If you are new to the world of software development, the amount of terminology and process could be intimidating. After all, in the software development environment, and especially if you are a project manager, you will encounter unfamiliar language as a part of day to day of your jobs.
Project managers are responsible for managing the team to achieve adequate progress in the project and all the ancillary plans for the task they oversee. They identify and manage risks associated with their projects. They must ensure that projects stay within their various constraints. The list goes on.
But before diving deeper into those details, you need to choose the suitable project management methodology to guide your efforts and usher your project through to completion.
There are many different methodologies to choose from, and each is best suited to different types of projects. Two of the most common approaches to project management are Agile and Scrum. Given the similarities between the two, it’s easy to understand why they can sometimes be confused, but they are, in fact, two distinct concepts.
And here, we will discuss how they differentiate from one another and which approach will be the best for your project.
The Difference Between Agile and Scrum
Before differentiating between Agile and Scrum, you can check the Agile process and scrum method. On the surface, it was understandable why Scrum and Agile can often be confused, as both Agile and Scrum rely on an iterative process, frequent interaction with clients, and collaborative decision-making.
On the surface, it is easy to see why Agile and Scrum can often be confused, as they rely on an iterative process, frequent client interaction, and collaborative decision-making. However, the critical difference between Agile and Scrum is that while Agile is a project management philosophy that utilizes a core set of values or principles, Scrum is a specific Agile methodology used to facilitate a project.
Here are the notable differences between Agile and Scrum.
- Agile is a continuous iteration of development and testing in the software development process. In contrast, Scrum is an Agile process to focus on delivering business value in the shortest time.
- The agile methodology delivers the software regularly for feedback, while Scrum has the software after each sprint.
- In the Agile process, leadership plays a vital role; on the other hand, Scrum promotes a self-organizing, cross-functional team.
- Agile involves collaborations and face-to-face interactions between the members of various cross-functional teams, whereas Scrum collaboration is achieved in daily stand-up meetings.
- Agile process design and execution should be kept simple, whereas Scrum process design and performance can be innovative and experimental.
- Agile involves members from various cross-functional teams, while a Scrum project team includes specific roles, such as the Scrum Master and Product Owner.
- The agile method needs frequent delivery to the end user for their feedback. Whereas the scrum method delivered to the clients for the feedback
- Agile process design and execution should be kept simple, whereas Scrum process design and performance can be innovative and experimental.
Agile vs Scrum: Choosing the Right Project Methodology
Once you understand what Agile and Scrum are and how to differentiate between them, you can consider applying the approach to your projects. Yet instead of questioning which you should choose between Agile and Scrum, your question will be which agile methodology should you use. The answer could be Scrum or the other various Agile methods that exist.
Now to decide if Agile is the proper method for your project, you’ll need to look at the requirements and constraints involved. For example, the agile approach will not be practical on projects with strict scope and development requirements.
After deciding that your project is suitable for your project, you will then need to determine whether Scrum is the best agile methodology for your needs and goals. Scrum methodology works best with projects with no precise requirements, are flexible to change, and requires testing for their development.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct methodology is one of the aspects that help you progress your project. But even that, you must remember that a successful project is about selecting the right and wrong method to apply and how to maximize and execute the methodology skillfully. Doing so will require an expert understanding of the methodology and other critical management skills.
More Resources:
What’s the Best Agile Framework For Scaling Up Your Business
