progress toward a business objective or a release?

The Product Owner holds the primary responsibility for understanding and communicating the progress toward a business objective or a release. This role requires maintaining a clear vision of the product and ensuring that the team is aligned with the overall goals of the project. The Product Owner is tasked with managing the Product Backlog, refining it, and prioritizing items based on business value and stakeholder feedback. This ongoing engagement allows the Product Owner to track progress effectively and make informed decisions that align development efforts with the desired outcomes.

Furthermore, the Product Owner serves as the bridge between the Scrum Team and stakeholders, ensuring that everyone has a shared understanding of what constitutes progress and success. By continuously engaging with the stakeholders and gathering feedback, the Product Owner can adjust the team's focus as necessary to meet the business objectives and deliver the expected value within the release. This centralized focus on value and objectives justifies the Product Owner's responsibility for knowing and communicating progress in relation to those goals.