Scrum requires complete support from the project stakeholders. The responsibility for keeping stakeholders engaged lies with the Product Owner. The following are actions recommended for maintaining stakeholder engagement and support:

• Ensure effective collaboration and stakeholder involvement in the project. 
• Continually assess business impact. 
• Maintain regular communication with stakeholders. 
• Manage stakeholders’ expectations.

One key stakeholder is the sponsor – the individual who provides the funding and other resources for a project. Sponsors want to understand the financial bottom line related to a product or service and are typically more concerned with final outcomes rather than with individual tasks.

It is important that the sponsors who are funding the project have clarity on the following issues:

• Benefits of implementing Scrum. 
• Target deadlines and estimated costs of Scrum projects. 
• Overall risks involved in Scrum projects and the steps to mitigate them. 
• Expected release dates and final Deliverables.