AGILE VS. SCRUM: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

AGILE VS. SCRUM: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

There are many different methodologies for software development , and each is best suited to different types of projects. Two of the most common (and often conflated) approaches to project management are Agile and Scrum. They are very  similar in  nature and  it’s easy to understand why they can sometimes be confused, but they are, in fact, two distinct concepts.

Here’s a look at what Scrum and Agile mean in project management, how they are different from one another, and how to choose the right approach for your  project.

What is Agile Project Management?

Agile software development refers to a group of software development methodologies based on iterative development.The goal of the Agile approach is to create early, measurable ROI through defined, iterative delivery of product features.Due to the iterative nature of Agile approaches, continuous involvement with the client is necessary to ensure that the expectations are aligned and to allow the project manager to adapt to changes throughout the process.

If you’re following an Agile philosophy in managing your projects, you’ll want to have regular interactions with the client and/or end-users; you’re committed to a more open understanding of scope that may evolve based on feedback from end-users; and you’ll take an iterative approach to delivering the scope of work

It is a  set of engineering best practices intended to allow for rapid delivery of high-quality software, and a business approach that aligns development with customer needs and company goals.

There are many different project management methodologies used to implement the Agile philosophy. Some of the most common include Kanban, Extreme Programming (XP), and Scrum.

Instead of  focusing on whole project  that would  take a long  period of time, it is broken  down into smaller  builds.

What is Scrum Project Management?

Scrum project management is one of the most popular Agile methodologies used by project managers.
“Whereas Agile is a philosophy or orientation, Scrum is a specific methodology for how one manages a project. Scrum is one of the implementations of agile methodology  and is characterized by short phases or “sprints” when project work occurs. During sprint planning, the project team identifies a small part of the scope to be completed during the upcoming sprint, which is usually a two to four week period of time. At the end of the sprint, this work should be ready to be delivered to the client. Finally, the sprint ends with a sprint review and retrospective—or rather, lessons learned. This cycle is repeated throughout the project lifecycle until the entirety of the scope has been delivered.

Scrum is a framework that helps teams work together. Scrum encourages teams to learn through experiences, self-organize while working on a problem, and reflect on their wins and losses to continuously improve.The Scrum Framework usually deals with the fact that the requirements are likely to change or most of the time not known at the start of the project.

An agile Scrum process benefits the organization by helping it to

1.Increase the quality of the deliverables

2.Cope better with change (and expect the changes)

3.Provide better estimates while spending less time creating them

4.Be more in control of the project schedule and state

Agile Vs. Scrum

The key difference between Agile and Scrum is that while Agile is a project management philosophy which utilizes a core set of values or principles, Scrum is a specific Agile methodology that is used to facilitate a project. Scrum is an Agile approach, Agile does not always mean Scrum—there are many different methodologies that take an Agile approach to project management.

Agile is a development methodology based on iterative and incremental approach.While scrum is one of the  implementation of agile methodology in which  incremental  builds are delivered  to  customers  in two to three weeks' time. Being a rigid method  agile  methodology  has not  much  room for changes. While scrum flexibility  allows  it to quickly  react to changes Right Project Approach to decide if Agile is right for your project, you’ll need to look at the specific requirements and constraints involved.

Agile approach will not be effective for projects with very strict scope and development requirements. However, the guiding principles of the Agile philosophy are widely used across many different types of projects. Scrum  is the  best agile  methodology for  you  if the project  is  likely to  experience  frequent  changes. It is also necessary  to complete  understand  this  methodology  for a successful  execution.To be successful in their roles, project managers also need to know how to communicate effectively, lead a team, apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and be adaptable to the organizational dynamics and complexities around you.