How to Combine Scrum and Agile Principles for a Successful Remote Project
While Agile is ideally used for testing, iteration and face-to-face communication strategies, Scrum rapidly and repeatedly examines the working software and emphasizes accountability. What’s more, Scrum works on the premise that requirements are likely to change and there will always be unknown variables at the start of a project.
In a collaborative environment, information-sharing is of critical importance and involves multiple levels of communication. The main idea behind using the Agile methodology is to optimize project completion and deliver consistent value to customers. Excel SoftSources’ team of nearshore software developers utilizes numerous Agile best practices and values for optimal project development and execution.
Below, we review the best practices to successfully use Scrum and Agile when activities, groups and meetings overlap.
Set Up Workshops to Create Product Backlog and Vision
Considered as one of the most important Scrum artifacts, product backlog documents product backlog for stakeholders. Filling in the product backlog along with the stakeholder helps the team arrive at a mutual understanding and align their vision.
Similarly, planning estimates in the presence of a stakeholder helps reduce the chances of conflict at a later stage.
Invite Stakeholders to Participate in Scrum Meetings
For valuable feedback and better collaboration, you can consider inviting stakeholders to some Scrum meetings. It is important to collect feedback from the team members driving the project on a regular basis.
Focus on Team Building
If a team has been successful, it’s a good idea to regroup them for other projects. At times, however, you may need new team members with different skill sets. Effective team building techniques including sharing skills to foster collaboration.
Set the Primary Goal for Each Sprint
Setting a main goal for each sprint helps customers and team members align their goals. Clearly articulated goals at the start of a spring help prioritize items from a product backlog and keep the team on a singular track.
Don’t Neglect Sprint Deadlines
Stretching Sprint deadlines sacrifices set rhythms and neglects time-frames. On the other hand, cutting sprint times – due to stories being completed – is not advisable either. If your team manages to complete stories, adding small stories to the sprint helps maintain the rhythm.
Using Effective Techniques Can Help You Maximize the Value of Scrum
Daily meetings are critical as team members are held accountable for their planning and execution. In addition, using updated project information, the ScrumMaster also creates burn-down charts that provide an updated – as well as graphical – view of the project release status. At the end of each sprint, not only do the team members demonstrate their work to the stakeholders, but also ask for valuable feedback.
While Agile allows you to create long-term, sustainable work, Scrum allows you to consolidate more than one project release into a single product backlog. As nearshore outsourcing experts, Excel SoftSources is committed to helping you achieve your goals. Contact us for more information regarding skilled technical expertise and support for your project requirement.
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