Question

A Product Owner wants a story to be completed in four days. The Development Team working on the Story reckons it will take seven days. The Scrum Master feels it should take five days. A subject matter expert, who has worked on similar Stories in the past, thinks it should take a maximum of three days. Whose estimate should be used from planning?

Answer 1

The Development Team's estimate of seven days should be used for planning as they are the ones performing the work and have the best understanding of the time required.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a Product Owner, Development Team, Scrum Master, and a subject matter expert provide different estimates for completing a story, the Scrum framework suggests that the Development Team's estimate should be used for planning. The rationale behind this is that the Development Team are the ones who will actually be doing the work and thus have the best understanding of what it entails. While the expertise and desires of the Product Owner, Scrum Master, and subject matter expert are valuable, the Development Team's estimate is generally the most accurate reflection of the time required to complete a task. This practice ensures that estimates are realistic and credible, leading to more effective and truthful planning.