What is Scrum? Here is Everything You Need to Know

Are you getting started with Scrum? Well, you can think of the methodology as a way to get work done in small pieces so that it leads to eventual project success. It lets teams learn and get better as they go by trying things out and getting feedback. As an expert in this field, Scrum methodology helps me work with groups to create apps and software. 

Studies show that almost 83% of companies use Scrum, either as a standalone procedure or as part of hybrid methodologies. This is because it is simple and flexible. But what is Scrum?

In this blog, let us study Scrum in detail. It will give you clarity on why this software development approach is so popular across the globe.

You can check out our CSM Certification course to learn more about Scrum and Agile.

What is Scrum? 

One of the main questions people ask is what Scrum is and why it is named that way. It gets its name from a rugby formation in which players gather to advance to the ball. In the same way, it unites teams to move a product forward in a business.

Scrum methodology is based on making decisions based on what you observe and experience. It has three core ideas -

[a] Transparency - Being open about the work

[b] Inspection - Regularly checking progress

[c] Adaptation - Changing course when needed

The Scrum definition states that this approach is like a brief experiment that collects feedback. At my office, I find this methodology to be useful in managing complex software development projects. It breaks down the entire work into smaller cycles called Sprints. They can be accomplished in 1 to 4 weeks. The team tracks the progress at the time of daily stand-up meetings. 

Also read: Scrum phases

What is Scrum Framework?

The Scrum meaning of this term was initially used in software development. But it now applies to many areas. It focuses on step-by-step progress and being open. It also guides teams to periodically check their work. This can help them make the necessary adjustments.

According to the Scrum definition, work done in short periods is called sprints. Three main roles are defined under the framework are-

[a] Product owner who is in charge of setting priorities.

[b] A Scrum Master who assists with the Scrum process. 

[c] The development team which does the work.

Scrum methodology uses regular meetings and tools to help teams work together. This allows them to improve themselves. As an expert in this field, it helps my crew adapt and organize themselves. This allows me to create valuable results and meet changing needs.

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What is Scrum Methodology?

Agile software development mostly uses the scrum method. It is used to produce high-quality products and manage challenging projects. 

The Agile Manifesto is composed of several principles. They emphasize incremental and iterative development. The following components can help you understand what is Scrum:

a. Artifacts

You will come across 3 artifacts in a Scrum methodology. They help in project management-

• Product Backlog: It is a list of all key product features and improvements. This is managed by the product owner.
• Sprint Backlog: The items from the product backlog are chosen for the current sprint and committed to by the development team.
• Increment: These are the versions of the product that could be shipped. They are created in every sprint. This refers to the development team’s effort during the sprint. 

b. Events 

The Scrum methodology has several events or ceremonies. These help to facilitate collaboration and planning.

• Sprint Planning: The team selects and plans work for the upcoming sprint.
• Daily Stand-up: There is a 15 minute sync between the development team. This is where they discuss the progress and solve problems.
• Sprint Review: The group members display their finished work and gather input. They also update the backlog.
• Sprint Retrospective: They analyse the Scrum process. This allows them to identify ways to improve in future sprints.

c. Iterative Development

Scrum takes an incremental and iterative approach to development. This is in line with the Scrum definition. In my experience, the team divides the project into smaller parts called sprints. They often last one to four weeks. The goal of each sprint is to create a functional product piece. So understanding what is Scrum can allow your team to offer value by getting feedback. They can also modify the project as needed.

d. Continuous Improvement 

Knowing what is Scrum allows teams to keep improving. It can also help you analyse your work. This can help you gather improvement strategies.

Read More: Does Scrum Master Need to be Technical

Agile Vs. Scrum

These two have a lot in common. This is because Scrum came from Agile Scrum project management methods. There are also a few changes. Let us explore them-

a. Similarities

Here are the similar things between Agile and Scrum methodology - 

• Boards: Agile Scrum methods use boards as visual aids. The Scrum board is a modified one. They operate similarly. However, the difference is in the columns which host the task cards.
• Flexibility and Collaboration: Scrum and Agile methods are flexible. They even enable teams to respond quickly to new demands and problems. Both methods also involve team collaboration and have elements of Lean processes. 

b. Differences

The Scrum definition was born from Agile. Hence, there are bound to be some differences. So let us look at them-

• Sprints: The Scrum Master leads diverse teams through project sprints according to the Scrum meaning. The tasks from a backlog are planned and assigned for each 2-4 week sprint. After each sprint, the process repeats until the project is done and delivered to the client.  There are other Agile Scrum techniques that manage tasks flexibly. They also do not rely on sprints. These options deliver results quickly rather than waiting up to four weeks.
• Meetings and Accountability: Other Agile Scrum methods focus on direct communication. However, Scrum requires daily short meetings. The team and Scrum master will review the progress. They will also address challenges during these meetings. 

c. Which one should you go for?

In my opinion, you must decide which methodology fits your team and demands. Knowing what is Scrum will be a better choice if you are working on building software. This is because understanding the Scrum meaning increases accountability. It also allows you to work with small teams.

You also cannot ignore other Agile techniques. Some examples are Kanban or Extreme Programming. This gives you greater flexibility and allows you to work with larger groups. 

Therefore, no single approach works for all situations. Every strategy has perks and downsides of its own.

 Related Blogs: Various Tasks of A Certified Scrum Master

Scrum Team Members

Let us now examine what is Scrum team. It is just a small crew of people. It is composed of ten or fewer individuals. They collaborate using the Scrum framework. The primary roles within a Scrum team are -

1. Product Owner: They set priorities and represent stakeholders. This ensures that the group works on the most important tasks.

2. Scrum Master: They train the team and help them with the Scrum process. They also ensure that the principles are followed.

3. Development Team

• They design and create as a self organizing team. They also conduct tests and deliver product features.
• The Scrum meaning says that responsibilities should be distributed among all the team members. However, the individual roles also carry specific accountabilities tailored to their functions within the team.

How to Get Started with Scrum?

Having gained an overview of what is Scrum, you may be eager to get started. But you may be asking yourself, "How do I take the first step?" Here are some basic steps to get you going-

1. Assign significant roles: You must choose a Scrum master to lead the team in Scrum techniques. You also need to hire team members. 

2. Create a Product Backlog: You have to make a list of the project needs. This document will evolve as the project moves on.

3. Sprint Planning: You need to pick tasks from the Backlog for the next Sprint. You also have to create a time-boxed work period that lasts no longer than a month. This allows the team to decide on sprint goals and work assignments.

4. Execute the Sprint: Team members work on their assigned tasks. You need to keep daily Scrum meetings. These should last max 15 minutes. You have to cover both today’s plans and yesterday’s progress. You can also solve your team’s challenges in these meetings.

5. Sprint Review: The team displays the finished work and talks about achievements at the end of the sprint.

6. Sprint Retrospective: You need to check the team’s process. This can allow you to identify areas for improvement and collaboration. So using and knowing the Scrum meaning can boost continuous improvement and adaptability in the project.

What are the Scrum Values?

Have you understood how the process works? Well let us look at what is Scrum values. The Scrum framework is built on five core values. They guide team members’ conduct and approach to work-

1. Courage: Scrum Team members boldly tackle challenges and openly share ideas. They also learn to actively seek new approaches. This allows them to easily change course when necessary.

2. Commitment: The Sprint and Product Goals are the Scrum Team’s primary focus. This promotes teamwork and commitment.

3. Openness: The Scrum Team communicates openly. They also talk about challenges and share their knowledge.

4. Respect: Scrum team members learn to value other’s abilities and views. This creates a coordinated setting with open communication.

5. Focus: Delivering value is the top priority for the Scrum Team. They accomplish this by focusing on the current objectives.

Define the Scrum Process

Now let us look at the what is Scrum procedure-

1. The Basics: Understanding what is Scrum is key to achieving the benefits of Scrum. Scrum consists of eleven core elements - 3 roles and 3 artifacts. It also has 5 events. The framework centres on Sprints. They contain 4 inspect-and-adapt events. This helps to examine and improve artifacts and team practices. Events within Sprints deliver value to the Scrum process. The Product Owner has to maintain the Product Backlog. They also have to prioritize the tasks. This allows the team to check for items that need refinement.

2. Visualizing completed work: The product owner may frequently interrupt the development team if there is no visual progress tracking. Teams usually use Sprint Burndown Charts. Dashboards or Scrum Kanban boards are also efficient approaches. These tools show completed tasks and approval requirements.

3. Product Owner Involvement: Product managers should gather feedback on releases. They can utilize it to prioritize upcoming tasks. They can also use it to improve the product vision. This ongoing process includes maintaining existing features. In my opinion, you can improve the efficiency of Sprint Planning by allocating up to 10% of your time to backlog refinement. 

Participation of the Product Owner in user research aids in the identification of high-value areas. This may result in a better overall product direction. It can also result in informed decisions during Sprint reviews.

What are the Scrum Events?

The Scrum events are the important parts of the Scrum framework. They provide regular chances to put the Scrum pillars of transparency and inspection into practice. There are five Scrum events. They each have their own purpose. So let us look at what is Scrum events -

1. Sprint: It is the core of Scrum. This is where all work happens in short and focused projects. The structure also allows for modifications and suggestions.

2. Sprint Planning: The team works to plan their tasks. This allows them to have a goal for the next Sprint.

3. Daily Scrum: Developers receive a brief every day. They also talk about challenges. This allows them to check the Sprint objective’s progress. It also enables them to change their plans.

4. Sprint Review: The achievements of the group are displayed to shareholders.

5. Sprint Retrospective

• The team notes the successes and failures. This helps them in the upcoming Sprint.
• These events of the Scrum framework boost adaptation. This helps the team improve.

Benefits of Scrum

The following are some benefits of Scrum for businesses and the development team-

a. Provide value more frequently and quickly: Scrum allows brands to speed up product development. It also allows them to offer value in a reliable manner. These benefits of Scrum help them to compete with others. This helps companies boost their efficiency.

b. Adjust to changing events: Gaining knowledge about what is Scrum helps improve the flexibility and adaptability of your team. This makes it work well in dynamic settings where swift responses to change are essential. The framework also lets you quickly adapt to change. This ensures your team stays productive in fast evolving markets.

c. Make continuous enhancements: Scrum includes making improvements in its practices. It is done with frequent reflection and delivery. This creates a culture where your teams will actively seek ways to enhance performance. As a result, the benefits of Scrum will help you make continuous enhancements.

d. Boost communication and efficiency: Knowing what is Scrum can boost your team. This is because it improves motivation and productivity. Its structured processes also help team members be informed. Hence, these benefits of Scrum can help you increase your team’s engagement. It can also help you achieve higher overall motivation.

e. Maintain stakeholder relationships: Scrum fosters stronger shareholder connections. This is because they encourage regular participation and open communication. This ongoing collaboration builds confidence. It also ensures that the final outcome meets expectations. Therefore, the benefits of Scrum ensure everyone is happy.

Let us now see the limitation of Scrum.

Limitation of Scrum 

Now that we have seen the advantages let us also look at the limitation of Scrum -

a. You will need an experienced team: Scrum involves extended periods of intense work. So all your team members should be able to perform their own tasks properly. Everyone should also be able to provide quality feedback on the process and results. This is one of the limitation of Scrum.

b. It needs a lot of training: If your team does not know what is Scrum, you might have to implement training measures. Due to the lengthy process, this limitation of Scrum can take a lot of time to complete. So it can take several months to prepare your team.

c. It only works with small teams: According to my experience, Scrum works with teams that have less than 10 members. Big firms may find it hard to split their workforce into small crews. So they may struggle to do so. This limitation of Scrum can slow down their adoption of Scrum.

To Conclude

This was a blog explaining what is Scrum. Scrum is a management framework that enables teams to self-organize and collaborate towards a common goal. It includes specific meetings and roles to enhance project delivery.

Scrum also empowers teams to learn from experience and adapt. So despite some of the limitation of Scrum, it is widely employed to solve complex problems.

FAQs

Q1 - Why is it called Scrum in Agile? 

In project management, the Scrum definition comes from rugby. The team’s atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork served as inspiration for Jeff Sutherland and Ken Schwaber to create the Scrum framework for Agile Scrum project management.

Q2 - Why Scrum is used? 

Scrum provides a strong structure for setting up product teams. It also allows you to schedule tasks. The Scrum meaning promotes flexibility, rather than dictating the stages. This can allow you to adjust the Scrum techniques to fit your objectives and workflows.

Q3 - When to use Scrum? 

You can use Scrum when working on complex projects that require frequent collaboration and flexibility. Knowing what is Scrum is effective in dynamic environments like software development. It is also ideal for teams needing to respond quickly to changing requirements.

Q4 - What are Scrum roles? 

Scrum roles include the Product Owner, who defines project vision and priorities. The Scrum Master, who facilitates processes and removes obstacles. In addition, the Development Team that executes tasks and delivers the product increment. 

Q5 - Can I become a Scrum Master as a fresher?

Indeed! As a freshman, you can become a Scrum Master. You must practice the principles and expand your network. StarAgile offers the Certified Scrum Master program. This can help you in your job search. 

Q6 - Does Scrum require coding?

There is no mention in the Scrum definition that a Scrum Master needs to know coding. However, job descriptions can vary. So having knowledge of coding can help.

Q7 - Who is eligible for Scrum Master?

It is not strictly defined. However, companies prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in IT or business administration. Earning a college degree can also give you opportunities for other jobs. 

Q8 - How to become a certified scrum master?

You won’t always need formal qualifications to become a Scrum Master. However, certifications from recognized organizations such as the Scrum Alliance or Scrum.org can be beneficial. Popular certifications include Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Professional Scrum Master (PSM).