Large-scale scrum

Large-scale scrum is a scaling framework for agile project management. It is a set of principles and practices that allow teams to coordinate and collaborate on complex projects. It is used to address the challenges of working on large projects with multiple teams, budgeting constraints, and customer needs.

Large-scale scrum is a powerful tool for managing complex projects. By utilizing these elements, teams are able to effectively collaborate, coordinate tasks, and meet customer needs.

Example of Large-scale scrum

Large-scale scrum can be used to manage a major software development project. In this example, the customer needs a new software application that has a user interface, database, and security features. The project is divided into several teams, each responsible for a different part of the application. The product owners are responsible for setting team goals and prioritizing customer needs. The teams use scrum of scrums to coordinate tasks and share progress, while the product owners use backlog refinement to estimate tasks and ensure that teams are aligned with customer needs. Finally, the scrum of scrum of scrums is used to ensure that the project is on track and that each team is meeting its goals. By utilizing large-scale scrum, the project is able to effectively manage complexity and deliver a successful software product.

When to use Large-scale scrum

Large-scale scrum is an effective tool for managing large and complex projects. It is best used for projects that involve multiple teams, budget constraints, or customer needs that must be met. In particular, it is well-suited for projects that require frequent communication and coordination among teams, such as software development or product development. It is also a good choice for projects with tight deadlines, as it allows teams to remain agile and quickly adjust to changing customer needs.

Types of Large-scale scrum

Large-scale scrum can be implemented in a variety of ways depending on the needs of the project. The following are some of the most common methods:

• Scrum of Scrums: This involves having multiple teams working on a single project. Each team holds its own scrum meeting and then sends representatives to a higher-level scrum of scrums meeting.
• Nexus: This is a methodology that combines scrum with other agile frameworks such as Kanban and XP. It is used when multiple teams are working on the same project.
• Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe): This is a framework that is designed to scale agile principles to large enterprises. It involves creating an agile structure that is tailored to the needs of the organization.

Large-scale scrum is a powerful tool for managing complex projects. By utilizing various frameworks and methods, teams are able to effectively collaborate, coordinate tasks, and meet customer needs.

Advantages of Large-scale scrum

Large-scale scrum has several advantages over conventional project management techniques. It allows teams to coordinate tasks and resources more efficiently, reduces the risk of miscommunication and delays, and encourages continuous improvement. Additionally, it allows teams to adapt quickly to changing requirements, and it provides visibility into progress and results. These advantages make it an ideal choice for large, complex projects.

Limitations of Large-scale scrum

Large-scale scrum is not without its limitations. It requires a high level of dedication from team members and can be difficult to scale up to very large projects. Additionally, it can be difficult to ensure that team members are aligned with customer needs and that tasks are accurately estimated. Finally, teams need to be able to adapt quickly to changing customer needs and budget constraints.

Other approaches related to Large-scale scrum

In addition to large-scale scrum, there are several other approaches to managing large projects with multiple teams. These include the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), the Nexus framework, and the LeSS framework.

The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is an approach that combines agile and lean principles with an emphasis on scaling. It consists of four levels: team, program, portfolio, and value stream. At each level, teams focus on different aspects such as planning, integration, and delivery.

The Nexus framework is a scaled agile framework designed for teams of three or more. It uses a combination of scrum, Kanban, and DevOps principles to promote collaboration and ensure quality. It emphasizes the importance of communication, cross-team coordination, and shared goals.

The LeSS framework is a lightweight approach to scaling agile. It is based on the belief that teams should be self-organizing and self-managing. It promotes simplicity and collaboration among teams, and encourages teams to work together to create a shared understanding of the product.

Overall, there are a variety of approaches to managing large projects with multiple teams. Large-scale scrum, SAFe, Nexus, and LeSS are just a few of the frameworks that can help teams coordinate, collaborate, and deliver successful products.

Large-scale scrum — recommended articles

Agile software development — Global project management — Agile portfolio management — Project management theory — Life cycle approach — Kanban card — Project delivery method — Project team — Scrum of scrums

References

• Uludağ, Ö., Kleehaus, M., Dreymann, N., Kabelin, C., & Matthes, F. (2019, May). Investigating the adoption and application of large-scale scrum at a German automobile manufacturer. In 2019 ACM/IEEE 14th International Conference on Global Software Engineering (ICGSE) (pp. 22-29). IEEE.
• Heikkilä, V. T., Paasivaara, M., Rautiainen, K., Lassenius, C., Toivola, T., & Järvinen, J. (2015). Operational release planning in large-scale Scrum with multiple stakeholders-A longitudinal case study at F-Secure Corporation. Information and Software Technology, 57, 116-140.