Scrum Process Simplified

Scrum is a way to organize the work of tackling problems or projects, using certain roles and principles to create order and to deliver the best outcome possible. Scrum can be used to develop software, products, services, solutions, and more. It is based on the 12 principles of the Agile Manifesto. A few of them are:

• An emphasis is placed on delivering value frequently rather than a single end goal.

• The satisfaction of the customer is the highest priority.

• If changes are needed for improvement, they are embraced.

• The pace of work should be sustainable and provide the needed outcomes.

The name Scrum comes from the game rugby. In rugby a scrum is when 8 team members form into three lines and move together as a single unit. As you continue reading below, I believe you will see the similarities in the Scrum process.

Definitions:

Agile: Based on the Manifesto for Agile Software Development. As its name implies, Agile development is meant to make a project run quickly and easily, producing an excellent outcome. It is based on 12 principles developed by its authors.

Backlog: A prioritized list of the tasks needed to be completed for the product/project.

Servant Leader: A person in authority who uplifts employees, rather than wielding power over them.

Sprint: A short (1 to 4 week) set timeframe in which the team completes a set amount of work with a specific goal in mind. Future sprints are usually based on the work done in past sprints.

Stories: A backlog item is often written in the form of a story indicating a person's needs or desires of the end process/product/software. It's high level and can be just one sentence. For example, "As a student, I must be able to get to school" is a story.

The Three Roles In Scrum

Scrum Master: The coach of the Scrum team and a servant leader. Their job is to educate on the Scrum/agile process, make sure that process is followed, facilitate, and remove roadblocks.

Product Owner: This role represents the company or customer's interests. They will fully understand the desired product, make decisions, collaborate with the agile team to determine objectives, and communicate with those outside of the Scrum such as the stakeholders or customers.

Agile Team: A small team dedicated to the product being produced. The members of the team should, between them, have all the skills needed to complete the project. There are many thoughts on the size of the team but it is generally agreed that the team should be at least five people and no more than ten.

Scrum Process

Sprint Planning: Product Owner advises what the team should focus on. Backlog is defined and the team determines how to proceed with the work.

Backlog Refinement: Product Owner reviews the backlog to ensure that correct items are included and prioritized. Adding details to stories as needed.

Daily Stand-Up: A short (15 minutes or less) daily meeting to discuss

1. What the team members have accomplished

2. Obstacles or roadblocks

3. What the team members will be working on that day

Sprint Review: Held at the end of each sprint. A discussion of what the team is building, whether goals were met, and progress review. If backlog items were not completed, a decision will be made to discard them or move them to the next sprint.

Retrospective: Also held at the of each sprint. A discussion of how the team is doing their work, what could be done better, what went well, and a celebration of their accomplishments.