Is There Room For Project Managers In An Agile Like Environment Such As Scrum1
1. Is there Room for Project Managers in an Agile like environment such as SCRUM?
Agile Approach
Agile methodology is based on group of methodologies or frameworks used in software development
that is based on iterative development between self organized and cross functional teams. Here are
some Agile methodologies or frameworks:
• Extreme Programming
• Scrum
• Adaptive Software Development (ASD)
• Crystal Clear
• Dynamic Systems
• Development Method (DSDM)
• Feature Driven Development (FDD)
• Lean software development
• Microsoft Solution Framework (MSF)
• Agile Unified Process (AUP)
The more I read about Agile methodologies and try to implement them in my professional daily life the
more I find similarities between Agile and many other methodologies most likely Toyota Production
System (TPS), Total Quality Management or even Project Management Frame work. Agile
methodologies and frame work are based on how to utilize team collaboration, team efforts in a more
engaging and efficient way.
2. Agile manifesto that was created in 2001 it reads, in its entirety, as follows:
We are uncovering better ways of developing software by doing it and helping others do it. Through
this work we have come to value:
• Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
• Working software over comprehensive documentation
• Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
• Responding to change over following a plan
That is, while there is value in the items on the right, we value the items on the left more.
Twelve principles underlie the Agile Manifesto, including:
* Customer satisfaction by rapid delivery of useful software
* Welcome changing requirements, even late in development
* Working software is delivered frequently (weeks rather than months)
* Working software is the principal measure of progress
* Sustainable development, able to maintain a constant pace
* Close, daily co-operation between business people and developers
* Face-to-face conversation is the best form of communication (co-location)
* Projects are built around motivated individuals, who should be trusted
* Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design
* Simplicity
* Self-organizing teams
* Regular adaptation to changing circumstances
SCRUM
Scrum is a framework for incremental software product development using cross-functional, self
organizing teams no more than six to seven people. Unlike the other Agile concepts which prescribe
specific engineering practices like XP, SCRUM is more like a framework that provides a simple
structure of roles and responsibilities, meetings or ceremonies, and artifacts. Scrum teams are
responsible for creating and adapting their processes within this framework. Scrum’s management
practices are similar to those of eXtreme Programming (XP), but, unlike XP, Scrum does not
prescribe specific engineering practices.
SCRUM consists of three roles, three ceremonies and three artifacts. The product owner reviews the
Product Backlog Item with the team there is a thirty day sprint. The main goal is that cross functional
team work together collaboratively to produce a shippable product.
The SCRUM framework has been applied mainly in software product development but it can also be
applied to any type of product development. It is particularly suited to high risk endeavors where
traditional efficiency concerns are secondary to the ability to deliver the right product, or any
product, by the required date.
3.
4. But the question was if there is a Room for a Project Manager in an Agile like environment such as
SCRUM?
I say only yes and I say that cautiously. The whole purpose of the SCRUM or any of the Agile tools is not
to get rid of Project Managers or try to create an obstacle for them or prevent Project Managers to
become unemployed ever again.
I actually think Project Managers are more suited for the role of the SCRUM Master given their set of
skills personalities as well as their experience. The one thing Project Managers need to do is to learn
SCRUM’s rules of engagement and be able to apply it and not try to change SCRUM.
I think been able to learn SCRUM is another added value and set of skills that a Project Manager can
bring to the table.
Personally I think it doesn’t really matter what tools or methodologies you us as long as you use it
correctly, it can help the organization and it adds value to the overall process. Most importantly the
upper management and the rest of the company must be on board in implementing the methodology
appropriately and correctly.
5. References:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agile_software_development
2. http://agilemanifesto.org/
3. http://www.scrumalliance.org/
4. Several other references from internet