Which of the following is a role of the Scrum Master?

The Scrum Master plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Scrum framework is properly implemented and followed within the team. This involves coaching the team in Scrum practices and principles, facilitating Scrum events, and helping to remove any impediments that the team may encounter. The Scrum Master acts as a servant leader, supporting the team in their efforts rather than managing or directing them.

By ensuring the Scrum process is followed, the Scrum Master helps maintain the integrity of the framework, allowing the team to operate effectively and deliver value incrementally. This emphasis on adherence to the Scrum methodology is essential for maximizing the benefits and effectiveness of Scrum.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the Scrum Master's role. For instance, managing the development team implies a level of authority and control that is contrary to the Scrum philosophy, which encourages self-organizing teams. Creating the Product Backlog is the responsibility of the Product Owner, who prioritizes and defines the work for the team. Lastly, setting project deadlines does not fit within the Scrum framework, as Scrum focuses on delivering increments of value in a time-boxed manner (sprints), rather than adhering to a fixed project timeline set by an external authority.