Atlassian Agile Project Management Professional Certification Practice Exam

Is it essential for agile teams to work strictly off user stories?

1. No, they can use product backlog items

2. Yes, user stories are mandatory

3. Only some agile teams require user stories

4. User stories must be documented before any sprint

The correct answer is: No, they can use product backlog items

Agile teams are encouraged to prioritize user stories as they focus on delivering value from the end user's perspective, capturing requirements in a way that emphasizes functionality and user needs. However, it is not mandatory for agile teams to work strictly off user stories. They can also utilize product backlog items (PBIs), which may encompass a broader range of work beyond just user stories. PBIs can include tasks, features, bug fixes, or technical improvements, allowing teams the flexibility to choose what best suits their workflow and project needs. Using product backlog items affords teams the ability to adapt their processes and artifacts according to the specific context of their projects, team composition, and goals. This flexibility is a core tenet of Agile methodologies, promoting responsiveness to change and ensuring that the development process is tailored to the actual requirements rather than rigidly adhering to a single form of documentation. Thus, emphasizing the use of product backlog items aligns more effectively with agile principles of flexibility and value delivery.