Agile Software Methodology
 

What is Agile?
Agile is a class of conceptual frameworks for software engineering that promote iterations and feedback throughout the development lifecycle. Agile methods emphasize rapid, iterative production of working software and close collaboration with customers over lengthy, prescriptive documentation and complex contract agreements.

What is Scrum?
Scrum is an Agile software development method named for a rugby play. In rugby, a scrum is a well organized and tightly coupled team, working together to secure the ball after a restart; a well executed scrum results in a dynamic attacking position for the team. In a software project, the Scrum method employs a daily stand-up meeting to keep the team tightly coupled and in a dynamic position to attack the next pieces of work. Scrum keeps the requirements process fluid but time-boxes the software development iterations or Sprints to allow overall cost and schedule control. A traditional software development approach concentrates heavily on firmly defining and documenting the vision, requirements, and specifications for the ultimate software solution and would delay working software until much later. In an Agile Scrum project, the vision and features of the solution are allowed and even expected to evolve over the course of time, but customers are guaranteed usable software early in the process through a series of 30-day development Sprints. Each Sprint yields working software that performs the highest priority features identified to date.

What is a Scrum Master?
A Scrum Master is an expert on how the Scrum method works and is a facilitator and coach for the customer or Product Owner, the Scrum developers, and other stakeholders with an interest in the project. The Scrum Master steers the team through the project, removes impediments, and ensures that everyone on the team understands how to work within the Scrum framework. At Edgewater, the Scrum Master is also usually the Project Manager.

What are other key roles on a Scrum Project?
Aside from the Scrum Master, there are only two other roles: Product Owner and Scrum Developer.

What is a Product Owner?
The Product Owner is a representative of the customer or user organization, responsible for identifying the software features and deciding the order of implementation priority. At the end of each Sprint, the Product Owner can reevaluate and change the features and priorities to be developed as the project ensues. On Edgewater projects, the Product Owner role is often performed by the client directly, although our consulting staff can also assist with this role if appropriate.

What is a Scrum Developer?
A Scrum Developer is a member of the technical Scrum team who performs analysis, design, development, testing, or other functions related to implementing a software solution that addresses the priorities identified by the Product Owner.

What are the Benefits of the Agile Scrum Method?
The Scrum approach has the benefits of lowering risk and costs and reducing time to market for the following reasons:

• Gets working software out into use quickly, so it can start yielding business value quickly.
• Heightens visibility into the development process – you can see for yourself that it is working.
• Focuses on iterative delivery of working software, not producing paper with no working software.
• Avoids tedious change order negotiation by allowing requirements changes, not prohibiting them.
• Can be stopped after any Sprint once desired business value has been delivered.

Where can I learn more about Agile Scrum Methods?

• For information on Scrum and many other Agile methods, visit the Agile Alliance website: http://www.agilealliance.com/
• For information specifically on Scrum, visit the Scrum Alliance website: http://www.scrumalliance.org/
• For information from the originators of the Scrum method for software engineering:
  • Go to Ken Schwaber’s site at http://www.controlchaos.com/
  • Go to Jeff Sutherland’s site at http://jeffsutherland.com/scrum/

If you’re interested in learning more how Edgewater’s Scrum Masters can assist you, feel free to contact us at 800-410-4014 or via email at makewaves@edgewater.com.