The document discusses the Visual Studio Scrum v1.0 template which maps the Scrum framework to work item types, queries, and reports in Visual Studio Team Foundation Server. It describes Scrum concepts like product backlog items, sprints, and impediments that are represented by work item types in the template. The template supports Scrum activities through standard queries and reports for tracking progress. A demonstration of the template configuration and customization is also outlined.
Agile development is not a methodology in itself. It is an umbrella term that describes several agile methodologies. At the signing of the Agile Manifesto in 2001, these methodologies included Scrum, XP, Crystal, FDD, and DSDM. Since then, Lean practices have also emerged as a valuable agile methodology and so are included under the agile development umbrella in the illustration later in this topic.Each agile methodology has a slightly different approach for implementing the core values from the Agile Manifesto, just as many computer languages manifest the core features of object-oriented programming in different ways. A recent survey shows that about 50 percent of agile practitioners say that their team is doing Scrum. Another 20 percent say that they are doing Scrum with XP components. An additional 12 percent say that they are doing XP alone. Because more than 80 percent of agile implementations worldwide are Scrum or XP, MSF for Agile Software Development v5.0 focuses on the core processes and practices of Scrum and XP.Our highest priority is to satisfy the customerthrough early and continuous deliveryof valuable software. Welcome changing requirements, even late in development. Agile processes harness change for the customer's competitive advantage. Deliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference to the shorter timescale. Business people and developers must work together daily throughout the project. Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done. The most efficient and effective method of conveying information to and within a development team is face-to-face conversation. Working software is the primary measure of progress. Agile processes promote sustainable development. The sponsors, developers, and users should be able to maintain a constant pace indefinitely. Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design enhances agility. Simplicity--the art of maximizing the amount of work not done--is essential. The best architectures, requirements, and designs emerge from self-organizing teams. At regular intervals, the team reflects on how to become more effective, then tunes and adjusts its behavior accordingly.
Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland 1995
Scrum uses two parallel, complementary cycles to build releases of a systemOne cycle sustains an emerging list of prioritized requirements called the product backlogThe other cycle consists of development iterations called Sprints that build system increments of these requirementsThese cycles are constructed so that the most appropriate and essential system emerges over the SprintsScrum is a framework for agile development processes. It does not include specific engineering practices. Conversely, XP focuses on engineering practices but does not include an overarching framework of development processes. That does not mean that Scrum does not recommend certain engineering practices or that XP has no process. For example, the first Scrum implemented all of the engineering practices that are now known as XP. However, the Scrum framework for software development was designed to get a team started in two or three days, whereas engineering practices often take many months to implement. Therefore, it left the question of when (and whether) to implement specific practices up to each team. Scrum co-creators Jeff Sutherland and Ken Schwaber recommend that Scrum teams get started immediately and create a list of impediments and a process improvement plan. As engineering practices are identified as impediments, teams should look to XP practices as a way to improve. The best teams run Scrum supplemented with XP practices. Scrum helps XP to scale, and XP helps Scrum to work well.
The voice of the customerManages the vision of the productDecides on release date, content and budgetCreates and updates the release plan and reportsDefines value-added and key features of the productContinuously refines requirementsSets schedule by means of prioritizing the Product BacklogWorks with Team to estimate items in the Product BacklogResponsible for the project success and ROI
Responsible for establishing Scrum practices and rulesEnsures the process is followedShields team from distractions and helps remove obstaclesEnsures the team is fully functional, productive, and improves qualityEnables close cooperation across all roles and functions and removes barriersEducates everyone on the Scrum processFacilitates rather than directs workHelps the Product Owners understand how to best utilize the capabilities of the team
Typically 5-9 people Cross-functionalProgrammers, testers, designers, DBa.k.a. “Developers”Members should be full-time Teams are self-organizingIdeally, no titlesMembership should change only between Sprints, and ideally only between releasesTeam culture should be one of learning and collaborationEngineering practices: Your team can also use proven techniques to design, develop, test, and deliver code. These practices help increase the velocity at which your team delivers value to your customers