Career Advice
Academy Services Team
15.08.2024
In today’s dynamic and fast-paced work environment, Agile has emerged as a popular environment for successful software development and project management. Its iterative and collaborative approach promotes adaptability, flexibility, and efficient delivery of high-quality products. However, for those new to working in an Agile environment, it can be helpful to have an understanding of what to expect and how to navigate this unique way of working.
In this article, we will explore the key aspects of working in an Agile environment and using the Scrum framework. We’ll shed light on what you can anticipate as a team member. From the five Scrum events to the skills required for success, let’s dive into the world of Agile and Scrum and uncover what you can expect.
What’s in this article?
- Working in Agile environment vs traditional methods
- What are the 5 Scrum events?
- Types of projects that use Agile and Scrum
- What skills do Agile and Scrum require?
- Summary
1. Working in Agile vs traditional methods
Agile and traditional methods represent different approaches to project management and software development. In a traditional approach, projects are usually planned in detail upfront with a fixed scope, timeline, and budget. Following a predefined plan means that changes are often difficult to accommodate once development is underway. This can lead to challenges when unexpected requirements arise or when customer feedback necessitates adjustments.
On the other hand, Agile thrives on adaptability and flexibility. It breaks down projects into smaller iterations, which typically last for up to four weeks, where cross-functional teams collaborate to deliver working increments of the product. This iterative approach enables frequent customer feedback, allowing for continuous improvement and course correction throughout the development process.
While traditional methods prioritise predictability and adherence to initial plans, Agile embraces uncertainty and encourages learning and adaptation. It acknowledges that requirements can evolve, and priorities can change, allowing for a more responsive and customer-centric approach.
2. What are the 5 Scrum events?
Scrum is an approach that focuses on doing work in small iterations called sprints. Each sprint has specific events and activities to help teams deliver the product in increments and adapt to changes. Unlike traditional Waterfall methodologies, Scrum does not have strict phases as such, but instead follows an iterative and incremental approach. Let’s have a look at the key events of Scrum.
The 5 Scrum events
1. Sprint planning
At the beginning of each sprint, the Product Owner, Scrum Master and the Developers collaborate in the sprint planning event to set the direction for the upcoming iteration. During this event, they work together to determine the Sprint Goal and select the backlog items that will be addressed in the sprint. They discuss the scope of work, prioritise the items based on their importance and value, and create the Sprint Backlog.
The Sprint Backlog contains a list of tasks or activities required to meet the Sprint Goal, providing a detailed plan for the sprint. By engaging in this collaborative process, the team ensures clarity and alignment on what needs to be accomplished during the sprint.
2. Daily Scrum
In Scrum, the efficient use of time and resources is a priority, and this principle extends to the Daily Scrum event. Sometimes referred to as the daily stand-up. The Daily Scrum is restricted to 15 minutes to ensure that it remains concise and focused.
The Daily Scrum is an opportunity for the Development Team to evaluate their progress towards meeting the sprint goal. During the meeting, the Developers review what they achieved since the last meeting and discuss their upcoming plans, highlighting any challenges they may be faced with. The primary objectives of this meeting are to coordinate their efforts, address any hurdles promptly, and maintain transparency among team members.
3. The Sprint
During the execution phase of the sprint, the Developers work on the tasks in the Sprint Backlog. They work together to accomplish the sprint goal, taking advantage of their diverse skills and abilities. Collaboration and self-management are key factors during the sprint phases, as team members must contribute their expertise and coordinate efforts to deliver the work.
Continuous communication and collaboration are emphasised throughout this phase to ensure steady progress while maintaining the quality of product increment. The team will regularly engage in discussions, exchange feedback, and seek opportunities to improve their work further.
4. Sprint Review
The Agile Manifesto’s principle, “At regular intervals, the team reflects on how to become more effective, then tunes and adjusts its behaviour accordingly,” encapsulates the rationale behind two important events in Scrum: the Sprint Review and the Sprint Retrospective. These events occur at the end of the sprint and align with the continuous improvement aspect of the Agile mindset. So, rather than aiming for perfection on the first attempt, the goal is to constantly enhance and refine.
Typically held on the last day of the sprint, the Sprint Review provides a platform for the Developers to demonstrate the completed work to stakeholders. The team showcases the increment, sharing the tangible outcomes of their efforts, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to share their feedback. Stakeholders can ask questions, offer their input, and request changes based on their observations and insights.
During the Sprint Review, the Product Owner actively engages with stakeholders and discusses the Product Backlog. The feedback received during the review informs discussions on potential adjustments and refinements to the product backlog. This collaborative dialogue between the Product Owner and stakeholders helps shape the future direction of the product, reduces risk and ensures it aligns with the evolving needs and expectations of the stakeholders.
5. Sprint Retrospective
The Sprint Retrospective is the final event within a sprint and it plays a vital role in the continuous improvement process of the Scrum Team. During this dedicated session, the team reflects on their performance in the sprint and identifies areas where they can make improvements The fundamental belief underlying Scrum is that even the most proficient team can always find ways to enhance their performance, the Sprint Retrospective offers an opportunity to do so.
All members of the Scrum Team, including the Developers, the Scrum Master, and the Product Owner actively participate in the Sprint Retrospective. The event encourages collaboration, reflecting the teamwork and cooperation evident in Scrum. It is a time for the team to collectively identify, discuss, and plan improvements that can enhance their effectiveness.
During the Sprint Retrospective, team members engage in open and honest discussions, sharing both insights and experiences from the recently concluded sprint. They assess what went well and areas where they encountered challenges or could have performed better. By promoting a positive atmosphere where constructive feedback and open communication are valued, the team is able to generate actionable items that can be implemented in future sprints.
3. Types of projects that use Agile an/or Scrum
Due to its versatility, working in an Agile way and using the Scrum framework can be applied to a range of projects across different industries. Its flexibility, collaborative nature, and iterative approach make it suitable for projects where adaptability, customer feedback, and incremental delivery are valued. Here are some common examples of projects that use Agile Scrum:
4. What qualities do you require to grow an Agile mindset?
Adaptability and flexibility: The Agile way of working embraces change and requires you to be adaptable and flexible to changing environments. Being open to new ideas, willing to change plans based on feedback, and quickly adapting to evolving requirements are essential.
Continuous learning: Agile and Scrum encourage a culture of continuous learning and improvement: so being open to new tools, techniques, and methodologies is important. You need to be able to reflect on past experiences to adapt and grow.
Collaboration and communication: Effective collaboration and communication skills are crucial for working in an Agile team. You need to actively participate, share ideas, and work with your team towards common goals. Strong communication skills facilitate clear and concise exchanges of information among team members, stakeholders, and customers.
Leadership: Scrum Masters, who are responsible for facilitating the Scrum process, require strong leadership skills to guide the team, encourage a positive work environment, and promote continuous improvement.
Problem-solving and decision-making: Agile teams frequently encounter challenges and need to make decisions in a timely manner. Strong problem-solving skills will help you to identify and address issues effectively. The ability to make informed decisions, often in the face of uncertainty, is crucial for progressing the project.
Time management and prioritisation: Time-boxed iterations are crucial for the continued delivery of value, so effective time management skills are essential. You also need to be able to prioritise tasks to ensure that the team can meet deadlines and deliver incremental results.
5. Summary
At FDM, we recognise the importance of promoting adaptability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We ensure that all of our consultants receive comprehensive training in the Agile and the Scrum framework, empowering them to excel in a development environment. Our commitment to Agile and Scrum extends beyond coaching, as we actively encourage its implementation in our project teams. We equip our consultants with the tools to thrive in a variety of working environments and, ultimately, excel in their careers.
Are you a graduate looking to start your career? Find out more about the FDM Graduate Programme and how we can help you launch your career in tech, or contact us for more information.