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Defining “scrum” in Agile development

Running a successful business means facing complex challenges that require out-of-the box solutions to achieve your product goals. A viable alternative toward reaching a solution is applying the method of scrum in agile development.

The term “scrum” is an iterative and cumulative agile software development for managing product expansion. Its origin derives from the cooperative rugby strategy where teams gain distance by passing the ball back and forth. In parallel to its origin, scrum outlines a flexible, all-inclusive product development strategy where a development team works as a unit to reach a common goal, challenging alternative methods of the “traditional” approach toward product development. Teams generally self-organize through online and face-to-face collaboration including all team members.

As part of the production process, the underlying principle of scrum involves understanding the client has the right to apply “requirement churn” (client changes mind regarding want or need). The team takes an experiential approach by applying an unconventional manner or strategy toward addressing all unforeseen problems that arise.

Scrum basics

There are three elements that play a role in the scrum process.

  • Product owner - is the individual who represents the company and responsible for continuously communicating the vision and priorities to the development team.
  • Scrum master - is project manager who facilitates for product owner and team, removing any impediments that are obstructing the team from completing sprint objectives.
  • Team – self managed group (3-9 dedicated individuals) who executes the project responsibilities. Software teams usually involve software engineers, architects, programmers, analyst experts, QA experts, testers and UI designers.
  • Project steps - known as “sprints” are the “ceremonies” of the project.
  • Scrum artifacts – include product backlogging (prioritized customer requirement list)
  •  Sprint backlog- (task list applying priority product features)

     Burndown chart - amount of work remaining as backlogs burn down

    The Process

    The project owner compiles the project requirements according to priority. Working on a defined deadline the sprint planning team tackles top priority items in the backlog. The scrum master tracks the progress of the project guiding team toward completion. A review of the finished sprints foreshadows work on the next sprint, involving the next batch of priority items.

    Advantages

    Once the sprint process reaches a level of satisfactory development the product is ready for sale while project is nearing completion. This incremental system shortens the time to the market with the possible increase in revenue since each completed backlog represents a new product release. If done correctly all parties involved reap the advantages of successful scrum development.

     For the client scrum returns control of value stream back to the company, delivers product quickly allowing client to swiftly change priorities and requirements. A solid predictable release cycle with built-in testing processes results in product stability.

     Adopting new methods is difficult for companies since the decision's impact affects all aspects. Scrum helps to maintain company integrity and transparency while satisfy their requirements. The various degrees of decision-making shift to the line employees who understand best all the facts.

     Team reassurance from management guarantees enhancement of customer and client relationships, visibility of the entirety of project management process and improved workforce administration.

    In the end scrum reinforces overall quality of team’s work through autonomy, self-direction, immediate feedback and sincere collaboration. Much like its namesake all members must collaborate together to move the product toward completion passing innovative and non-traditional methods down the agile developmental field.

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    Posted By Dwayne McGowan | 3/17/2016 8:44:39 AM