scrum explained 101

the different methodologies

It takes an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of software engineering to appreciate the advantages of Scrum. Scrum as a framework allows the team members to create a methodology which works for them.

• The project as a Moving Target. Agile as a mindset expects that the project scope is not limited to what it starts with. The team members know to expect that the project is a moving target and that other requirements will become known while the project is moving forward. Scrum includes this concept of a moving target and incorporates it in the product backlog and in the sprints. Traditional structured design and development’s main flaw is that the project once delivered is obsolete. The traditional approach to a project is fixed at the time it was started. Agile takes this into consideration and adds functionality as the project develops. Scrum has incorporates these revisions as part of the methodology.

• Projects Within Schedule. The framework helps assure that the project is finished on time and under budget. There is a fixed project timeframe. It is not a matter of “finished or unfinished, pass your papers” instead it is “this is what can be accomplished in the timeframe, and that’s what is going to be done.” Almost all elements of Scrum are timeboxed. Time is a finite resource and it is used judiciously in the various activities. When the timeframe is fixed, the budget is rarely exceeded.

• Projects Within Budget. Scrum’s point of view of time, activities and budget is contrary to traditional project management paradigms. Instead of total cumulative costs, it has a burndown chart of the budget. There is more urgency because the team sees how much is left of the allocated time and resources.