Scrum of scrums

Definition

A scrum of scrums is a technique used to scale Scrum practices across multiple teams working on the same project. This approach allows various Scrum teams to collaborate and synchronize their work by holding regular meetings where representatives from each team discuss their progress, challenges, and dependencies. The aim is to ensure alignment and facilitate communication across teams, making it easier to manage larger projects in an Agile framework.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The scrum of scrums meeting typically involves a representative from each Scrum team, often the Scrum Master or a designated delegate, who shares updates about their team's progress and any blockers they face.
2. This practice helps identify cross-team dependencies and encourages teams to work collaboratively to resolve issues that may affect multiple teams.
3. Scrum of scrums can take place at different levels of the organization, such as at the program level or at the portfolio level, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
4. It is common for scrum of scrums to be time-boxed to keep discussions focused and efficient, often lasting around 15-30 minutes.
5. The success of a scrum of scrums relies heavily on clear communication and a culture of collaboration among the different teams involved.

Review Questions

• How does the scrum of scrums process facilitate better collaboration among multiple Scrum teams?
  • The scrum of scrums process promotes collaboration among multiple Scrum teams by establishing a structured forum for representatives from each team to communicate regularly. During these meetings, they share updates on progress, discuss challenges, and identify dependencies that may impact other teams. This open line of communication helps create a sense of unity among the teams, ensures everyone is aligned on project goals, and allows for quicker problem-solving when issues arise.
• In what ways can the scrum of scrums be adapted to suit different organizational structures or project sizes?
  • The scrum of scrums can be adapted to various organizational structures or project sizes by adjusting the frequency, duration, and format of meetings. For smaller projects with fewer teams, meetings may occur weekly and focus on specific issues. Conversely, larger projects may require more formalized structures with separate meetings for different layers within the organization, like program or portfolio levels. Additionally, organizations can experiment with tools or technologies to enhance remote participation if teams are geographically dispersed.
• Evaluate the potential challenges that might arise when implementing a scrum of scrums in a large-scale project environment.
  • Implementing a scrum of scrums in a large-scale project environment can present several challenges, including miscommunication between teams due to differing terminologies or processes, which can lead to misunderstandings. Additionally, if team representatives do not effectively communicate back to their respective teams, important information may be lost or misinterpreted. Resistance to change can also be an obstacle, particularly if team members are accustomed to traditional project management practices. Lastly, ensuring consistent engagement and participation from all teams is crucial; otherwise, some teams may feel disconnected from the overall project goals.

Related terms

Agile: A project management methodology that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and customer satisfaction through iterative development.

Scrum: An Agile framework for managing complex projects, focusing on iterative progress through sprints and collaborative teamwork.

Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe): A framework that provides a structured approach for scaling Agile practices across larger organizations or complex projects.