Introduction to SCRUM

Introduction to SCRUM: One of the most common mistakes that even people who work in Agile do is to intermix the terms SCRUM and Agile. Remember, SCRUM is a framework. A typical software framework is built on the basis of a set of rules and guidelines. And in this case, the guidelines are “Agile Manifesto”. So we can safely say “SCRUM is an SDLC framework which is built based on Agile Manifesto”.

Agile Vs. Frameworks

NOW! Is SCRUM the only framework implementation of Agile guidelines? NO. There are many. We have already mentioned “Kanban”.

• We have “Lean”, which focusses on minimizing cost and eliminating waste
• We have XP
• We have Crystal, a highly adaptable and lightweight Agile process
• We have DSDM, Dynamic Systems Development Method, used in RAD scenarios

Video: Introduction to SCRUM

Characteristics

Introduction to SCRUM: We discussed about, “Self Organizing” teams already. In short, it is a team where decisions are taken together. Instead of a long timeline for delivery, the team splits the timeline into smaller sprints.

All requirements and defects are tracked in the backlog. In short, anything that the team is supposed to work on has to be in the backlog. That way team knows where to look for work. And the team will not be deviated from any other sources of work. Every Sprint must deliver a product update also known as Potentially Shippable Increment. There is no point in giving a product increment at the end of 4 or 5 sprints. You may very well do a Waterfall.