Scrum
Overview
Scrum is a simple and low-ceremony project management methodology.
The focus of scrum is to establish a list of tasks in
priority order and to maintain a tight focus on getting these
tasks done. The methodology is user-driven and iterative.
Product Backlog
A Scrum project is driven by a product backlog. This backlog contains
all deliverables ordered by priority. Ideally the users/customers
of the system are responsible for maintaining the sequential list
of tasks in priority order that defines the scope of the project.
Scrum Master
The scrum master's job is to provide the development
team with needed resources and to shelter the team
from external influences that are detrimental to the
sprint.
Sprint
Work is done in 1 month units called sprints. each sprint has a
sprint backlog. Ideally, each sprint has a well-defined vision.
The idea is to evaluate at the end of each sprint whether the
vision was adequately fulilled (even if some features were
omitted or simplified). Task items are copied from the product backlog
to the sprint backlog. The idea is to focus on the high priority tasks
and to get work done. Scrum is designed to avoid the
pitfalls of developers being interrupted so often that nothing
gets done or working on tasks that come up on the spur of the
moment but are low priority in the grand scheme of things.
Sprint Curve
The progress of the sprint is articulated by a sprint curve.
The curve represents the hours remaining for all of the tasks.
Each day the developers re-estimate how much more time they need
to complete their assigned tasks. The curve declines as the
estimates shrink. If the curve is horizontal, that means developers
are not making progress on sprint tasks or not updating the backlog.
This enables the scrum master to react in an appropriate way to
support the project.
Daily Stand-Up Meeting
Each day of the sprint, a short stand up meeting takes place.
people say what they've done, what they're working on, and ask
for help if they're stuck.
The meeting is run by the scrum master. the scrum master shields
developers from interruptions and makes sure they are on track.
the scrum master also makes sure developers have any resources they
need to work on their tasks.
Sprint Review
Every month there is a one day meeting to review what was done in
the past month and to identify which product backlog items to
put into the next sprint. During the sprint review, the
customer may add or remove items and the development team
can re-estimate items in the backlog.