Does the Product Owner determine how many Product Backlog items the Development Team selects for a Sprint?

The role of the Product Owner is crucial in managing the Product Backlog, but the decision on how many Product Backlog items the Development Team selects for a Sprint is a collaborative effort rather than a directive from the Product Owner. The Development Team assesses its capacity, skills, and the complexity of the backlog items, determining how many can be realistically worked on during the Sprint.

This collaboration is essential because it empowers the Development Team to take ownership of their work and fosters a sense of commitment and accountability. While the Product Owner provides guidance by prioritizing the items based on business value and stakeholder needs, the actual selection of items happens during Sprint Planning, where the Development Team assesses what they can deliver within the agreed-upon time frame.

This process ultimately enhances team autonomy and enables better planning, ensuring that the work completed during the Sprint aligns with both the priorities set by the Product Owner and the team’s capacity to deliver.