The Scrum methodology vs. Agile

Companies are always looking for more innovations and efficiency. As a result, they all decided to take advantage of digital transformation. Economic dynamics along with companies’ performances are indeed based on simple but operational methodologies. Growth and evolution go hand in hand with technological evolutions especially as regards the means to deal with IT projects. Here comes the Scrum methodology. It has become one of the main pillars in terms of project development. It is however important to note that several companies which adopted the Scrum methodology have nevertheless not become agile. How can this paradox be explained?

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What are the differences between Agile and the Scrum methodology?

The Scrum methodology is an Agile methodology. But using the Scrum methodology does not mean that one will automatically become agile. It only means that one can complete requested tasks in less time. Adopting that kind of methodology enables to accelerate one’s actions and to respond more efficiently to the customers’ needs. These very actions correspond to the agile capability. But being trained in the scrum methodology does not always lead to positive results. It is quite frequent that teams which have just been trained in the Scrum methodology start their tasks with enthusiasm and passion but fail to respond to the customers’ high expectations, leading them to miss the expected outcomes.

It seems interesting to remind that adopting the Scrum methodology is not sufficient to become agile, as one also needs the corresponding mindset. The IT project management team will therefore have to behave in new ways following a fairly new approach as regards both the process and the project implementation. The team will also have to rethink its management techniques. The first think to carry out is to change the company’s organisation, as older techniques have proved to be quite limited due to a high failure rate, long delays, etc. Thanks to the implementation of the new Scrum methodology, companies could gain in efficiency and agility but more importantly they could prevent failures as regards their organisation system.

A better understanding of the Scrum methodology

The Scrum methodology is one of the Agile methodologies that is the most favoured by companies. It comprises an organizational chart based on small sprints during which the team can develop more complex products along with going on with usual tasks. The team also has to follow some rituals, namely project meetings, sprint retrospectives, etc. If this methodology is mainly used in IT development projects, one needs to know that the Scrum methodology is not solely used for that specific purpose. It is a multifunctional tool that enables companies to boost their managerial culture, to encourage innovation, to synchronize tasks, to interact with one another and to collaborate with one’s colleagues. It also enables to give a hint of the various roles as regards ongoing projects.

A better understanding of agility

The development methods that are called ‘agile’ put an end to the successive failures and to the frustrations that can occur within a company. This methodology sets short-term objectives and encourages teams to proceed step by step in order to reach these very goals. In order to be categorized as ‘agile’, a company needs to adjust its management techniques and to implement a leadership development. Employees’ self-confidence also needs to be enhanced. They also need to be reassured with respect to the fact that making mistakes can help them improve themselves. The Scrum teams need to count only on themselves to realize the tasks they were entrusted with and to plan the best means to reach their objectives. Planning ahead enables the teams to gain agility. Is it important to remind that a company cannot become agile solely by implementing the Scrum methodology. The board also has to accept these changes.

Which advantages does the Agile methodology have over more classic approaches?

The classic approach lays emphasis on the fact that prototypes are transmitted to the testing services before being sent to the production one. The Agile approach lays stress on the fact that the products have to be tested before starting the production. The idea is to avoid delegating tasks, as it slows down the production process. When incidents do happen, each and everyone will obviously be responsible for their mistakes. The team therefore needs to collectively look for the most adequate solutions. As regards the rules to respect, the classic approach lays emphasis on the fact that the teams have to respect the main orders. With respect to the Agile methodology, trust in one’s colleagues has been enhanced. Only security and conformity matters will therefore be put forward.

Lastly, as regards management and control issues, managers have to focus on problem-solving along with giving orders to the team as regards the various steps to conduct. As far as the scrum methodology is concerned, managers have to collaborate with team members to discuss the project realization and problem-solving.

Take Away

Today, you have learned how to make a difference between the scrum methodology and agility. Now, you are aware of the fact that it is not enough to adopt the scrum methodology to become agile.