PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Practice Exam

In the context of user stories, what does 'Negotiable' imply?

1. User stories are fixed and unchangeable

2. User stories must be approved by all stakeholders

3. User stories can be altered and refined over time

4. User stories need to be agreed upon before implementation

The correct answer is: User stories can be altered and refined over time

In the context of user stories, 'Negotiable' implies that these stories are not set in stone and can evolve as the project progresses. This characteristic is crucial for enabling flexibility within Agile methodologies. It acknowledges that user stories are a means to capture requirements but are not definitive contracts. As understanding of the project deepens through discussions and collaboration among team members and stakeholders, user stories can be adjusted, refined, or even rewritten based on feedback or changes in project context. The ability to alter user stories aligns with the Agile principle of responding to change over following a fixed plan, fostering an environment where continuous improvement and adaptation are prioritized. Thus, user stories are meant to facilitate a dialogue, allowing stakeholders to revisit and negotiate aspects of functionality, priority, and scope based on evolving needs and insights gained during the project lifecycle.