What is the Agile Scrum Framework at a Glance? Key Principles Explained

By: Hajime Estanislao, PMP, CSM; Editor: Geram Lompon; Reviewed by: Dr. Michael J. Shick, MSPM, PMP, CSM

Are you tired of project plans that crumble at the first sign of change? Adaptability is not optional; it is essential. Whether you are a project manager dealing with shifting requirements or a team leader striving to deliver value, there is a solution built for your challenges: Agile and Scrum.

Imagine managing projects with a structure centered on collaboration, embracing change, and delivering outcomes.

Agile Scrum is a framework; it is a proven way to navigate complexity, empower teams, and meet customer expectations. It is one of the many agile frameworks that support project management and development. It includes methodologies like Scrum, Kanban, and others.

What if you could break free from outdated methods and confidently lead your team, even in uncertainty? The shift in mindset helps you achieve that by breaking work into manageable sprints, promoting transparency, and ensuring continuous improvement. It is the secret sauce to thriving in a world where flexibility and speed are king.

Ready to transform the way you manage projects? Read this article and discover how Agile and Scrum can become part of your project management tool!

What is Agile?

Agile is a mindset, methodology, and framework designed to improve efficiency, adaptability, and collaboration in project management and product development. Originating from the Agile Manifesto, it emphasizes flexibility over rigid processes, individuals and interactions over tools, customer collaboration over contract negotiation, and responding to change over following a fixed plan.

The Agile Mindset

At its core, the Agile mindset represents a shift focused on continuous improvement, adaptability, and delivering value quickly. Teams adopting this mindset embrace a collaborative and iterative approach, enabling them to respond effectively to evolving requirements and customer needs.

Agile Methodology

Agile methodology refers to a group of practices and frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP) that align with the principles of the Agile Manifesto. These methodologies help organizations break projects into smaller, manageable pieces, ensuring incremental progress and frequent value delivery. The Scrum Guide serves as a source that defines the framework, principles, and roles within the Scrum Framework.

Agile Framework

An Agile framework provides a structured approach to implementing Agile principles. Scrum is one of the most popular frameworks, offering roles, events, and artifacts that guide teams in managing projects.

Principles of Agile

The Agile methodology is supported by the 12 principles that promote value delivery and team collaboration:

Customer satisfaction by delivering valuable software frequently.
Welcome ‘change’ and adapt to changes even in the latter parts of the development.
Frequent delivery of working software in short time frames.
Close collaboration between business stakeholders and developers.
Motivated and empowered teams to make decisions and self-organize.
Face-to-face communication is the most effective form of communication.
Working Software is the primary measure of progress.
Sustainable development maintains a constant pace indefinitely.
Technical excellence focuses on quality and design.
Simplicity is maximizing work not done.
Self-organizing teams decide how to accomplish tasks.
Regular reflection on how to improve and adjust their processes.

Core Values of Agile

The Agile Manifesto identifies four core values:

Individuals and Interactions over processes and tools.
Working Software over comprehensive documentation.
Customer Collaboration over contract negotiation.
Responding to Change over following a plan.

What is the Scrum Framework?

The Scrum Framework is a lightweight, Agile methodology designed to help teams deliver projects effectively by breaking work into manageable iterations called sprints. Developed by Jeff Sutherland and Ken Schwaber, Scrum is a development project centered around collaboration, accountability, and iterative progress toward well-defined goals.

High-Level Definition

Scrum provides a structured framework consisting of scrum teams, three roles, five events, and three artifacts that work together to enable iterative and incremental delivery. Through transparency, inspection, and adaptation, Scrum helps teams navigate complexity and deliver value to stakeholders.

How Scrum Relates to Project Management

Scrum offers a flexible and adaptive approach to planning, executing, and delivering projects. Unlike traditional agile methodologies such as Waterfall, where planning is upfront, Scrum emphasizes:

Iterative Development: Work is divided into time-boxed sprints, typically lasting 1–4 weeks, ensuring regular value delivery.
Collaborative Effort: The Scrum Team, including the Product Owner, Scrum Master, and developers, works closely during the sprint planning meeting to select prioritized items from the Product Backlog, set goals, and establish a Sprint Backlog.
Continuous feedback from stakeholders and review of the output at the end of each sprint during the Sprint Review, enabling iterative improvement.
Adaptability: Through the Sprint Retrospective, teams reflect on their processes and make necessary adjustments for future sprints.

Elaborate it to me like I’m five years old.

The Scrum Framework is like a game plan for teams to work together and get things done in small steps. Imagine you have a big puzzle to finish. Instead of doing it at once, you work on one piece at a time, check if it fits, and then move to the next piece.

In Scrum:

The Team: Everyone has a role. One person makes sure the team has what they need (Scrum Master), one decides what’s most important to work on (Product Owner), and the rest build the puzzle (Development Team).
The Plan: Work happens in short bursts called sprints (like mini-goals), so you can see progress quickly.
The Check-Ins: The team talks in a daily Scrum meeting to see how it is moving and discuss completed tasks, upcoming work, and any impediments. At the end of each sprint, they show what they made and decide what to improve next time.

Key Benefits of the Scrum Framework in Project Management

Enhanced Collaboration: Promotes open communication between team members and stakeholders.
Incremental Value Delivery: Ensures continuous delivery of working software or other project outputs.
Increased Transparency: Provides visibility into project progress through artifacts like the Product Backlog and Sprint Backlog.
Quick Adaptation to Change: Enables teams to adjust priorities and respond to feedback dynamically.
Focus on Customer Needs: Keeps end-user requirements at the forefront of project development.

Reasons You Need to Know Agile and the Scrum Framework

These methodologies empower teams to adapt quickly to changes, deliver value incrementally, and stay aligned with customer needs. Business agility, the ability to respond to market shifts and stakeholder demands with speed and efficiency, has become a cornerstone of successful project management. Scrum provides a structured yet flexible way to achieve this agility.

Why Agile and Scrum Matter:

Collaboration: Encourages teamwork and open communication.
Delivers Faster: Breaks projects into manageable sprints, allowing for quick delivery of usable results.
Adapts to Change: Enables teams to pivot when priorities shift or new requirements emerge.
Improves Transparency: Provides visibility into progress and challenges through Scrum artifacts like the Product Backlog.
Enhances Customer Satisfaction: This keeps the customer at the center by delivering solutions that meet their needs.
Promotes Continuous Improvement: Regular retrospectives help teams learn from each sprint and improve processes.
Streamlines Project Management: Simplifies complex projects with clear roles, defined events, and prioritized goals.
Supports Innovation: Encourages creativity by providing a framework that values input and experimentation.
Builds Resilient Teams: Empowers self-organizing teams that are motivated and efficient.

Scrum Team and Roles

Scrum Team

The Scrum Team is the heartbeat of the Scrum framework, driving the delivery of working software through short, focused cycles known as Sprints. Typically composed of 3-9 members, the Scrum Team includes the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team. Each member plays a vital role in achieving Sprint’s goals and fostering a collaborative environment.

In the Scrum framework, the Scrum Team is self-organizing and cross-functional, meaning that team members have all the skills necessary to create a product increment. This structure promotes accountability, creativity, and shared ownership of the project, ensuring the team can adapt quickly to changes and continuously improve their processes.

Scrum Roles in Depth

Scrum Master

The Scrum Master is the servant-leader of the Scrum Team, dedicated to facilitating the Scrum process, and helps the team adhere to the Scrum framework. Their primary goal is to help the team deliver working software in each Sprint while removing any impediments that may hinder progress.

Responsibilities of the Scrum Master include:

Facilitating Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective meetings.
Holds the team with the Scrum framework and its principles.
Removing impediments that block the team’s progress.
Coaching the team on Scrum principles and practices.
Assisting the Product Owner in maintaining the Product Backlog.

Product Owner

The Product Owner is the visionary behind the product backlog. Acting as the voice of the customer and stakeholders, the Product Owner pushes the team to deliver the correct software to meet the stakeholders’ needs and expectations.

Responsibilities of the Product Owner include:

Defining and prioritizing the Product Backlog.
Ensuring that the Product Backlog is up-to-date and refined.
Providing input to the team during Sprint Planning.
Reviewing and accepting the work done by the team during the Sprint Review.
Collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that the software meets their needs.

Development Team

The Development Team is the engine that drives the creation of working software in each Sprint. Composed of cross-functional members with diverse skills and expertise, the Development Team is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and deploying the software.

Responsibilities of the Development Team include:

Delivering working software in each Sprint.
Participating in Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective meetings.
Collaborating with the Product Owner to refine the Product Backlog.
Ensuring that the software meets the Definition of Done.
Continuously improving the team’s processes and practices.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Integrate Agile in Your Toolkit

Integrating Agile into your project management toolkit can initially seem challenging, but breaking the process into clear, actionable steps makes it manageable and effective. Using the acronym AGILE, these steps walk you through the process to adopt and execute Agile practices.

Step 1: ‘A‘ssess Your Current Workflow

Start by evaluating your existing processes and team dynamics. Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas where flexibility is needed.

How to Execute: Conduct a retrospective of your current project management approach. Gather feedback from your team on what’s working and what isn’t. Map out workflows and pinpoint areas for improvement.
Why It’s Important: Knowing your starting point helps tailor Agile practices to address specific challenges.

Step 2: ‘G‘et Buy-In from Stakeholders

Agile adoption requires commitment from all team members, stakeholders, and leadership.

How to Execute: Present the benefits of Agile to your team and stakeholders. Use real-world examples and case studies to illustrate how Agile improves efficiency and outcomes. Highlight its value for the organization.
Why It’s Important: Without buy-in, Agile practices may face resistance or lack the support needed for success.

Step 3: ‘I‘mplement Agile Practices Gradually

Introduce Agile methodologies step by step rather than overhauling everything at once.

How to Execute: Begin with foundational Agile practices, such as daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives. Use tools like Kanban boards or Scrum frameworks to structure workflows.
Why It’s Important: Gradual implementation minimizes disruption and allows your team to adjust to the new approach.

Step 4: ‘L‘earn and Adapt Continuously

Agile thrives on continuous improvement through reflection and adaptation.

How to Execute: Conduct sprint retrospectives to review what worked and what didn’t. Use feedback to refine processes and adapt to evolving project needs.
Why It’s Important: Continuous learning ensures your team becomes more efficient and effective.

Step 5: ‘E‘stablish a Culture of Collaboration and Transparency

Create an environment that fosters open communication, teamwork, and trust.

How to Execute: Use Agile artifacts like the Product Backlog and Sprint Backlog to provide visibility into project goals and progress. Encourage team members to voice concerns and suggestions during daily scrums.
Why It’s Important: Collaboration and transparency are the cornerstones of Agile success.

Considerations For Successful Project Management Using Agile

Successful Agile project management embraces adaptability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. One insight is the importance of trust and empowerment within teams.

Agile thrives when team members feel valued and trusted to make decisions. It cultivates innovation and encourages task ownership, leading to higher productivity and better outcomes.

Another consideration is effective communication. Agile relies heavily on open and transparent communication, not only within the team but also with stakeholders. Regular feedback loops like sprint reviews and retrospectives align goals and expectations while allowing quick adjustments.

Remember that Agile is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Each team and organization is unique, so it’s relevant to tailor Agile practices to fit your specific context. Flexibility in applying frameworks like Scrum or Kanban can make the difference between success and frustration.

Final Thoughts: It’s a Mindset and a Way of Working

The Agile Scrum Framework is a methodology, mindset, and dynamic way of working that empowers teams to deliver value efficiently and adapt to change. By leveraging Agile principles and practices, you can transform your projects and ensure continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer satisfaction.

Whether managing software projects and development teams or navigating complex organizational goals, Agile provides a framework for incremental and iterative success. Jump in, experiment with sprints, and experience firsthand how Agile can elevate your projects and team dynamics.

References

Agile Alliance. (2001). Manifesto for Agile Software Development. Agile Alliance. https://agilemanifesto.org

Beck, K., Beedle, M., van Bennekum, A., Cockburn, A., Cunningham, W., Fowler, M., Grenning, J., Highsmith, J., Hunt, A., Jeffries, R., Kern, J., Marick, B., Martin, R. C., Mellor, S., Schwaber, K., Sutherland, J., & Thomas, D. (2001). Principles behind the Agile Manifesto. Agile Alliance. https://agilemanifesto.org/principles.html

Project Management Institute. (2021). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK Guide) – 7th edition. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.

Schwaber, K., & Sutherland, J. (2020). The Scrum Guide: The definitive guide to Scrum: The rules of the game. Scrum.org. https://scrumguides.org