What is Scrum? | Agile & Scrum Interview Questions

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Scrum is an Agile framework used for managing complex projects, primarily software development, but it can also be applied to other fields. Scrum provides a structured yet flexible approach to project management, promoting iterative progress, collaboration, and continuous improvement. It helps teams deliver high-quality products by breaking work into manageable increments and regularly assessing progress and priorities.
Key Components of Scrum
1. *Roles:*
- *Product Owner:* Responsible for maximizing the value of the product and managing the Product Backlog. They prioritize tasks based on business value and stakeholder input.
- *Scrum Master:* Facilitates the Scrum process, helps the team adhere to Scrum practices, and removes impediments. They act as a coach for the team, ensuring continuous improvement.
- *Development Team:* A cross-functional group of professionals responsible for delivering a potentially shippable product increment at the end of each Sprint. The team is self-organizing and decides how to accomplish the work.
2. *Artifacts:*
- *Product Backlog:* An ordered list of everything that is known to be needed in the product. It is dynamic and evolves as new requirements emerge.
- *Sprint Backlog:* A subset of the Product Backlog that the team commits to completing during a Sprint. It includes tasks and requirements for the current Sprint.
- *Increment:* The sum of all Product Backlog items completed during a Sprint and previous Sprints. Each increment must be a usable product that meets the Definition of Done.
3. *Events (Ceremonies):*
- *Sprint:* A time-boxed period, usually 1-4 weeks, during which the team works to complete a set amount of work. Each Sprint starts with a planning meeting and ends with a review and retrospective.
- *Sprint Planning:* A meeting at the start of each Sprint where the team discusses what can be delivered in the upcoming Sprint and how they will achieve it.
- *Daily Standup (Daily Scrum):* A short, daily meeting where team members discuss progress, plans for the day, and any impediments they face.
- *Sprint Review:* A meeting at the end of the Sprint where the team demonstrates the completed work to stakeholders and discusses what was accomplished.
- *Sprint Retrospective:* A meeting following the Sprint Review where the team reflects on the Sprint, discusses what went well, what didn’t, and how they can improve in the next Sprint.
Scrum Process
1. *Product Backlog Refinement:* The Product Owner continuously updates and prioritizes the Product Backlog based on stakeholder feedback and changing requirements.
2. *Sprint Planning:* The team selects items from the Product Backlog to work on during the Sprint and creates a Sprint Backlog. They define the Sprint Goal and plan the tasks needed to achieve it.
3. *Sprint Execution:* The Development Team works on the tasks in the Sprint Backlog, aiming to complete them by the end of the Sprint. Daily Standups help keep the team aligned and address any issues promptly.
4. *Sprint Review:* At the end of the Sprint, the team presents the completed work to stakeholders for feedback. The Product Owner may update the Product Backlog based on this feedback.
5. *Sprint Retrospective:* The team reflects on the Sprint to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. They implement changes to improve future Sprints.
Benefits of Scrum
- *Flexibility and Adaptability:* Scrum allows teams to respond quickly to changing requirements and market conditions.
- *Continuous Improvement:* Regular retrospectives enable teams to continually improve their processes and performance.
- *Enhanced Collaboration:* Scrum fosters close collaboration among team members and stakeholders, ensuring alignment and effective communication.
- *Increased Transparency:* Frequent reviews and daily standups provide clear visibility into progress and challenges.
- *Incremental Delivery:* The iterative approach ensures that valuable features are delivered incrementally, reducing risks and allowing for early feedback.