Handling changes in requirements during a Sprint can be challenging, but Scrum provides guidelines to manage them effectively without disrupting team productivity. Here’s how:
Scrum discourages mid-Sprint changes because the team commits to a fixed Sprint Backlog at the beginning. However, changes are inevitable, and here’s how to handle them effectively:
Ask these key questions :
* Is this change critical or can it wait until the next Sprint?
* Does it add significant value or solve a major issue?
* Will the current Sprint goal still be achievable with this change?
Example: If a critical security issue is discovered, it should be addressed immediately. But if it’s a minor UI improvement, it can wait for the next Sprint.
If the change is important :
* The Product Owner (PO) should assess its impact.
* The PO may reorder the Product Backlog so it gets picked up in the next Sprint.
* The PO consults the team to determine the feasibility of the change.
Example: A stakeholder requests a new reporting feature, but the team is mid-Sprint. The PO adds it to the Product Backlog and schedules it for a future Sprint.
In rare cases, if the change is too important to ignore :
* The Product Owner may cancel the Sprint (only if the Sprint Goal is no longer relevant).
* Alternatively, the Scrum Team can negotiate adjustments to swap less critical work for the new task.
Example: A regulation change requires urgent compliance updates in banking software. The Sprint is adjusted to focus on compliance first.
* Keep stakeholders informed about why the change is accepted or postponed.
* Encourage early feedback to prevent late changes.
* Educate stakeholders about why mid-Sprint changes can slow down delivery.
Example: A customer requests an urgent change. The Scrum Master explains that ad-hoc changes disrupt team focus and suggests reviewing priorities in Sprint Planning.
To make handling changes easier :
* Use smaller user stories—so new priorities can be adjusted faster.
* Practice Continuous Integration & Deployment (CI/CD)—so updates can be released frequently.
* Keep a buffer in the backlog for urgent tasks—without overloading the team.
Example: A development team working on a SaaS product uses feature flags so they can release features gradually without disrupting ongoing work.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Evaluate Urgency ? | Decide if the change is critical or can wait. |
| 2. Product Owner Reviews ? | Adds it to the Product Backlog for future Sprints. |
| 3. Adjust Sprint Only If Necessary ? | Cancel or modify the Sprint if the goal is no longer valid. |
| 4. Communicate Clearly ? | Inform stakeholders and manage expectations. |
| 5. Design for Flexibility ? | Use Agile best practices to accommodate future changes. |