Who typically makes decisions regarding user stories and defects?

The Product Owner is responsible for making decisions regarding user stories and defects within the Scrum framework. This role involves prioritizing the product backlog, which includes user stories that represent functional requirements from the users' perspective, as well as addressing defects that may impact the product's quality and functionality. The Product Owner serves as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, ensuring that the development team understands the items on the backlog and their value to the end users. By prioritizing these items, the Product Owner helps maximize the value delivered to customers and users, guiding the team in what should be worked on next.

The other roles play supportive or specific functions, but the ultimate responsibility for decision-making regarding user stories and defects lies with the Product Owner. The Scrum Master facilitates the process and helps the team follow Scrum practices, the Quality Analyst contributes to ensuring quality but typically does not prioritize backlog items, and the Development Team implements the work but relies on the Product Owner for direction and prioritization.