Why you should use Scrum in your project management

Scrum enables teams to be more flexible and responsive to change while still meeting project deadlines.

By CfL, May 2022

In this article we will discuss what Scrum is and how it can be used to improve your project management process. We will also cover the benefits of using Scrum and how it can help you achieve success with your projects.

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What is Scrum?

Scrum is a project management method that emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement. The method is a framework for managing and executing projects through an iterative, stepwise approach that breaks projects into small, manageable parts.

The Scrum method is an agile approach to project management. It is based on the Agile Manifesto, which contains four key values:

  • Individuals and interactions over processes and tools: Agility is a method for developing solutions for companies that involve teamwork. Members of an agile team collaborate to create an IT-centered business vision. Several methods support this way of working, with Scrum being the most well-known technique.

  • Working software over comprehensive documentation: Agile development requires that a functional element of the software is completed at the end of each cycle. The primary goal for each phase is to deliver working code piece by piece, which influences the team's activities. It is not uncommon to deliver a single sub-function even if the entire set of functionalities is not complete. The most important thing is that the team delivers a sub-product of acceptable quality.

  • Customer collaboration over contract negotiation: The Agile Manifesto is a framework for collaboration. Team members work together to find the optimal method to create and deliver working software. The agile team, especially the Product Owner, collaborates with stakeholders to establish and commit to a product vision that will deliver the greatest value.

  • Responding to change over following a plan: Agile teams often create plans at the beginning of each sprint, and many have long-term plans such as release plans and product roadmaps. These strategies help the agile team and the company make decisions along the way. However, it is essential that the team’s aim is not to follow long-term plans blindly. Flexibility must allow new wishes and changes to be embraced and implemented. The ideas and creative thoughts that arise during the planning process are therefore more important than the plan itself.

In addition, the Scrum framework is based on three pillars: transparency, inspection, and adaptation. These pillars contribute to project management by providing a clear and concise overview of the project, identifying problems early, and adjusting the course as needed.

How can Scrum improve my project management?

Scrum is a proven framework for improving project management and optimizing your team’s productivity. Scrum works by breaking large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks that are assigned to specific individuals or teams. This enables faster progress and smoother collaboration among team members, as tasks can be executed and reallocated quickly and efficiently.

Scrum also promotes increased transparency across the team, as all project information is organized into easily accessible sprints and backlogs. This makes it possible for stakeholders to track their investments better, which provides a valuable boost to both individual motivation and organizational performance.

All in all, Scrum is an effective strategy that can help any project management effort reach its goals more smoothly, efficiently, and successfully.

The benefits of using Scrum

There are many benefits to using the Scrum method in your project management. Some of them are:

Increased efficiency

The Scrum framework is built around sprints—short periods during which a specific goal must be achieved. The Scrum team, consisting of a Scrum Master and a Scrum Product Owner, works together to prioritize the work for each sprint, while the Scrum Master ensures that the work is completed within the allotted time frame.

Reduced costs

The Scrum methodology has been shown to lead to lower costs and high quality in several development projects. When implemented correctly, Scrum can offer significant advantages in terms of both cost and quality.

Improved communication

One of Scrum’s key principles is improved communication. In Scrum, all team members are encouraged to communicate openly and frequently, including through daily meetings where they share progress and plans. This regular communication ensures that everyone is on the same page and that tasks are properly prioritized.

More predictable results

The Scrum framework is designed to help teams achieve more predictable and consistent results while better meeting customer needs. Through improved collaboration methods and enhanced efficiency, Scrum has proven to be very promising in achieving reliable results with less wasted time and effort compared to other project management methods.

Many of the same benefits can be found by using other agile project management methods—for example, PRINCE2® or the waterfall model.

 

Become a certified Scrum Master with CfL

At CfL, we offer a course in Scrum. Following this course, you can obtain certification as a Scrum Master. Read more about the course here.

There are many advantages to becoming a certified Scrum Master, but here are the three most important:

  • You become part of a community: As a Scrum Master, you join an international community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about developing and improving their projects. This network can be used for inspiration, feedback, and job opportunities.

  • You get a toolbox to manage your projects: With the Scrum framework, you receive a toolbox that can be applied to all types of projects—from small to large and from simple to complex. The framework is easy to learn and use, allowing you to quickly implement Scrum in your organization.

  • You increase your value as a project manager: As a certified Scrum Master, you demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to lead projects using Scrum. This makes you more attractive to potential employers and can help you secure a salary increase.