Scrum: A Better Way Of Delivering Value
Erik Heirman
Simplify Create Inspire // Next-Gen Production Workflow for Modern Producers
Having managed complex projects in enterprise and healthcare environments, I know first hand how easily projects can expand beyond what feels like a directly manageable scope. As complexity and scope rise our capacity to plan ahead becomes irrelevant in the face of change and uncertainty in fast paced environments.
My first informal experiences with Scrum were as the Product Owner for the app of my startup dejawoo. Since then I have become a Professional Scrum Master and it has transformed my way of approaching work and interactions.
Below follows a brief recap of the Scrum Framework in the hope that this may also inspire you. If you want to get into the details I highly recommend reading the The Scrum Guide or booking a training at www.scrum.org or www.scrumalliance.org
What is Scrum?
Scrum is a framework within which people can address complex adaptive problems, while productively and creatively delivering products of the highest possible value. Scrum co-creators Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland have written The Scrum Guide to explain Scrum clearly and succinctly.
The Scrum Values
These values include Courage, Focus, Commitment, Respect, and Openness.
The Roles of the Scrum Team
The Scrum Team consists of a Product Owner, the Development Team, and a Scrum Master. Scrum Teams are self-organizing and cross-functional. Self-organizing teams choose how best to accomplish their work, rather than being directed by others outside the team. Cross-functional teams have all competencies needed to accomplish the work without depending on others not part of the team. The team model in Scrum is designed to optimize flexibility, creativity, and productivity.
The Scrum Events
Prescribed events are used in Scrum to create regularity and to minimize the need for meetings not defined in Scrum. All events are time-boxed. Once a Sprint begins, its duration is fixed and cannot be shortened or lengthened. The remaining events may end whenever the purpose of the event is achieved, ensuring an appropriate amount of time is spent without allowing waste in the process. The Scrum Events are:
Scrum Artifacts
Scrum’s artifacts represent work or value to provide transparency and opportunities for inspection and adaptation. Artifacts defined by Scrum are specifically designed to maximize transparency of key information so that everybody has the same understanding of the artifact. The Scrum Artifacts are:
Scrum and productivity
"Well-functioning Scrum teams achieve what is known as "hyper-productivity". Where Scrum is implemented correctly, productivity regularly increases by an unimaginable 300 to 400 percent. The very best teams succeed in increasing their productivity by up to 800 percent..." from Jeff Sutherland's - "The Art of Doing Twice as much in Half the Time"