Scrum in 60 seconds

Scrum is a framework to get the most value out of complex challenges – and get engaged and fulfilled team members. Scrum is widely used in all types of projects and product development.

  • A Product Owner creates a vision and plan for the result, an ordered list of Items: requirements, qualities or wishes – The Product Backlog. The items are called Product Backlog Items. The solutions are created by a small cross-functional and self organizing Team.
  • At Sprint Planning the Team collaborates with the Product Owner in finding the best possible set of Items, that can be accomplished in the upcoming Sprint of max weeks length.
  • A Team of 3 to 9 people commits to complete this Sprint Goal and work.
  • Every day in the Sprint the Team and the Scrum Master holds Daily Scrum and synchronizes, answering these three questions:
    • What have I accomplished towards the Sprint Goal since yesterday?
    • What will I accomplish until tomorrow towards the Sprint Goal?
    • Are there any Impediments limiting my progress?
  • During the Sprint, the Team collaborates with the Product Owner in refining the top Items in the Product Backlog, so that they are ready to be pulled into future Sprints. This is called Product Backlog Refinement.
  • At the end of the Sprint a Sprint Review is held, where the accomplishments achieved in the Sprint are presented to the Stakeholders for information and Review in order to get best possible result of the efforts. Feedback is reflected in the Product Backlog.
  • The Scrum Master then facilitates a Sprint Retrospective where the Whole Scrum Team reflect on the Sprint just completed and seek to come up with improvement to the process, the tools and the collaboration.
  • Each Sprint results in a set of completed Items or qualities, that are fully done according to the Done Criteria, therefore they potentially can be brought to use, if the Product Owner decides so. This is called a Product Increment.
  • The Team repeats the Sprint cycle until the Product Owner decides that the desired business objectives are sufficiently fulfilled within the resources available, and the result is brought to use.
  • The Scrum Master is a servant leader who facilitates collaboration and has the responsibility for the process and for achieving the state of constant improvement. The Scrum Master protects and coaches the Team and the Product Owner.