Agile software development has become standard practice in the world of software engineering over the past 20 years. Even other industries and fields have adapted the Agile method for use in them. Agile methodology is extremely popular, and if you aren’t already familiar with the fundamentals, you should do so whether you love it or hate it. Â.
So hereâs what you need to know about Agile. Although Agile is frequently referred to or understood as a method for completing tasks—a step-by-step procedure—it is actually a framework for approaching and thinking about your work. The Manifesto for Agile Software Development provides a description of this framework and its guiding principles. Agile isnât a specific method, itâs an umbrella term. Several Agile methodologies are included under that umbrella, such as Scrum and Kanban (but we’ll get to that later). Â.
Teams that use the Agile methodology, however, work in short cycles known as sprints. The length of sprints varies depending on the team, but a typical sprint lasts two weeks. Teams complete specific tasks during these sprints, think back on their work, and then aim to get better with each subsequent sprint. First and foremost, the objective is to produce a working product, which is then honed and improved iteratively in subsequent sprints. Â.
The Scrum methodology places a strong emphasis on teamwork and decision-making. Tasks and projects are broken down into two week sprints. The entire Scrum team gathers before each sprint to decide what they hope to accomplish and who will be given which tasks. Scrum teams continue to meet frequently throughout each sprint to keep things moving along smoothly. Â.
The tasks for that sprint are then organized on a Scrum board, which can either be a real whiteboard or a virtual one. To do, in progress, and completed are the three (or more) columns that make up the board. The smaller cards used to represent the tasks are sorted into the appropriate columns. Scrum board example (Click on to modify online).
The Kanban method’s objective is to assist teams in streamlining their workflow and removing bottlenecks. Teams decide on a strict work in progress cap to accomplish this. The WIP limit establishes how many tasks are permitted in each column of the Kanban board. This lessens multitasking and keeps team members productive and focused. Â.
The Daily Scrum Explained
How to run successful Scrum meetings
Scrum specifies four different meeting types, but if additional details need to be worked out, a fifth meeting may be required:
Each of these meetings has specific requirements, as outlined below.
1. The sprint planning meeting
The sprint team and the product owner discuss which product backlog items they will include in the current sprint during this meeting. The Scrum team selects the item at the top of the backlog, adds it to the sprint backlog, comes up with concrete steps, and starts a new sprint.
Keep the following in mind when holding a sprint planning meeting:
The development team shouldn’t try to divide tasks into hourly chunks when creating a sprint. The planning timebox for a sprint of 30 days is eight hours, and it will be shortened proportionally for a sprint of less than 30 days.
2. The Daily Scrum
Team members update one another on their progress throughout the current sprint during this brief meeting. This meeting is solely comprised of members of the Scrum development team, and each team member takes turns.
Keep the following in mind when conducting a daily Scrum meeting:
3. The Sprint review meeting
The Scrum development team shows the product owner a potential shippable product during this meeting. Some attendees, like the stakeholders or end-users, can give feedback.
The Scrum development team’s sole purpose in attending a sprint review meeting is to display a working product increment. This is not a time for reporting. The product owner will specify what items are finished during this meeting. Any incomplete items are turned into product backlog items by the development team, and the product owner then prioritizes them for upcoming sprints.
Consider these suggestions when conducting a sprint review meeting:
4. The Sprint retrospective meeting
Teammates review and modify their own procedures during this meeting, creating a feedback loop.
Observe the following guidelines when conducting a sprint retrospective meeting:
5. Backlog refinement meeting
The product owner and the Scrum team review the remaining product backlog items during this meeting. The product owner may re-prioritize product backlog items. The item at the top of the list determines how the Scrum team plans a new sprint.
What is a Scrum meeting?
Key participants and stakeholders in a product gather during a Scrum meeting to receive updates and information. Scrum is a challenging management method because of how production is done. Everyone involved must be committed to learning Scrum and fearless of failure for it to be effective. There are four essential components of Scrum, the others being rules, roles, and artifacts.
Scrum roles
Scrum recognizes three roles:
Scrum artifacts
The sprint backlog and the product backlog are two different kinds of artifacts used in scrum.
Related Scrum terms
Additional Scrum terms include:
How to get the most out of Scrum meetings
By overcoming your obstacles and viewing each sprint as a teaching opportunity, you can get the most out of Scrum meetings.
FAQ
What is Scrum meeting?
- Only meet when necessary. …
- Keep it short and sweet. …
- Establish a goal. …
- Maintain structure. …
- Make remote employees feel like they’re there. …
- Give everyone a chance to talk. …
- Don’t skip follow-up.
What does Scrum stand for?
The daily standup meeting’s goal is to improve team coordination, which is why it is significant. This quick feedback loop, like a huddle in football, aids teams in aligning and maintaining focus. If a problem arises, you can handle it right away to keep your projects moving forward.
Why is it called a scrum meeting?
- Talk Only About the Work of the Current Sprint and the Sprint’s Preparation
- Limit Discussion to What Was and Will Be Accomplished. …
- Talk About Impediments, Not “Blockers” …
- Give people a chance to comment on their work that isn’t focused on the sprint goal.
What are the 5 Scrum ceremonies?
- The sprint planning meeting.
- The daily Scrum.
- The sprint review meeting.
- The sprint retrospective meeting.
- The backlog refinement meeting.
