Managing it projects with the SCRUM methodology
Managing projects is a challenge to be overcome every day, having in mind that there are many elements involved so that the final product has quality and meets the requirements defined in the project scope, maintaining the term and costs initially set.
In order to improve project management, agile methodologies have been developed, which are sets of project management best practices used to optimize the entire process that leads the company to maintain its competitiveness in the market. One of these agile methodologies is Scrum, which is widely used by software development companies. Want to learn a little more about this feature? Then keep reading our article!
What is Scrum
Scrum is a methodology that aims to enhance the work of the project team and manage product development effectively, maintaining the quality and compliance with deadlines. Its methodology is composed of scheduled activities within pre-defined periods of time with a complete planning of all activities and previously set start and end dates. These sequences of activities are called SPRINTS.
Concepts used in Scrum
To develop a project with the Scrum methodology you need to meet some of the terms relevant to this method. Check Out:
- Product Backlog: recording of the areas to be developed in the project;
- Release Backlog: requirements that will be worked out in the product backlog;
- Sprint Backlog: space of time that will be needed for the development of a project task;
- Product Owner: the project owner;
- Scrum Master: the connection point between the product owner and the project team;
- Team: those who develop the product.
SPRINTS Operation in SCRUM
All activities in SCRUM are held in sprints, which are up to a month cycle. The duration of each sprint depends on the type of project undertaken, but it cannot lose sight of the characteristic of short cycles. The result of each sprint should be delivering something tangible for the project client or user. One of the important characteristics is the definition of start and end dates of each of these time boxed (blocks of time with previously defined duration).
All days worked of a sprint must precede a meeting in the morning, called Daily SCRUM, to pass the knowledge of the previous day’s activities for everyone involved in this project in order to identify and prevent problems.
Another part of the SCRUM process is the SPRINT Review Meeting, where the team presents all the features that have been implemented. The final part that connects one step to the other is the SPRINT Retrospective, in which the team, from the learning experiences and of what has been done previously, plans the next SPRINT.
When to use Scrum
There are several agile methodologies for project management and it is up to each company to define which one is best suited for you. The type of business directly influences the choice of the agile methodology to be implemented, and can be one of the factors for the success or failure of the initiative.
It is important to note that the Scrum methodology is quite flexible and can be adapted to various types of businesses. Depends only on a good professional to determine how to follow-up the business strategy with the aid of Scrum.
Synergy between the team
It is extremely important that the project team is well integrated and aligned with the goals of the project and of the organization, aiming to keep the focus on the ideal solution for the requirements rose in the scope of the project. Without the synergy, the team works disconnected from their larger goals, hindering the progress of the project and even the end result.
Quality
The quality of the final product can never overlooked in the project development whose management is based on Scrum. The three cornerstones of project management (scope, time and quality) must be followed to the letter, always seeking to deliver the very best in technology and services.
Scrum Master Certification
For professionals who wish to specialize in agile methodologies and more specifically in Scrum, it is essential to get the Scrum Master Certification to give greater credibility to the work developed and thus obtain better opportunities in the labor market.
Project management is one of the professions with more future for years to come, considering the amount of projects being developed by companies and Governments. It is the project professional’s responsibility to specialize and to obtain the maximum certifications possible in order to give wider steps in the profession and thus conquer a place of prominence.
