Scrum vs. Agile Certifications – Finding the Right Fit for You

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Agile and Scrum are two terms that are often used interchangeably, creating confusion for many IT professionals who are looking for the right career path. From a broader perspective, agile is a methodology to handle project management in an incremental approach and is used in projects with some expected uncertainty. Scrum, on the other hand, is one of the popular agile methodologies and is a more structured approach used by teams to implement agile principles. Having a closer look at these methods helps professionals gain a deeper understanding of methods and take the right career path. This article will help you understand the difference between Scrum and Agile methodologies.

Understanding Agile and its Process

What is Agile?

Agile is a flexible and incremental methodology used to manage complex projects. The approach is centred around iterative progress. Its philosophy consists of multiple frameworks, with each having its own benefits and drawbacks. The process breaks down the project into manageable chunks known as sprints that last around 2-4 weeks with a list of continuous deliverables that are prioritized based on business value. The process is more flexible to change leading to better results. The professionals can start their agile journey by completing SAFe Agile Product Management Certification.

Agile Process

As said, agile is a flexible approach; it contains a set of principles to be able to adapt the change incorporating customer feedback. Agile process contains the following stages:

Project Initiation

The initial phase brings in a clear definition of the projects aligning with customer needs and business goals. Project managers will focus on creating a product backlog based on their priorities.

Sprint Planning

Items will be selected from the product backlog for the sprint schedule based on priority. Each sprint is broken down into manageable tasks with clear goals for the team in each sprint schedule.

 Sprint Execution

Sprint execution is handled by tracking the progress while addressing the impediments encountered. An effective collaboration is established between the team members to develop shippable product increments by the end of the sprint schedule.

Sprint Review and Demo

Each completed sprint schedule is demonstrated to the stakeholder’s feedback while informing future priorities and adjustments of the project.

Sprint Retrospective

A sprint retrospective is conducted to identify progress and areas of improvement for successful product delivery. The same process continues till the end of the project with project managers’ intervention to make the necessary changes as per customer requirements.

Understanding Scrum and its Process

What is Scrum?

Scrum is a framework of agile methodology that establishes effective collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver quality products. The teams using the framework become self-organized and improve through continuous learning. The structured approach in project development emphasizes iterative progress, teamwork, and accountability. It is a popular approach for adaptability, speed, and delivering customer-centric products. The framework is an incremental process that keeps the product development responsive to the changing requirements. The scrum masters who have gained SAFe Scrum Master Certification will be responsible for leading the framework.

Scrum Process

Let’s understand the scrum process here.

Product Backlog

Scrum starts with defining product backlogs as per the business goals and customer requirements.

Sprint Planning and Execution

Sprint planning then defines the jobs to be done and how the teams should work to accomplish them. The time-boxed sprints will be spread over 2-4 weeks and focused on delivering an effective work cycle.

Tracking Progress

Progress of the sprint cycle will be tracked through regular standup meetings to discuss progress and address the roadblocks, if any.

Sprint Review

Each sprint cycle is submitted for stakeholder review and gets their feedback to decide and execute the upcoming sprint priorities.

Sprint Retrospective

A sprint retrospective is conducted at the end of each cycle to discuss adjustments needed in the upcoming sprints, and the process continues till the defined product backlogs are completed by the team.

Key Differences between Agile and Scrum

Scope

Agile is a methodology that focuses on the iterative development of the project incorporating customer response. Scrum is a part of this methodology that gives a structured approach to agile implementation in software development.

Philosophy vs. Methodology

Agile is a philosophy that defines a team’s approach to work while promoting flexibility in developing customer-centric products. Scrum is a framework with defined roles for the teams to achieve their objectives.

Flexibility

Agile promotes greater flexibility, encouraging the team to choose best practices as per their working needs. Scrum is a structured approach with room for flexibility in product customization.

Roles

The agile approach is broader and does not fix any roles favouring collaboration between teams and stakeholders. Scrum, on the contrary, has defined roles and responsibilities to complete tasks within the framework.

Time-boxed iterations

Agile methodology has flexible time frames that can be adjusted till the teams meet customer requirements. Scrum iterations come with fixed timeframes called sprints.

Delivery

The agile methodology delivers the projects regularly where, as Scrum focuses on delivering increments at the end of every sprint.

Agile vs. Scrum—Which is the Right Approach?

Agile methodology should be used in projects with undefined constraints and deadlines. The process works great with projects with unforeseen challenges. The approach can test iteration and adapt to the changes quickly. Scrum works best for projects with greater predictability. The framework can effectively bridge the gap between teams and stakeholders in building the products.  

Choosing your right fit

The decision between Agile and Scrum for your project management will be critical. However, the right methodology is the one that empowers your team to adapt to the change and help the team deliver value as promised. The key to success is to stay agile and be open to change. Irrespective of the methodology you choose, you should be able to deliver efficiently satisfying customer needs.

Scrum is part of the agile methodology. Choosing Scrum to complete the project inevitably means you are using agile principles. The popular methodology scrum is a widely practised framework and is an easy method to implement Scrum in the team, irrespective of its size.

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