Scrum (n): A framework within which people can address complex adaptive problems, while productively and creatively delivering products of the highest possible value. (2)
Definition of Scrum
- Framework not Methodology (1)
- Servant Process not Commanding Process (1)
- Goal = to optimise and control the creation of valuable software (1)
Origins in New New Product Development Game
- Demonstrated complex product success
- By self-organising team
- The team were given objectives, not tasks (tasks make teams blinkered) (1)
House of Scrum
created by Gunther Verheyen (1)
- The walls are the main activities of Scrum (inspect and adapt)
- The foundation for the activities is transparency
- The roof keeps the house safe (the increment) from the unpredictable from outside the house
- Inside the house is the space to create (including the principles, rules, roles)
Increment
- See Increment
Inspect (2)
- Frequent inspection of artefacts and progress toward Sprint Goal
- To see if there is variance between where we are and where we want to be
- Not too frequent to get in the way of work
- Performed by skilled team members at the point of work
Adapt (2)
- For when deviation from desired outcome for anything will lead to an unacceptable product
- As soon as possible to minimise further deviation
- Four events for inspect and adapt
Transparency (2)
- Artefacts of the product must be visible to all people responsible for the product
- Common understanding
- Example is the definition of done
Empiricism
Empiricism: "Empiricism asserts that knowledge comes from experience and making decisions based on what is known." (2)
Empirical Process Control (1)
Closed Loop System (Empirical Process)
- Actual outcome is regularly compared with desired outcome to diminish undesired variance
- Creates transparency
- The Sprint and Daily Scrum are examples
- Self-correction is applied (no need to know the details up front)
- Complexity means steps and tasks are not predictable as they are not repeatable
Open Loop System (For reference)
Cynefin
- Scrum Tapas Video on Introduction to the Cynefin Model
Sketch notes above by ‘Sketching Maniacs’ from the Wikipedia page
Techniques
Scrum Improvements Exercises
Scrum Elements Team Exercise (3)
- Write each element of the Scrum Framework on a separate sticky
- Write complementary practices the team uses on a different coloured sticky (e.g. story points)
- Score each sticky from 1 (not doing this) to 5 (mastered this)
- Discuss how the team can get each Scrum element to 5. Are the complementary practices getting in the way?
Scrum Across the Organisation (3)
- Gather the Scrum Masters together
- Use the liberating structure, 15% Solutions to answer the below question
- ‘What’s within my control that I can change to get our organisation 15% closer to where it needs to be?’
Resources
- Scrum Pocket Guide by Gunther Verheyen
- The Scrum Guide
- Fixing Your Scrum by Ryan Ripley and Todd Miller
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