PMP Practice: Break Down Scope

Ishaan Goswami is leading an agile project at Arctic Fox Dynamics to develop a machine learning platform for real-time inventory optimization. During sprint planning for Sprint 4, the product owner, Mateo Salazar-Quiroga, proposes adding seven new user stories related to predictive restocking algorithms. The development team expresses concern that these stories represent significant scope expansion beyond the original product vision discussed three months ago. When Ishaan reviews the product backlog, she notices the new stories would require integration with external supply chain APIs that were not part of the initial technical architecture. Dante insists these features are critical because two major retail clients have requested them. However, the team's velocity data shows they can only complete 4-5 stories per sprint, and adding API integration work would likely reduce velocity further. The team is now debating whether to accept all seven stories, push back entirely, or find a middle ground. Which approach would be MOST effective for Ishaan to obtain stakeholder agreement on the appropriate scope for Sprint 4?