What is Scrum? An Introduction to the Scrum Framework

Definition of Scrum

Scrum is an agile framework designed to help teams develop, deliver, and sustain complex products through collaboration, transparency, and iterative progress. Most widely used in software development, Scrum offers a structured approach to project management by defining specific roles, events, and artifacts that guide work and foster continuous improvement.

History of Scrum

The Scrum framework was formalised in the early 1990s by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland, who drew inspiration from iterative development concepts described in a 1986 Harvard Business Review article. Since then, Scrum has evolved and become one of the most recognised frameworks in Agile software development, with its core guidance outlined in the Scrum Guide.

Core Principles of Scrum

• Empirical Process Control: Decisions are based on observation, experience, and experimentation.
• Transparency: Important aspects of the process must be visible to those responsible for the outcome.
• Inspection: Scrum users inspect Scrum artifacts and progress regularly to detect undesirable variances.
• Adaptation: Processes are adjusted as soon as possible if inspection reveals an aspect outside acceptable limits.

Key Roles in Scrum

• Scrum Master: Facilitates the Scrum process, removes obstacles, and supports the team in adhering to Scrum practices.
• Product Owner: Represents stakeholder interests, manages the Product Backlog, and ensures the team delivers value.
• Development Team: A cross-functional group responsible for delivering a potentially releasable Increment at the end of each Sprint.

Scrum Events

1. Sprint: A time-boxed period (typically two weeks) in which a usable product Increment is created.
2. Sprint Planning: The team defines the goals and selects items from the Product Backlog.
3. Daily Scrum: A short daily meeting for the team to inspect progress and plan the next 24 hours.
4. Sprint Review: The team demonstrates the Increment to stakeholders and receives feedback.
5. Sprint Retrospective: The team reflects on the Sprint and identifies ways to improve.

Scrum Artifacts

• Product Backlog: An ordered list of everything that might be needed in the product, maintained by the Product Owner.
• Sprint Backlog: The set of Product Backlog items selected for the Sprint, plus a plan for delivering the Increment.
• Increment: The sum of all completed Product Backlog items during a Sprint and previous Sprints, which must be in a usable condition.
• Burndown Chart: A visual representation tracking the remaining work in the Sprint.
• User Story: A concise, simple description of a feature or requirement from the user’s perspective.

Scrum vs Agile

Scrum is a framework within the broader agile methodology. While Agile is a set of principles and values for iterative development, Scrum provides a specific structure for roles, events, and artifacts that enable Agile principles in practice.

Scrum Certification

Various organisations offer Scrum certification, including professional designations for Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team members. Certifications demonstrate understanding of Scrum principles and can support professional development.

How to implement Scrum

1. Form cross-functional teams with defined Scrum roles.
2. Train team members in Scrum principles and the Scrum Guide.
3. Create and prioritise a Product Backlog with user stories.
4. Plan and execute Sprints using Scrum events.
5. Review progress, adapt processes, and incrementally deliver value.

FAQs

What is the main purpose of Scrum?

Scrum’s main purpose is to help teams develop and deliver complex products by encouraging collaboration, adaptability, and incremental value delivery in short cycles called Sprints.

How does Scrum differ from Agile?

Agile is a set of guiding principles for software development, whereas Scrum is a specific framework within Agile that defines roles, events, and artifacts for teamwork and accountability.

What are the key roles in a Scrum team?

The key Scrum roles are Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team. Each has defined responsibilities to ensure effective collaboration and delivery.

What are Scrum events and why are they important?

Scrum events include Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. These events facilitate communication, inspection, and continuous improvement.

How can a team start with Scrum?

A team can start with Scrum by learning the framework, defining roles, creating a Product Backlog, planning Sprints, and using Scrum events and artifacts to guide work.

What is a Burndown Chart in Scrum?

A Burndown Chart visually tracks the amount of work remaining in a Sprint, helping teams monitor progress and forecast completion.