Scrum is one of
the most popular Agile methodologies. It is an adaptive, iterative, fast,
flexible, and effective methodology designed to deliver significant value
quickly and throughout a project. Scrum ensures transparency in communication
and creates an environment of collective accountability and continuous
progress. The Scrum framework, as defined in the SBOK™ Guide, is structured in such a way that it supports product
and service development in all types of industries and in any type of project,
irrespective of its complexity.
A Scrum project involves a collaborative effort to create a
new product, service, or other result as defined in the Project Vision
Statement. Projects are impacted by constraints of time, cost,
scope, quality, resources, organizational capabilities, and other limitations
that make them difficult to plan, execute, manage, and ultimately succeed.
However, successful implementation of the results of a finished project
provides significant business benefits to an organization. It is therefore
important for organizations to select and practice an appropriate project
management methodology.
To be effective, Scrum Teams should ideally have six to ten members. This
practice may be the reason for the misconception that the Scrum framework can
only be used for small projects. However, it can easily be scaled for effective
use in large projects. In situations where the Scrum Team size exceeds ten
people, multiple Scrum Teams can be formed to work on the project. The Convene Scrum of Scrums process facilitates
coordination among the Scrum Teams, enabling effective implementation in larger
projects.
Here is a video on how Scrum can be scaled to large or
complex projects: http://www.scrumstudy.com/watch.asp?vid=437
Large or complex projects are
often implemented as part of a program or portfolio. The Scrum framework can
also be applied to manage even programs and portfolios. The logical approach of
the guidelines and principles in this framework can be used to manage projects
of any size, spanning geographies and organizations. Large projects may have
multiple Scrum Teams working in parallel making it necessary to synchronize and
facilitate the flow of information and enhance communication. The Convene Scrum of Scrums is the process
ensuring this synchronization. The various Scrum Teams are represented in this
meeting and the objectives are to provide updates about progress, discuss
challenges faced during the project, and coordinate activities. There are no
set rules regarding the frequency of these meetings. The factors determining
the frequency are the amount of inter-team dependency, size of the project,
level of complexity, and recommendations from the Scrum Guidance Body.
