HKSM

The sponsor is the person or organizational entity that supplies funding, people, and executive backing for the project. They act as the business-side owner to whom the Scrum Team is answerable for results. This role can be held by a single individual or by a group within the organization.

Key Points

• Provides budget, resources, and organizational authority for the project.
• Sets business objectives and success criteria and ensures alignment with strategy.
• Champions the initiative across the organization and removes high-level obstacles.
• May be one person or a committee, but remains accountable for realizing benefits.

Example

On a digital product upgrade, the VP of Marketing serves as sponsor, approves the funding, communicates the strategic goals, attends key sprint reviews to confirm value delivery, and resolves a priority conflict between the marketing and compliance teams to keep the release on track.

PMP Example Question

In a Scrum-based project, who primarily secures funding and provides executive support while holding the team accountable for business outcomes?

1. Product Owner
2. Scrum Master
3. Sponsor
4. Project Manager

Correct Answer: C — Sponsor

Explanation: The sponsor supplies resources and executive backing and is the business stakeholder to whom the team is accountable. The Product Owner manages the backlog, the Scrum Master facilitates the process, and the Project Manager coordinates delivery.