Agile techniques offer many benefits. They reflect the fact that businesses are no longer the static, structured entities they once were. Following an iterative approach to any large product development or complex project is a more flexible way to deal with changing requirements.
The Scrum framework is the most popular implementation of Agile consulting techniques. It introduces flexibility, structure, and good communications for teams. To get the full value from Scrum, the team needs to work to the same rules and terminology. Training is essential for this.
Scrum training teaches common solutions and terminology
Any new process or framework has specific terminology and methods attached to it. This is certainly the case with Scrum, and everyone working on Scrum projects must follow the same approach.
Scrum relies on work being broken down in specific ways. All team members are involved in defining this, as well as considering priorities and team capacities. Understanding how this works and how to set up and manage the iterative process is essential.
Scrum training is available for anyone involved in a project that teaches the approach, methods, and terminology. There are also advantages in training those who interact with Scrum teams, so everyone speaks the same language.
An iterative approach leads to faster results
The Scrum framework teaches teams to work in an incremental, iterative manner. Projects proceed through a series of iterations, known as Sprints. Each Sprint takes on a defined subset of the total work that needs to be completed and aims to produce a usable result.
This iterative approach is designed to reflect the fact that requirements can change. Each Sprint produces a result that is then reviewed against requirements and changed as necessary for the next Sprint. In an uncertain environment, this is a much more efficient approach to projects and product development.
Teams learn to communicate better
Good communication is a key focus of Scrum. Rather than irregular, ad-hoc meetings to address project progress, Scrum defines specific regular meetings that must take place. Reviews at the start of each Sprint carefully define what work the team will address in that iteration – based on remaining work items, priority, and teams capacity. At the end of the Sprint, progress is reviewed as well as any improvements to team performance.
Daily meetings between team members are also mandated. These are short meetings that focus on progress and any immediate impediments. This is a great way to get issues addressed quickly and keep the project moving in the right direction.
Scrum makes teams more productive
The iterative nature of Scrum and its shorter duration sprints keep teams focussed. Defined and regular meetings are much more efficient than ad-hoc meetings and commit teams to regular chances to review progress and issues.
Consultancy McKinsey looked at many areas of improvement under Scrum. They showed that team engagement was improved by as much as 20% to 30%.
Training can develop specific roles and skills
Scrum encompasses the whole project or product development and involves all team members. Basic training gets members up to speed and contributing effectively to project progress. Further training is available for more advanced practitioners or those working on specific project types such as multiple team projects or software development.
In addition, Scrum defines specific key roles, including the Product Owner and Scrum Master. These are key to the progress and success of Scrum, and individuals can undertake basic and more advanced training to understand these roles and what is expected of them.
Source:
McKinsey study: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/enterprise-agility-buzz-or-business-impact