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Category: Scrum

Scrum, Kanban, or XP? Navigating Agile Frameworks in Project Management

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Marbenz Antonio

Full Comparison: Agile vs Scrum vs Waterfall vs Kanban

The requisites of global enterprises have perpetually undergone evolution. To adapt to this dynamic landscape, institutions have relinquished conventional paradigms governing work and software development. Instead, they are diligently seeking avenues to infuse greater agility into their software development processes, thereby enhancing their competitiveness within their respective industries.

Some software development methodologies abound, each offering a potential route to fortify your team’s agility and yield superlative product quality. Foremost among these frameworks stands Scrum, widely acknowledged for its efficacy. Nonetheless, alternative approaches such as Kanban, Lean, and Extreme Programming (XP) merit contemplation.

Within this instructional exposition, we shall scrutinize these four distinct methodologies, elucidating their merits and appropriateness for your esteemed organization.

What is Agile?

Since a functional piece of software won’t be obtained until late in the software development lifecycle, the traditional method of software development involves a lengthy plan with requirements and designs. Projects usually exceed schedules and budgets as a result of this. With the adoption of the Agile methodology, the responsibility for finishing the project on schedule and within budget was divided among the team members.

Agile is a theory that was developed to enhance the software development process. The Agile approach to software development places an emphasis on quick and flexible reactions to changes in requirements, client needs, and technological environments. The word “Agile,” which implies quick and flexible, served as its inspiration.

What is Scrum?

Scrum is an agile methodology that employs planning, development, testing, and evaluation in a time-boxed cycle to produce high-quality products quickly and advance with each sprint. Cross-functional, self-organizing teams working within the goals of their product owner are the main focus of Scrum. Utilizing their collective knowledge and skill sets, the team selects how to work together most effectively to finish the task within each sprint in order to produce significant outcomes through experimentation.

Continuous improvement is the cornerstone of the Scrum methodology. You work in a team environment and there are multiple incremental steps to creating a project. The main distinction between Scrum and other Agile frameworks is that Scrum bases its project management methodology on sprints. This implies that a defined objective or deliverable must be completed with each project iteration (or sprint). The flexibility of Scrum, its emphasis on ongoing improvement, and its capacity to foster better teamwork are all advantages.

What is Kanban?

Workflow management with Kanban is mostly used in the software development industry. Using sticky notes on a board called a Kanban board, you move your work from one stage to the next to keep track of it when using Kanban.

Unlike Scrum, which uses sprints and iterations, Kanban does not. Instead, you decide on your cadence based on how usually you want to roll out new features or products. Depending on the requirements and goals of your team, this cycle can range from daily to quarterly releases.

Therefore, Kanban developers work on whatever tasks are available instead of setting deadlines and pushing them out like Scrum does. Kanban is therefore better suited to tasks that follow a workflow.

In addition to creating cadences, Kanban allows you to control inventory levels by setting a limit on the number of backlog items that can be active at once (often referred to as WIP limits). Offering teams the freedom to prioritize what they need next in light of shifting project requirements and market conditions, helps reduce overwork.

The Kanban approach places an emphasis on visualizing work, restricting work-in-progress, continuous delivery, collaboration, and increasing efficiency and waste reduction. The work that needs to be done is divided into manageable chunks and listed on cards nailed to a board.

The cards are moved in accordance with the stages that the job is in (such as ready, in progress, ready for review, etc.). For teams with limited resources or when each item requires input from each team member, the work-in-progress rule is beneficial. The average time it takes to complete a task (also known as the “cycle time”) is tracked and optimized in order to make the process as efficient and predictable as possible.

As opposed to other agile frameworks, Kanban uses a pull-based method of project management, which is a key distinction. This results in work being pulled into the sprint just when it is required, reducing waste and keeping projects on schedule.

The advantages of utilizing Kanban include its emphasis on ongoing improvement, its capacity to foster better teamwork, and its adaptability (it can be made to work with any size or type of project).

What is Lean Development?

A simple option for teams to enhance their development processes is to employ the lean framework, which focuses on continuous improvement. Continuous change and improvement are the main goals of lean development. The Toyota Production System, which Toyota has employed since the 1950s to encourage continual improvement in their manufacturing processes, is the foundation of Lean. Lean is based on these principles:

  • Efficient flow of value
  • Harmonious work environment/li>
  • Respect for people and teamwork/li>
  • Continuous improvement/li>

The ability to quickly and efficiently identify and reduce waste is one of the advantages of lean. Delivering high-quality products and adding value for the customer are its main priorities.

What is XP (eXtreme Programming)?

The book Extreme Programming Explained: Embrace Change by Kent Beck and Martin Fowler presented the software development process known as Extreme Programming (XP). The major objective of XP is to reduce development time while maintaining frequent releases in order to increase the quality of software projects.

Extreme Programming was created to be a simple approach. It emphasizes simplicity, developing automated tests to direct code design, and frequent releases (as often as once per week), rather than providing any particular tools or procedures for putting its ideals into effect.

XP advocates pair programming, which involves two developers working together at one computer keyboard so they can more readily examine each other’s work, as well as continual refactoring, the process of rewriting code without altering its outer behavior to keep it simple to read and understand.

These procedures allow teams utilizing XP to receive feedback on their code more often throughout development than most other methods allow, as opposed to only testing after each significant work has been completed.

Conclusions Regarding Agile Frameworks

Although the origins of these agile frameworks differ and they each focus on different parts of the development process, they all maintain the values outlined in the Agile Manifesto and support teams in producing high-quality software rapidly. The maturity of your organization and the method you wish to use for product development will determine which Agile framework you choose. For instance, Kanban might be a better choice if you’re a start-up. However, Scrum or XP can be a better option if the team has experience with agile methods.

 


Here at CourseMonster, we know how hard it may be to find the right time and funds for training. We provide effective training programs that enable you to select the training option that best meets the demands of your company.

For more information, please get in touch with one of our course advisers today or contact us at training@coursemonster.com

Posted in Agile, ScrumTagged #Agile, Kanban, ScrumLeave a Comment on Scrum, Kanban, or XP? Navigating Agile Frameworks in Project Management

Differences Between an Agile Coach and a Scrum Master

Posted on March 21, 2023March 21, 2023 by Marbenz Antonio

What Is an Agile Coach – A Project Manager's Guide | Toptal®

When organizations decide to switch from traditional waterfall software development to Agile methodology, they often wonder about the distinction between a scrum master and an agile coach. However, transitioning to a new methodology can be challenging, and it is crucial for organizations to grasp the distinction between these two roles during this sensitive phase.

To put it simply, the contrast between a scrum master and an agile coach can be seen as a matter of scale or level, and consequently, their respective responsibilities. The role of a scrum master centers on coaching the team, while the role of an agile coach centers on coaching the entire organization.

When does an organization face Scrum Master vs Agile Coach scenario?

Scrum is known in the industry as being “easy to understand but difficult to master.” Although the Scrum framework is a concise 14-page document, comprehensively grasping the essence of those pages is no easy feat. That’s why, when an organization is moving towards adopting the Agile methodology, it requires the expertise of an experienced professional with in-depth knowledge of Agile principles.

At this critical moment, the organization can greatly benefit from having both a Scrum Master and an Agile Coach on board. The success of the organization’s goal to become “Agile” is determined by the relationship and cooperation between these two roles, which has been a long-standing debate of Scrum Master versus Agile Coach.

Here are some of the reasons why an organization may require competent Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches during a challenging, intricate, and delicate transition:

  • Mere reading of the Scrum Guide does not produce a Scrum Master. It requires patient and sincere practice and years of experience rooted in solid knowledge of the Agile methodology.
  • To implement Agile means to move to a new internal landscape which is often unknown. Organizations need experts who can help teams unlearn their deeply ingrained old belief systems and work patterns.
  • It is of paramount importance to have an experienced professional who can guide the team through this transition by means of providing solid support and removing inevitable obstacles at the enterprise level. Normally, such a role of the guide is called Agile Coach.
  • The same needs to be done by the scrum master as well. Though, her responsibility is much more concentrated at the team level than at the organizational level.
  • During the Agile transformation, an organization needs to have adequate resources that help it at both micro and macro levels. A Scrum Master and Agile Coach are the names of such resources that need to be utilized wisely and intelligently.
  • Scrum Master vs Agile Coach then is not about exclusion but the inclusion of two similar yet distinct professionals into the integrated system of agile development.

Let’s examine the roles and responsibilities of these resources, and how they can assist organizations in developing high-performing Agile teams to enhance their business value and credibility.

What is a Scrum Master?

In the previous post, we delved into the misunderstandings regarding the responsibilities of a Scrum Master. However, when examining the role of a Scrum Master in the context of the ongoing Scrum Master vs Agile Coach debate, it’s crucial to consider the Scrum Master’s role from this perspective.

Compared to an Agile Coach, a Scrum Master is more closely connected to the team and acts as an internal observer. Conversely, an Agile Coach typically serves as an external observer.

A scrum master is:

  • An essential member of the Agile development team.
  • A manager was responsible for overseeing the flow of processes within the team.
  • A guide who assists the team in adhering to Agile principles.
  • A trainer who instructs the team on how to self-manage and self-organize.
  • A mentor who aids the team in resolving obstacles encountered during the Agile software development process.

A Scrum Master may have a more limited scope of work than an Agile Coach. However, an experienced and competent Scrum Master can utilize their extensive expertise to implement effective strategies and practices to enhance team performance.

In some cases, an organization may assign additional responsibilities of an Agile Coach to a knowledgeable and experienced Scrum Master, which can be a critical error.

Scrum Master role and responsibilities

During a discussion of Scrum Master vs Agile Coach, the roles and responsibilities of each position can overlap. Essentially, their duties are quite similar. However, there are significant differences in scope.

Here are several responsibilities and roles of a Scrum Master during an organization’s transition to the Agile methodology:

  • Imparting knowledge of Scrum theory and practices
  • Teaching effective communication skills
  • Assisting individual team members in continuously improving their knowledge of Agile and their skills
  • Providing valuable assistance in sprint planning and backlog management
  • Observing and improving the outcomes of team performance based on her guidance
  • Empowering the team to produce high-value increments
  • Making the team efficient enough to make and meet commitments.

What Does an Agile Coach Do?

It’s worth noting that there’s no official definition of an Agile Coach in the Scrum Guide. As a result, organizations often equate this role with that of the scrum master. However, it’s important to recognize that the agile coach is not simply a more experienced version of the scrum master. Rather, an agile coach is a distinct and specialized professional with advanced training and skill sets.

Enterprises often confuse the roles of a scrum master and an agile coach, as there is some overlap in their responsibilities. However, it is important to note that an agile coach operates on a broader and more extensive scale than a scrum master. An agile coach possesses the expertise and experience required to enable enterprises to achieve overall agility. In essence, an agile coach can be described as:

  • A leader with a progressive perspective
  • A supporter to multiple teams as well as to the leadership
  • A thorough disciplinarian who motivates teams to continuously and consistently practice and improve
  • A mentor
  • A facilitator
  • A trainer
  • A servant leader

For any enterprise that is preparing to adopt the agile methodology, it is crucial to have an agile coach who can motivate teams to develop innovative and valuable solutions with a sense of autonomy and creativity. An agile coach who can effectively balance the roles of mentor, facilitator, and trainer can be a valuable asset to the organization.

Roles and responsibilities of an Agile coach

The responsibilities of an agile coach are more extensive and diverse than those of a scrum master, particularly for those who have advanced beyond the scrum master level. Some common responsibilities of an agile coach include:

  • Clearly communicating the agile methodology to the teams as well as to the leadership
  • Instilling best practices at the team and organizational level
  • Training teams to effectively utilize Agile tools and strategies
  • Monitoring and assessing the progress of both teams and the organization as a whole
  • Providing support to overcome any obstacles in the path of agile transformation and development process
  • Encouraging active participation of all stakeholders and leadership in the agile process
  • Advising the leadership in adopting an Agile mindset and culture
  • Promoting initial retrospectives and stand-ups.

It’s worth noting that a genuine agile coach would aim to coach the team in a manner that renders their own role unnecessary. As paradoxical as it may sound, this is the ultimate goal for any agile coach.

An indication of effective coaching is when teams no longer need intensive Agile coaching because they have internalized the principles and practices taught by the Agile coach. The Agile coach has successfully enabled the team to surpass their need for external guidance. Such an Agile coach can be seen as a natural progression from an experienced scrum master.

Transformation of a Scrum Master into an Agile Coach

Sutherland and Schwaber originally designed Scrum with the intention that scrum masters would also function as agile coaches. Therefore, there is no separate, distinct definition or guideline that solely outlines the roles and responsibilities of an agile coach.

However, the reason we do not witness this natural progression from a scrum master to an agile coach is that enterprises do not appoint scrum masters in their intended roles. Instead, they typically hire either a project manager or an agile coach directly to guide them through the transition process.

While hiring an Agile Coach directly can provide immediate benefits, it can also undermine the organization’s long-term governance. Therefore, it’s crucial for enterprises to appoint scrum masters with the organization’s broader goals, including legacy governance, in mind.

One way to achieve the natural progression from scrum master to agile coach is to provide effective training to scrum masters. Agile coaches can train, develop, and empower strong scrum masters with the necessary skills and knowledge to eventually assume the role of a coach.

Here are some methods that enterprises can use to develop their own agile coaches by growing their scrum masters:

  • Providing necessary professional development training and guidance to scrum masters
  • Giving scrum masters access and authority to make decisions and take actions for their respective teams
  • Empowering scrum masters to focus on team-centric growth strategies by granting them sufficient power.

For a smooth and successful transformation of scrum masters into powerful agile coaches with exceptional coaching skills and expertise, it’s essential for organizations to offer their full support and willingness.

Scrum Master vs Agile Coach: Key differences

As previously mentioned, the main difference between a scrum master and an agile coach lies in their scope. Now, let’s examine some of the significant areas in which they differ:

Parameters Scrum Master Agile Coach
Focus Areas • Focuses on a single team
• Focuses on assisting the team with the daily workflow.
• Focuses on all the teams of the organization
• Focuses on creating an overarching system for the teams and the leadership to follow.
Role • Very often a transitioned project manager with an extensive or not-so-extensive Scrum
• knowledge and experience
• Works with a single team
• A scrum master makes sure that everything is flowing smoothly in the Scrum process.
• A seasoned and evolved scrum master with vast knowledge and experience in Agile practices
• Works with all the teams, leaders, and other stakeholders
• An agile coach defines the what, how, when, who, and why of that flow.
Knowledge A scrum master needs to master the Scrum framework thoroughly. An Agile Coach knows various Agile methods, including Scrum, Kanban, Scaling Methods, and many others.
Duration The Scrum masterworks with the Scrum Team in each sprint and stays with it throughout the life of the Scrum Team. Limited in comparison to the duration of a scrum master. An agile coach stays with the organization until the goal is accomplished and then moves on.

Conclusion

While the roles of an agile coach and a scrum master may overlap, they differ significantly in terms of scope and responsibilities. An agile coach operates at a more extensive and broader level, with a focus on helping organizations achieve overall agility. On the other hand, a scrum master’s primary responsibility is to facilitate and coach the scrum team in implementing the agile methodology.

Organizations looking to transition to the agile methodology can benefit greatly from both roles, and developing strong scrum masters into agile coaches can help ensure a smooth and effective transition. By providing the necessary professional development training and guidance, as well as empowering scrum masters to make decisions and focus on team-centric growth strategies, organizations can cultivate their own agile coaches with exceptional coaching skills and expertise.

Ultimately, by understanding the differences between an agile coach and a scrum master, organizations can make informed decisions about which role or combination of roles is best suited to their needs, and better equip themselves for success in the ever-evolving world of agile methodology.

 


Here at CourseMonster, we know how hard it may be to find the right time and funds for training. We provide effective training programs that enable you to select the training option that best meets the demands of your company.

For more information, please get in touch with one of our course advisers today or contact us at training@coursemonster.com

Posted in ScrumTagged ScrumLeave a Comment on Differences Between an Agile Coach and a Scrum Master

The Role of the Scrum Master as a Servant Leader for the Scrum Team

Posted on March 21, 2023March 21, 2023 by Marbenz Antonio

How to Cultivate Agile Servant Leadership | Toptal®

On a regular basis in an agile software development project, the duties of a scrum master typically involve:

  • A scrum master provides instructions to team members
  • A scrum master coordinates with team members and other stakeholders
  • A scrum master assigns tasks to various team members
  • A scrum master strategizes how to bring together team members for the Daily Scrum or stand-up meetings
  • A scrum master limits their duties only to their team and does not expand their role to bring significant organizational change
  • A scrum master may pass on issues to the product owner when the team cannot resolve them, missing an opportunity for organizational improvement
  • A scrum master focuses on daily tasks, neglecting the potential for long-term improvements in efficiency and team skills
  • A scrum master manages a team that is not efficient enough to produce a “Done” increment by the end of each sprint
  • A scrum master manages a team that lacks clarity on the product backlog
  • A scrum master deals with transparency issues with a team due to their previous experience with waterfall methodology in software development.

Do these situations sound familiar to you? They probably do, and it’s easy to get comfortable with them. However, have you considered whether the tasks performed by a scrum master are the only ones they should be doing? Is it possible that there is more to the role and responsibilities of a scrum master? If you think there might be, keep reading.

As the saying goes, the true essence of things often lies outside our comfort zone. When we venture beyond it and explore new ideas, we can uncover valuable treasures that have been hidden away by time and distance, just waiting to be discovered.

Before delving into the treasures that lie beyond our comfort zone as scrum masters, it’s important to first understand what Scrum is and the true responsibilities of a scrum master.

What is Scrum?

According to the 2020 Scrum GuideTM, Scrum is a simple yet effective framework designed to aid individuals, teams, and organizations in generating value through flexible solutions to complex problems. Additionally, it outlines five core Scrum values: Commitment, Focus, Openness, Respect, and Courage.

Scrum is highly valued for its simplicity, which stems from intentionally leaving the framework incomplete. This allows for relationships and interactions to flourish, enabling the collective intelligence of individuals to seamlessly execute the agile software development process. This deliberate incompleteness also allows the team to explore different processes, techniques, and methods while maintaining the core Scrum values mentioned earlier.

What is a Scrum Master?

The Scrum master, also known as the iteration manager, agile coach, or Scrum team coach, is a vital member of the Agile team. Their primary responsibility is to ensure a thorough understanding and implementation of Scrum theory by adhering to the guidelines outlined in the Scrum Guide. This position embodies the role of a servant leader who is always available to assist the team whenever necessary.

However, a lack of understanding regarding the true purpose of Scrum often leads to the undervaluation of the Scrum master role, resulting in scenarios as previously discussed. However, with a better understanding of Scrum and the responsibilities of a Scrum master, these scenarios can be overcome. Let’s explore what a Scrum master is and how they can significantly improve an organization’s overall efficiency and work culture.

The role of a Scrum master is multifaceted, with the primary responsibility of implementing the Scrum framework in the agile software development process. To accomplish this, the Scrum master must work not only with teams but also with product owners and the organization as a whole.

Scrum master as a Coach

What is the exact role of a coach? Does a Scrum master go out onto the field and play? No, of course not! Similarly, a Scrum master does not need to physically participate in the agile software development process in the lab.

The main task of a scrum master is to train and guide the team to become proficient and self-reliant in managing the development process. Instead of constantly dictating what the team should or shouldn’t do, the scrum master must teach the team Agile scrum project management techniques so that they can produce high-value increments that meet the definition of “Done.”

Scrum master as a Counselor

The development process often involves conflicting perspectives from various stakeholders, leading to chaos and tension. The scrum master’s role is to establish psychological safety for all teams involved so that they can perform optimally and generate innovative ideas.

One of the key responsibilities of a scrum master is to encourage the team to acknowledge their weaknesses, address them, and cultivate a culture of transparency and openness, which is a core value of the Scrum framework. The scrum master can train the team to develop the confidence to express themselves without the fear of being criticized or rejected. This entails creating an environment where all team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and collaborating openly.

Scrum master as a Collaborator

The scrum master plays an important role as a mediator between the product owner and the project teams. The absence of the product owner can often lead to delays and conflicts in the agile software development process. A competent scrum master, who is a skilled collaborator, can engage the product owner as an active participant throughout the software development process, even with their busy schedules and other obligations. This productive collaboration helps to build a scrum team that learns to trust the process and the leadership of the scrum master.

Scrum master as an Observer

The role of a scrum master requires being a perceptive observer who pays attention to details. They have the ability to closely observe the daily activities of the teams and individual members, which allows them to gain insight into their efficiency and skills.

In addition to being a good observer, a scrum master must also possess strong listening skills. They listen attentively to all stakeholders involved in the project to ensure that their concerns and needs are heard and addressed appropriately.

Scrum master as a Repository of Knowledge

The scrum master is also a valuable source of knowledge for the teams. They possess comprehensive knowledge of the product and the processes involved in agile software development, such as Scrum, Extreme Programming (XP), Kanban, and SAFe.

Having an experienced and knowledgeable scrum master is crucial as they can guide the teams through any challenges or obstacles that may arise during the development process.

Scrum master as a Master Builder of Scrum Culture

The role of a scrum master is crucial in building a strong scrum culture within an organization. Through leadership, training, and coaching, the scrum master helps the organization adopt Scrum effectively and seamlessly, utilizing all of the skills mentioned above. As a master builder, the scrum master lays the foundation for a successful agile software development process.

Scrum master as a Servant Leader

In this post, the significance of agile servant leadership in the agile software development process has already been discussed. The Scrum Guide clearly defines the scrum master as a servant leader whose role is to serve rather than command or control.

As a servant leader, the primary responsibility of a scrum master is to assist teams in becoming self-organized and self-managed. They train teams to deliver efficiently by implementing and supporting various practices such as lean-agile practices, SAFe principles, ScrumXP, and Kanban.

As a servant leader, a scrum master also facilitates collaboration between the team and other teams in the Agile Release Train (ART). Additionally, the scrum master removes any obstacles hindering the development process, ensuring high-value deliveries, continuous and consistent flow, and process improvements.

By being a part of the extended Scrum Master community, the scrum master becomes even more proficient in helping teams communicate, coordinate and cooperate better. Through this training, the organization can achieve its business and delivery goals more efficiently.

Why do Organizations Need an Efficient Scrum Master?

From the discussion, it is clear that the role of a scrum master is often misunderstood, leading managers to assume the role without fully comprehending its unique characteristics. This is often the case for companies that hastily adopt Agile methodologies without a deep understanding of its frameworks, particularly Scrum. Such companies may find themselves unprepared to adopt the Agile mindset and approach.

To avoid this, companies require a scrum master who is a servant leader, possessing years of experience and training in Agile methodologies and in-depth knowledge of Scrum. This will help ensure that the organization is equipped with the necessary skills and mindset to function in an Agile manner, ultimately leading to success.

Conclusion

The role of the Scrum Master as a servant leader for the Scrum team is essential for the success of agile software development. The Scrum Master serves as a coach, collaborator, observer, walking encyclopedia, builder of scrum culture, and a quintessential servant leader. Their primary responsibility is to help teams be self-organized and self-managed, coordinate with other teams, remove obstacles, and ensure high-value deliveries.

However, the role of a Scrum Master is often misunderstood, and some enterprises assume that a regular project manager can take on this role without proper training and experience. Therefore, it is crucial for enterprises to understand the importance of the Scrum Master as a servant leader with an Agile mindset to achieve their business and delivery goals effectively.

 


Here at CourseMonster, we know how hard it may be to find the right time and funds for training. We provide effective training programs that enable you to select the training option that best meets the demands of your company.

For more information, please get in touch with one of our course advisers today or contact us at training@coursemonster.com

Posted in ScrumTagged ScrumLeave a Comment on The Role of the Scrum Master as a Servant Leader for the Scrum Team

Why Scrum Doesn’t Justify Neglecting Urgent Matters

Posted on March 13, 2023March 13, 2023 by Marbenz Antonio

Succeeding with Product Delivery and Scrum: 10 Tips for Product People |  Roman Pichler

The Scrum framework places the responsibility of maximizing product value for the customer on the Product Owner. This objective drives the entire Scrum process, which emphasizes the frequent and incremental delivery of value. However, there are instances where the customer’s actions can undermine the value the Scrum Team aims to provide. For example, the customer may make a work request that does not justify jeopardizing the value the Sprint Goal intends to deliver. In other cases, canceling the current Sprint to address an emergency may be the best course of action. Alternatively, there may be situations where a compromise can be reached. As a result, the Product Owner and Scrum Team must determine how to handle unexpected customer demands effectively.

Value delivery in Sprints

The Scrum methodology involves Developers collaborating to deliver value in Sprints. The primary objective of each Sprint is to deliver a complete and usable increment of value. Sprints have a fixed duration of one month or less, and this duration remains consistent over time. At the beginning of each Sprint, the Scrum Team convenes for a Sprint Planning event where they establish a plan for the work that they will undertake during the upcoming Sprint.

The Sprint Planning event is a crucial phase in which the Scrum Team chooses the Product Backlog items they will complete, devises a plan to accomplish the work, and sets a goal outlining the value they intend to deliver during the Sprint. Throughout the Sprint, the Developers hold daily meetings to review their progress and adjust their plan for the following 24 hours. Once the Sprint concludes, the Scrum Team conducts a Sprint Review where they present the completed increment to stakeholders and then engage in a retrospective meeting to discuss ways to enhance their teamwork. Sprint’s regularity and continuity serve as Scrum’s heartbeat, and it operates smoothly and consistently for high-performing teams.

What occurs when an unforeseen customer emergency or urgent request arises during a Sprint? Should the Scrum Team disregard it until the next Sprint Planning event? No, Scrum does not dictate that the team ignore mid-Sprint emergencies. Instead, the Product Owner has various options available. Let’s explore each one.

1. Postpone the work

The Product Owner may receive the customer’s request but may determine that it is not crucial enough to disrupt Sprint. Although it is natural to want to satisfy the customer and stakeholders, an experienced Product Owner recognizes that modifying Sprint impedes value delivery. Unless the request is pressing, the Product Owner may opt to include the work in the Product Backlog and wait for the team to select it at the next Sprint Planning event. Delaying the work does not necessarily harm our relationship with the customer if we establish clear communication about why we cannot accommodate their request mid-Sprint.

2. Add to the current Sprint

The Product Owner might conclude that the work is significant enough to engage with the Developers and assess whether the team can include it in the ongoing Sprint without compromising the Sprint Goal. This may necessitate discussions and negotiations between the Developers and the Product Owner, which could entail eliminating lower-priority work from Sprint to accommodate the request.

3. Cancel the current Sprint

There may be instances where the Product Owner decides that the current Sprint Goal is no longer valuable due to changes in the project’s circumstances. As an example, let’s say the Scrum Team is focusing on creating value for the BlackBerry device during the initial release of the iPhone. In such a scenario, the team may need to re-evaluate its current work and assess if it needs to shift direction based on the unforeseen situation in the market. While such crises are infrequent, I have only witnessed one such occurrence during my career.

Conclusion

Scrum methodology is an effective approach for managing complex projects, but it does not justify neglecting urgent matters. While Scrum emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Sprint Goal and following a predefined process, it is important to prioritize urgent matters that may arise during the project. Neglecting urgent matters can have significant consequences, including project delays and missed opportunities. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between following the Scrum framework and addressing urgent matters as they arise to ensure project success.

 


Here at CourseMonster, we know how hard it may be to find the right time and funds for training. We provide effective training programs that enable you to select the training option that best meets the demands of your company.

For more information, please get in touch with one of our course advisers today or contact us at training@coursemonster.com

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What is “Done” and how does it relate to Scrum events?

Posted on March 13, 2023March 13, 2023 by Marbenz Antonio

Scrum Events: A Practical Guide

The concept of the Scrum framework that is most commonly misunderstood is likely to be the Definition of ‘Done’. In this article, we’ll be exploring:

  • What Is the Definition of ‘Done’
  • How it can be used in Scrum Events

What Is the Definition of ‘Done’

“The Definition of Done is a formal description of the state of the Increment when it meets the quality measures required for the product.”

The Definition of ‘Done’ establishes a common understanding between the Scrum Team (Developers, Product Owner, and Scrum Master) as well as stakeholders, regarding the completion of work. It outlines the criteria that must be met for the work to be considered finished.

The primary goal of a Sprint is to produce a potentially releasable increment that meets the criteria outlined in the Definition of ‘Done’. The Definition of ‘Done’ plays an important role in ensuring the successful implementation of the Scrum framework and delivering value. It serves as a commitment for the ‘Increment’, which is one of the Scrum artifacts.

The Definition of ‘Done’ facilitates empiricism by promoting transparency through the creation of a shared understanding of the essential elements required for converting a Product Backlog Item (PBI) into a valuable, potentially releasable Increment during product development.\

Who is Responsible for the Definition of ‘Done’ 

It is the collective responsibility of the entire Scrum team to establish a Definition of ‘Done’. However, if there are organizational norms in place, teams must adhere to them as the minimum requirement and expand upon them as necessary.

For instance, certain organizations are bound to follow industry regulations, standards, and other requirements that apply to their products. These regulations and standards should therefore be incorporated into the Product’s Definition of ‘Done’.

Another scenario is if an organization has security policies and standards that apply to all products. In such a case, these policies and standards should be incorporated into the Definition of ‘Done’.

Furthermore, the Scrum team can include their own technical and product quality criteria to ensure that the product is usable, valuable, and potentially releasable. They may also include internal processes that improve the overall quality of the product, such as Code Reviews, Pair Programming, and Automation Testing.

Definition of ‘Done’ in relation to 5 Scrum Events

The Definition of ‘Done’ provides support for the Scrum framework across all its events. It serves as a critical element for Scrum Events.

1. Sprint Planning

The Definition of ‘Done’ assists the Scrum Team in comprehending the activities necessary to complete their work. This understanding helps them break down Product Backlog Items into an actionable plan. Developers can then forecast the level of effort required to transform a Product Backlog Item into a done increment. This process enables the Scrum team to determine the amount of work that can be pulled from the Product Backlog.

As an example, the Definition of ‘Done’ may include processing elements such as ‘Creating Release Notes’. The team must estimate the amount of time required to write notes for the features they are building and plan their Sprint accordingly.

💡Note: Ensure that the Definition of ‘Done’ is prominently displayed during Sprint Planning. Encourage developers to refer to it frequently.

2. Daily Scrum

The Definition of ‘Done’ enables teams to understand that completing an individual member’s tasks related to a Product Backlog Item does not necessarily mean that the item is ‘Done’. The item is only considered ‘Done’ when the entire Definition is satisfied. This understanding fosters a ‘Team Goal over Individual Goal’ mindset, and the Daily Scrum is an ideal event to reinforce this concept.

💡Note: Create a workflow that illustrates how a Scrum Team achieves ‘Done’. Use columns to depict the flow and begin from right to left during the Daily Scrum. The items on the right are closer to being ‘Done’ and can potentially deliver value.

3. Sprint Review

The Definition of ‘Done’ establishes a common understanding between stakeholders and the Scrum team regarding what ‘Done’ signifies. It also establishes a shared understanding of the product’s current quality criteria, fostering transparency among participants and supporting empiricism.

The Scrum Team receives the most valuable feedback when they share the ‘Done’ Increment with stakeholders. Unfinished work can diminish transparency and potentially lead to confusion and unrealistic expectations.

Sometimes, the Sprint Review may serve as a catalyst for modifying the Definition of ‘Done’.

A story from trenches


Photo by Brian McGowan on Unsplash

In 2017-18, I worked on developing a mobile app for a financial services company, which was a highly strategic product. Many senior leaders were interested in it and attended our regular Sprint Reviews. During one of the early reviews, we shared the Increment with stakeholders and began discussing the future roadmap. The Head of Digital raised an important question, asking, “Hello everyone, I can’t see any element of GDPR” (for those unfamiliar, GDPR is a data protection regulation in Europe).

As the Product Owner, I had no knowledge about GDPR at the time and replied, “GDPR…What is GDPR?” While it may be funny now, GDPR regulations were very new at the time, and this discussion not only triggered new Product Backlog Items but also led to the adaptation of the Definition of ‘Done’.

4. Sprint Retrospective

The Sprint Review is an ideal occasion to modify the Definition of ‘Done’ and refine the product quality and internal processes. While many teams may commence product development with a relatively lenient Definition of ‘Done’, it is important to remember that the ultimate objective is to minimize technical debt that might accumulate due to such leniency.

An instance where a less strict Definition of ‘Done’ was initially used is when you created my e-learning course. At that time, quality elements like ‘No grammatical errors’ or ‘Consistent font throughout the course’ were not included in the Definition of ‘Done’ as my main emphasis was on the course content. However, as you received feedback, you realized the importance of these quality criteria and gradually enhanced the Definition of ‘Done’.

5. Sprint

The consistency provided by Sprints is essential in managing the complexity of Product Development. The selection of Sprint length depends on the Scrum Team(s)’ ability to create the ‘Done’ Increment, with the Definition of ‘Done’ playing a crucial role in this decision-making process.

The attainment of the Product Goal and Sprint Goal relies on the work accomplished within the Sprints. A ‘Done’ Increment is crucial to achieving our objectives.

The team’s dedication to delivering a ‘Done’ Increment transforms concepts and conjectures into actual value. It is important for the Developers to constantly keep the Definition of ‘Done’ at the forefront of their thoughts during the Sprint.

End Note

A weak or disregarded Definition of ‘Done’ is a significant factor contributing to low product quality and technical debt accumulation. This ultimately impairs the long-term sustainability and scalability of the product, and may even undermine the viability of the entire organization.

 


Here at CourseMonster, we know how hard it may be to find the right time and funds for training. We provide effective training programs that enable you to select the training option that best meets the demands of your company.

For more information, please get in touch with one of our course advisers today or contact us at training@coursemonster.com

Posted in ScrumTagged ScrumLeave a Comment on What is “Done” and how does it relate to Scrum events?

How can a Scrum Product Owner become successful?

Posted on September 1, 2022 by Marbenz Antonio

La importancia del Business Analysis en el mundo ágil - Agile Academy

It’s important to clarify things right away. The Scrum Product Owner and Scrum Master roles are usually confused. The Product Owner, however, won’t always be there for every daily stand-up, unlike a Scrum Master. Instead, they devote the majority of their attention to the start of a sprint, considering the direction the team is taking, prioritizing the backlog, and making sure the team is aware of the sprint target.

On the other hand, the Scrum Master will be present each day. They serve as the link between the Product Owner and the development team, ensuring that all processes are being followed.

Gathering everyone’s support

In essence, a Scrum project’s pivotal figure is the Scrum Product Owner. They are in charge of communicating with the project’s numerous stakeholders, including the developers, the technical staff, the senior users, and those who are providing financing. The Product Owner must make sure that everyone is contributing to the best outcome; this is their responsibility.

They serve as a gatekeeper, gathering all essential requirements and ranking them to determine what must be done and in what order at the highest level. The decision as to what the development team will focus on during each sprint is then left up to them. But if they heed the Product Owner’s counsel, they’ll understand the overall “why” behind the product and what’s important from the perspective of the end user.

Every Product Owner needs a specific set of core competencies. For instance, they must comprehend the significance of value-driven product management and have demonstrated expertise in problem-solving, leadership, innovation, and properly analyzing project outcomes. A Product Owner must also have strong soft skills, especially in the area of teamwork. They must be able to confidently speak with others and make sure that everyone understands what they are trying to accomplish.

Technical proficiency is helpful, but it’s far more crucial to comprehend the business aspects of the process. After all, the Product Owner should always have your business objectives as their priority. The Product Owner can more effectively prioritize the backlog from both a development and a refinement standpoint by keeping in mind the strategy and goal for each product and taking into account feedback gathered from your customers. For instance, what ROI can you expect from a project? Why is a product being built with so much time, money, and effort? What benefits will it provide?

Subject matter expert

Additionally, a product owner should be an authority in the area of the business or product in which they are employed. This isn’t always the case, regrettably. Organizations usually identify the Chief Technical Officer as the Product Owner since they consider these to be technical projects. Although they are skilled in product development, they may not always know what is best for the product’s ultimate customers.

Once more, a Product Owner should prioritize what needs to be done to reach a goal by demonstrating the “why” behind a product and serving the needs of the business.

Becoming a certified Scrum Product Owner

The benefit of the new Scrum Product Owner I and II certificates from PeopleCert is that they guarantee a Product Owner has the essential skills and knows not just what the Scrum process is but also how they fit into it. They will be filling out some important roles in that process, after all.

Designated Product Owners usually try to adopt a hands-off stance by handing everything off to the development team. And that’s not a very good method of operation. The development team should have considerable liberty, but they should also be aware of the “why” behind the product they are creating and the importance of each feature. The Product Owner’s responsibility is to specify the “why” and assist in prioritizing each item in the backlog to make it clear what is and isn’t vital.

Having the certification will also assist the organization in determining which candidates are best suited to serve as Product Owners for various products. If a company employs five certified individuals, it should be possible to determine which of them, based on where they work within the organization and the business functions they are familiar with, has the right skill sets for a given product while remaining confident that everyone has the fundamental knowledge required to carry out the project successfully.

While other certifications do an excellent job of covering the fundamentals, PeopleCert goes far beyond and takes a much more comprehensive look at the entire process, giving it an advantage over its competitors.

The Scrum Master, in the opinion of many, holds the top position within Scrum. In actuality, the Product Owner has a greater degree of accountability and involvement in connecting the project to the final product. In many circumstances, being a Product Owner is considered to be the next stage in a Scrum Master’s career. Your organization can be confident that, whoever you select and whatever their area of talent and specialty, your Scrum Product Owner will have the fundamental knowledge required to ensure your Scrum project is a success thanks to PeopleCert’s certification.

 


Here at CourseMonster, we know how hard it may be to find the right time and funds for training. We provide effective training programs that enable you to select the training option that best meets the demands of your company.

For more information, please get in touch with one of our course advisers today or contact us at training@coursemonster.com

Posted in ITIL 4, ScrumTagged ITIL, ITIL 4, ScrumLeave a Comment on How can a Scrum Product Owner become successful?

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