Implementing Agile is Tough without a Scrum Master. Here’s why?

Do you know why companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Google are successful? How Microsoft release the brand new version every three weeks? Or How Google launch application updates every three or two weeks?

These real-life stories ask one question why there are so many followers of Agile Methodologies?

The one and only thing behind the success of these projects is the dynamic nature of an organisation to manage responsibilities. And this is possible by following an Agile approach. Agile methodology is a very practical and effective prototype for software development. It gives the facility to predict any hurdles on the way of development with constant improvement and evolution.

Generally, two approaches are mostly followed by companies for software development in the market. The traditional method, Waterfall methodology and the ongoing agile approach. The drawback of Waterfall is that it takes several months to accomplish the project while Agile gives the quick results by involving the customer and the client.

And who don’t want fast development, more production, and more profit? If Agile can provide all these things on a faster rate then why are we waiting?

Let me explain to you what is Agile actually.

Agile is a methodology of developing software which combines several iterations to reduce any type of uncertainty during development with dedicated teams.

Many organisations are thinking to implement Agile without even considering the Scrum. Then they are on a wrong path. The best way is to start your work with Scrum.

Now, what is Scrum? Scrum is a subset of Agile. It needs the team gathering on a weekly basis to collect the progress report and planning for the next week. It means the team gets feedback and capable of self-management because of continuous monitoring. In this way, short reports are maintained which are helpful in increasing productivity.

Scrum and agile is a very vast topic which cannot be completed in a few words. That’s why to provide every detail in an article is quite challenging although numerous webinars, research papers, thesis, courses and certification like PMI ACP Certification are available over internet which will help you to get in-depth learning about Agile and Scrum. Scrum is a goal-driven framework and also a game changer which can be used in an organisation and personal life as well.

Key values of the Agile project:

• Interaction of team and individuals.
• Working methodology then documentation
• Collaboration of customer
• Adapting the change quickly

Here are some instructional points are also given to follow in an Agile project:

• The most important part is to complete the need and desire of the client by early delivering the quality product. It is the primary goal of an organisation.
• Adapting the changes while in progress then late implementations.
• Developing, delivering and collecting continuous feedback in weeks and months from the customer.
• A collaboration of stakeholders and development team.
• The face-to-face meeting is the efficient and effective part of the project.
• Agile promotes a steady development by involving the developers, sponsors, and users.

Ways to implement Scrum:

Managing backlog – Simultaneously working on every task can lead to the failure of a project or reduced productivity. To achieve the desired goal we need to focus on the things which are essential. Or by planning and managing the priority list. For this, the first step is to create the product backlog. These product backlogs are termed as “Epics”. A large amount of work leads to a lack of seriousness and on-time delivery. So the best way to deliver the work on time is to divide it into chunks. Small parts encourage faster delivery while bigger ones bring demotivation.

Product backlog continuously changes with time. Hence, it requires a constant review at least once a week. Each time a client would come and share different ideas, desires and you have to complete those desires in a limited time with the available resources. During that time always ensure that you don’t have to spend resources on the low-value items.

Sprint planning – Planning a year before actual release is quite early. Always plan for small intervals of time. The duration of the sprint and working days should be fixed. The effective way is how you manage and how much work can be completed within that duration. Proper planning of sprint is equally important as delivery. Don’t pressurise the team to complete a task within a frame as it may have a negative impact on the development process. Plan wisely, don’t commit early and don’t take long. Planning for a longer duration is a better idea than early. Thus, you have slack time which can be utilised for other activities.

Transparency – Always update your backlogs whether it is in paper or an electronic system. Updation will help you to plan your goals accordingly. It also helps your organisation to plan

your strategy for the next 24 hours or your working hours. It can be done on a daily basis or weekly.

In a few organisations, scrum is the first thing executed in the morning. It entirely depends on the organisation to decide the best time for a scrum. Making it a habit helps in the daily progress of the project.

Progress Monitoring – Recognise task which is taking too long and is kept postponed. Divide it into smaller parts and start working on it. Each time you watch the work log and the performed task you will see how much part is finished in an hour and the estimation of work needs to be done. You can also use the Pomodoro technique or some other application which help you to maintain focus on work. You can take breaks in between every task. Create a priority list of tasks and what you aimed for, in particular time. If jobs are not finished, find out the reason behind their incompletion and decide what future strategies for accomplishment. And at last, share the review the product with the customer and solve them accordingly.

Become a ScrumMaster to Support Development – Not every problem can be solved by your own. Always take help from the team while developing the sprint goal. For its successful implementation, you always need be the part of the team such that you know the pressure well and view the things from a different perspective as well. Discuss the goals, consequences of your decision. To work effectively and efficiently you always need inspiration and motivation.

Closure Words:

You have learned ways of implementation though, decide how it could be beneficial and in what way you can use it for your business depends on you. The need for Scrum master will become obsolete at some level. Is a myth. Well, declining it completely is also wrong, maybe not full time but up to a certain point. However, situations which are complex, rapidly changing will definitely need a correct solution from the expert. Then, who will be that person? And the answer is Scrum master.