Software development uses Scrum. We shall explore Scrum from definition to practice taking into account its pros and cons.
Scrum Definition:
Scrum is a strategy for software product development helping software developers to work as collaborative teams for the achievement of common business goals like the creation of a market-ready product.
Scrum is also a game strategy borrowed from rugby. Ultimately the aim of a Scrum is to use the team performance to achieve a common goal. In software development, Scrum practices help the team communicate and collaborate for bettering productivity in project development.
The Scrum environs:
The Scrum framework works on three roles.
• The Scrum team who work in Sprints to produce market-ready products.
• The Scrum Master is not the manager and ensures the team uses Scrum practices.
• The Product Owner or client prioritizes the backlog, manages and coordinates the team efforts.
How it works:
Scrum software development involves the Scrum team collaborating to resolve complex issues. The product backlog is discussed by the team to priorities Product Owner needs and fixed deadlines.
An Agile concept or Sprint is defined specifying the time for the chosen item from the backlog and could last a week or month to produce a market-ready product. Each Sprint is reviewed in daily Scrums and on completion a new Sprint begins.
The process continues till the deadlines or budget is complete. Each daily Scrum reviews tests and corrects the previous day’s progress. All Scrum team members are involved, contribute and communicate towards the Sprint completion. The Scrum Master ensures the environment, practices and Scrum framework requirements are diligently met.
Scrum Advantages:
DevTeams of software developers work at high speeds and make use of Scrum to better their functioning with the following advantages.
• Scrum developers with decision-making capacities have higher motivation and morale.
• Every Sprint produces a market-ready product. Prioritizing ensures a low-risk, high-quality product goes to the market even as the project is still on-going.
• The time to market is reduced by ensuring the Scrum Product Owner is serviced on a need-basis.
• Scrum projects have better ROI due to effective feedback and corrections, decreased time to market, lesser defects, regular testing and early disbanding.
• Better testing is possible as each Sprint is reviewed before the next is taken up.
• Change of evolving goals and focus areas is feasible.
Scrum Disadvantages:
Scrum practices do not work well for all teams. Some disadvantages in the implementation of projects following Scrum practices are
• Scrum teams turn dysfunctional when micromanagement occurs by the Scrum Master’s interference.
• Adding functionalities to the backlog and fixed deadlines can cause creep in the scope of the project.
• The greatest impediment to project progress is the loss of a team member.
• Software developers work quickly and in small teams. Scrum practices work well for such teams.
Scrum Best Practices:
Quality products are created daily by winning teams using these simple Scrum practices.
• Specify relevant product features and requirements on time.
• Daily test and provide feedback to the Product Owner.
• Hold regular sprint-reviews.
• Use sprint retrospectives as constructive feedback.
• Avoid missed and miscommunications through face-to-face discussions.
• Trust your team performance.
• Allow team members to self-organised around their personalities, team skills, and work styles.
• Prevent burnouts through professional and personal conflicts and stress.
In conclusion, Scrum works well at all levels and in both personal and professional lives and environments. An Agile business analyst and Scrum software prodegree with SAP will empower you to use Scrum, Agile and SAP effectively.
