Why Agile Software Development with Scrum is so Awesome?

Agile software development with Scrum is a sprint-based software development approach with the main objective of delivering the highest value to stakeholders.

This tutorial is made for business owners and project managers who are looking for a suitable software development approach and considering applying the Agile Scrum methodology.

Agile and Scrum are two distinct approaches to software development with some core differences. In an Agile approach, the software development process is completed in small sprints with close collaboration among team members and flexibility to introduce changes throughout the project. However, the Scrum approach is more rigid and promotes cross-functional teams. The Agile Scrum methodology is the combination of the best features of Scrum and Agile approach. It is suitable for companies of all sizes and promotes close collaboration and efficiency for project-based work. Here’s the complete guide of Newwave Solutions to Agile Scrum methodology.

1. What is Agile? What is Scrum?

The Agile approach to project management was first introduced in the Agile Manifesto in 2000 by a group of developers who sought out a new method of writing software. In the initial publication, the authors cite four values of Agile include:

• Close interactions among individuals over processes and tools
• Comprehensive documentation of the software development process
• Customer collaboration rather than contract negotiation
• Flexible to integrate change over following a rigid plan
  

After many years of practical application, Agile has proven its benefits in terms of increasing software development project efficiency by breaking it down into several stages, each of which requires close collaboration of the project team and relevant stakeholders to promote steady improvements at each sprint.

The Scrum framework comprises meetings, roles, and tools to foster effective collaborations, better structure, and manage workload among project teams working on complex projects. It is the most popular approach to Agile Software Development Methodology that has dominated the IT development sector for the past two decades.

The 15th State of Agile report indicated that 94% of 1382 international companies had adopted the Agile approach to software development; of which, 66% reported use of the Scrum framework. These statistics showed that Agile and Scrum are the most popular approaches to software development in 2021. The popularity of the Scrum framework to modern software development is brought into even sharper focus by the fact that an additional 15% of respondents followed another close derivation of Scrum. 9% followed ScrumBan, a hybrid framework of Scrum and Kanban. 

Technically, the Scrum framework can be useful for almost any business and project, it would best suit complicated projects that require teams to complete a backlog in which each process is broken into bite-sized chunks that can make a complex project easier; results-oriented projects over documented progress of the process Scrum is focused on efficiency and innovation to drive results, rather than a detailed, rigid process; customer-centric projects because Scrum framework requires developing products in accordance with customer preferences and specifications, flexible to changes that fulfill customer requests.

2. How does Agile Software Development with Scrum Work? What are the Benefits?

Agile Software Development with Scrum is the combination of the Agile philosophy – “incremental, allowing teams to develop projects in small increments” and the Scrum framework – breaking projects down into sizable chunks called “sprints”. Agile Software Development with Scrum is the best fit for businesses that need to finish software development projects in time constraints.

Similar to Agile, Agile Software Development with Scrum relies on incremental development in which each iteration consists of 2 to 4 weeks of sprints focused on building the most important features first to releasing a working product. Complementary features will be built into the product in subsequent sprints and are subject to change based on stakeholder feedback between sprints. This approach saves a lot of time compared to traditional approaches that build an entire product in one operation from start to finish.

Based on the sprint-based approach, project teams receive constant feedback from stakeholders after each sprint, allowing them to adjust product goals easily and quickly during future sprints to provide more valuable iterations. Thus, customers are more satisfied because they get exactly what they want after being involved every step of the way.

Apparently, Agile software development with Scrum encourages products to be built faster, since each set of goals must be completed within each sprint’s time frame and frequent planning and goal setting, which helps the project team focus on the current sprint’s outcomes and increase quality. Other collective benefits of this approach include increased organizational synergy, employee as well as customer satisfaction, and project quality in terms of innovation, flexibility, adaptability, and costs.

To implement Agile software development with Scrum, a Scrum expert is a must to ensure Scrum principles and execution are being applied correctly; otherwise, it could result in serious problems if not done properly.

3. Holistic Approach to Agile Software Development with Scrum

When adopting the traditional approach to software development, the accountability is on the engineering services group with minor collaboration with other stakeholders which explains why project owners do not feel that they receive the benefits they expect. That is why the traditional approach does not work.

There are many factors to consider before choosing an approach to software development such as commercial needs, company size, organizational structure, and a host of other considerations. In fact, the inclusion of all aspects of the business should be considered. Systematic thinking, and understanding all domains of the company to accomplish value delivery is critical. In case of complications between the collaboration of departments involved in the project, the business will be unlikely to consider restructuring and shifting management styles to achieve organizational alignment. Therefore, the leadership team should go all-in with an open mind and a focus on value delivery and working in a supportive way to final outcomes.

The best approach when adopting Agile software development with Scrum relates to the organization’s context as described above. The most important thing is to be inclusive with the leadership team and their areas of focus to accelerate value delivery over output and utilization.

4. Final Thoughts

By now, you probably have a good theoretical overview of and an understanding of why it is considered the most effective approach for complex software development projects. It should be highlighted that you need an expert in Agile software development with Scrum to overlook the project. 

Newwave Solutions provides experienced Scrum and Agile Scrum teams at your fingertips. We can build projects tailored to the needs of your software development projects. We have reviews from clients all around the world, you can find themhere! If you would like to discuss details with us or receive a preliminary quote for your next Agile Scrum project, please get in touch!