Scrum is a lightweight framework within the broader Agile methodology used to manage complex work through iterative, incremental delivery. It organizes work into fixed-length cycles called sprints, typically lasting two to four weeks, to deliver a usable “increment” of value at the end of each cycle.
Core Components (The 3-5-3 Structure)
The framework is built around three accountabilities, five events, and three artifacts.
1. Three Accountabilities (Roles)
- Product Owner: Represents the customer and stakeholders. They manage the Product Backlog and prioritize work to maximize the value delivered by the team.
- Scrum Master: A servant leader who coaches the team on Scrum theory and removes impediments that block progress.
- Developers: A cross-functional, self-managing team that does the actual work to create the product increment.
2. Five Events (Ceremonies)
- The Sprint: The container for all other events; a time-boxed period where work is performed.
- Sprint Planning: The team defines what will be delivered in the sprint and how the work will be achieved.
- Daily Scrum: A 15-minute daily check-in for developers to synchronize progress and plan the next 24 hours.
- Sprint Review: Held at the end of the sprint to inspect the outcome with stakeholders and adapt the Product Backlog.
- Sprint Retrospective: An internal team meeting to reflect on the process and identify improvements for the next sprint.
3. Three Artifacts
- Product Backlog: An ordered, evolving list of everything needed for the product.
- Sprint Backlog: The subset of product backlog items selected for the current sprint, plus a plan for delivering them.
- Increment: The concrete sum of all completed backlog items that meet the Definition of Done.
The Three Pillars of Empiricism
Scrum is founded on empirical process control, which relies on:
- Transparency: The process and work must be visible to everyone involved.
- Inspection: Frequent checks of artifacts and progress to detect variances.
- Adaptation: Adjusting the process or product if an inspection reveals unacceptable deviations.
Key Values
Success with Scrum depends on the team’s commitment to five core values: Commitment, Courage, Focus, Openness, and Respect.
Agile Scrum Methodology Summary Breakdown Overview
PROject Templates 