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Scrum

A framework for collaborative problem-solving that maximises value delivery through iterative learning and continuous improvement.

Scrum is a a social technology for building adaptive solutions it focuses on delivering the highest business value in the shortest time. Scrum is a framework that helps teams work together. Much like a rugby team (where it gets its name) training for the big game, Scrum encourages teams to learn through experiences, self-organize while working on a problem, and reflect on their wins and losses to continuously improve.

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Overview

Scrum is a Framework and a social technology for delivering adaptive solutions in complex environments. It is built on empiricism—transparency, inspection, and adaptation—and is designed to help teams deliver value iteratively and incrementally. Scrum is a framework that helps teams work together to solve complex problems and deliver high-value products. Its about planning.

First Principals

  1. Empiricism: Scrum is founded on empirical process control theory, or empiricism. Empiricism asserts that knowledge comes from experience and making decisions based on what is known.
  2. Self-Organization: Scrum Teams are self-organizing and cross-functional. Self-organizing teams choose how best to accomplish their work, rather than being directed by others outside the team.
  3. Collaboration: Scrum promotes collaboration among all roles to deliver the highest value.
  4. Value-Based Prioritization: The Product Owner is responsible for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the Development Team.
  5. Time-Boxing: Time-boxed events are used to create regularity and to minimize the need for meetings not defined in Scrum.
  6. Iterative Development: Scrum uses an iterative, incremental approach to optimize predictability and control risk.
  7. Incremental Delivery: Scrum delivers a potentially releasable product increment at the end of each Sprint.
  8. Continuous Improvement: Scrum Teams continuously improve through the use of the Scrum Events and by inspecting and adapting the product, processes, and practices.

Values

  1. Commitment: The Scrum Team commits to achieving the Sprint Goal.
  2. Focus: The Scrum Team focuses on the work of the Sprint and the goals of the Scrum Team.
  3. Openness: The Scrum Team and its stakeholders agree to be open about all the work and the challenges with performing the work.
  4. Respect: Scrum Team members respect each other to be capable, independent people.
  5. Courage: The Scrum Team has the courage to do the right thing and work on tough problems.

Accountabilities

  1. Scrum Team – Consists of a Product Owner, Developers, and a Scrum Master. The Scrum Team is self-managing and works collaboratively to deliver a usable Increment every Sprint.
  2. Product Owner : Accountable for maximising product value and managing the Product Backlog.
  3. Developers: Accountable for delivering usable Increments that meet the Definition of Done.
  4. Scrum Master : Accountable for Scrum effectiveness, causing the removal of impediments, and coaching the team.

Events

  1. Sprint: A fixed-length iteration (≤ 1 month) in which the team creates at least one usable Increment.
  2. Sprint Planning: Based on the Product Goal, the team plans the work for the Sprint.
  3. Daily Scrum: Based on the Sprint Goal the Developers plan work for the next 24 hours.
  4. Sprint Review: Based on the current state of the Product, current business conditions, and possible future business conduction the Scrum Team plans whats next.
  5. Sprint Retrospective: The Scrum Team plan on how they will change their system to improve the next Sprint.

Artifacts

  1. Commitments
    • Product Goal: The long-term vision for the product.
    • Sprint Goal: A tactical objective for the Sprint.
    • Definition of Done (DoD): A quality standard for completed work.

Key Accountabilities

Scrum is lightweight, but difficult to master. It is not a process or methodology but a framework that helps teams navigate complexity through empirical process control.

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Explores how immersive, hands-on learning in Scrum boosts knowledge retention, practical skills, and continuous improvement compared to traditional training methods.
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What is empiricism and why is it so critical to great Agile?

Explains how empiricism—continuous observation, inspection, and adaptation—drives Agile success by enabling teams to respond effectively to real project data and feedback.
Videos

Redefining the Scrum Master: From Boss to Empowering Facilitator

Explains how effective Scrum Masters empower teams through facilitation, support, and coaching, moving away from authority and micromanagement to foster self-organisation.
Course

Professional Scrum Master Advanced (PSM-A) with Certification

Professional Scrum MasterTM II (PSM II) course is a 14h advanced Scrum Master class designed to support Scrum Masters in their professional development. The PSM II course is intended for Scrum Masters with at least one year of experience who are looking to grow their knowledge and abilities as a Scrum Master. This course is one step in that journey.
Videos

Mastering Scrum: Essential Insights for New Teams from a Scrum Master's Journey

Guidance for new Scrum teams on building strong foundations, embracing empiricism, Scrum values, continuous learning, and the Scrum Master’s role in fostering team growth.
Blog

The Definition of Done: Ensuring Quality without Compromising Value

Explains how to maintain clear, measurable quality standards with the Definition of Done, while avoiding confusion with acceptance criteria and preserving product value.
Videos

Unlocking Team Potential: The Essential Role of a Scrum Master in Agile Success

Explains how a Scrum Master empowers Agile teams by bridging business, technical, and organisational needs to boost effectiveness, collaboration, and delivery outcomes.
Videos

7 Harbingers of the Agile apocalypse - Silence

Explores how silence in agile teams signals disengagement, and offers strategies to boost stakeholder participation, open communication, and effective sprint reviews.
Videos

Unpacking the Scrum Master Myth: Why Servant Leadership is Key to Team Success

Explains why the Scrum Master is a servant leader, not an authority figure, and how this approach empowers teams, encourages autonomy, and dispels common misconceptions.
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