HKSM

People outside the core delivery team, such as customers, end users, and sponsors, who influence the project through feedback and decisions. They provide input, review and accept deliverables, and ensure the product stays aligned with business objectives.

Key Points

• Include customers, users, and sponsors; they are not part of the core delivery team.
• Shape scope, priorities, and acceptance by offering feedback and making decisions.
• Engage through backlog refinement, reviews/demos, and validation of deliverables.
• Help keep product outcomes aligned with organizational goals and value metrics.

Example

During a sprint review, users and the sponsor attend the demo of a new reporting dashboard. Users provide feedback that leads to UI changes, and the sponsor accepts the feature after checking business KPIs. The Product Owner reprioritizes the backlog based on their input.

PMP Example Question

Which group is best described as non-core individuals such as customers, users, and sponsors who provide input, validate deliverables, and help align product outcomes with business goals?

1. Core agile delivery team
2. Business stakeholders
3. Project management office (PMO)
4. Scrum Masters community of practice

Correct Answer: B — Business stakeholders

Explanation: Business stakeholders include customers, users, and sponsors who influence the project by giving input, validating outputs, and ensuring business alignment; they are not part of the core delivery team.