Can a Product Owner postpone the start of a new Sprint after the conclusion of a previous Sprint?

The correct answer indicates that a new Sprint starts immediately after the conclusion of the previous Sprint. This principle is fundamental to Scrum's structure and its time-boxed nature. The concept emphasizes that Sprints are time-boxed events—set iterations during which a team works to deliver a potentially releasable increment of the product.

Once a Sprint is completed, the next one is not merely a continuation but a fresh start, allowing the team to reassess their progress and direction. This seamless transition is crucial for maintaining momentum in the team's work, fostering a rhythm that enhances focus and productivity. Additionally, it encourages the team to continuously inspect and adapt, which is a core tenet of Agile methodologies.

Allowing a Product Owner to postpone the start of a new Sprint disrupts this rhythm and can lead to stagnation or a loss of focus. It counteracts the purpose of having a defined Sprint cadence, which aids in ensuring that work progresses regularly and efficiently. This strict adherence fosters accountability and predictability, both valuable in managing stakeholder expectations and product delivery timelines.

In summary, the principle that a new Sprint starts immediately after the conclusion of the previous Sprint upholds the integrity of the Scrum framework and its iterative process, ensuring continuous improvement and delivery.