Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Practice Exam

Is there a role called "project manager" in Scrum?

1. Yes, it is a key role

2. No, that role does not exist

3. Yes, but it varies by organization

4. No, but a similar role may exist

The correct answer is: No, that role does not exist

In Scrum, the term "project manager" is not part of the framework. Scrum defines specific roles, including the Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team, but does not include a project manager. The absence of this role is intentional; Scrum promotes a self-organizing and cross-functional team structure where accountability and responsibilities are shared among the team members rather than being centralized in a single project management figure. The rationale behind this design is to empower teams to manage their own work, make decisions collaboratively, and harness the collective skills of all members. In Scrum, the Product Owner focuses on maximizing the value of the product and managing the backlog, while the Scrum Master facilitates the process and removes impediments, emphasizing collaboration and continuous improvement. While some organizations might adapt the Scrum framework and introduce project management roles that operate alongside Scrum practices, in the strict definition of Scrum, such a role does not exist. This maintains the integrity of Scrum principles and practices, promoting a culture of shared ownership and accountability.