Scrum

Scrum is based on the knowledge that most development projects are very complex. Many requirements can often only roughly be described at the beginning. Through this method it is possible to realize an improvement with the help of interim results.

Both planning and specification of the intended results are acquired in cycles. Quality management happens in regular intervals allowing fast and easy readjustments.

Scrum can be classified as an agile method following the Agile Manifesto.

Overview:

  • The focus lies on the field of software development.
  • Typically Scrum works with boards (see Kanban).
  • Every morning there are stand-up meetings.
  • Results are gained through a cyclic working method (sprints).
  • This method has few roles (product owner, Scrum master, team member).
  • The teams are mixed and have a size between 4 and 8 persons.
  • Scrum is remarkable for its simplicity.

Basic rules:

  • roles
    • Product owner: provides the technical requirements and prioritizes them.
    • Scrum master: supervises the Scrum process and supports the team within the Scrum method.
    • Team members: collaboratively work through the backlog (works of the actual sprint).
  • product backlog
    • The product backlog includes all tasks that have to be done.
  • sprint planning (planning of the next cycle)
    • At first all work packages that have to be completed are defined, discussed and classified as tasks in the so-called sprint backlog.
  • sprint (iteration, cycle of 4 weeks)
    • Here the team members work off the tasks of the sprint backlog.
  • sprint retrospective
    • At the end of a sprint the achieved status is discussed. Not completed tasks are returned to the product backlog or are part of the next sprint planning. Furthermore there is a feedback session about the last sprint.
  • daily meeting (stand-up meeting, short meeting daily)
    • Every day (morning) the team members meet for a stand-up meeting. The respective working progress is reported, problems are discussed and necessary decisions are claimed.
  • interim results
    • After every sprint a deliverable product (software package) is achieved.

Disatvantages

Scrum is strongly focused on the processes of software development. This method assumes the creation of a software product with a manageable number of tasks (work packages).

Further reading