10 Scrum elements and methodology (part 3): Agile project purifier

10 Scrum elements and methodology (part 3): Agile project purifier

28 June, 2022

The creators of the Scrum Guide   , Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland, are precise in stating that “changing the design or essential ideas of Scrum, omitting elements or not following Scrum rules, hides the problems and limits the benefits of Scrum, and potentially even renders it useless.”

From our practice, experience and research, if in the development of a methodology such as Scrum the human factor is not articulated and integrated in a systemic way with the 10 Elements, the possibility of success, where only in the technical aspects of Scrum -even if followed with rigor-, can be similar to the success of predictive or adaptive projects, which is close to only 30%. This is already being evidenced in the implementation of projects with this methodology and research.

 

With the “Purifier” we seek to make a simile, as we look for a water purifier to deliver pure water; a project must deliver the benefits that customers expect to be successful.

The figure of the Purifier reflects the process of a project according to Scrum or agile methodologies. There are three stages or “filters” that seek to deliver a successful outcome for the customer: Vision, Business Case and Project Development. The initial “filters”, the Vision and the Business Case, are the processes that precede a project, but the final “filter” of the Purifier changes to fit the type of methodology that is most appropriate to successfully develop the project: predictive or adaptive, agile or hybrid. In this case, when it is an agile methodology such as Scrum – as the Scrum Guide says – “Sprints are the heart of Scrum, where ideas become value”. The final “filter” or project conforms to the Scrum Guide.

As can be seen in the figure, the 10 Elements are a component that helps to ensure the success of the change process that is “filtering” in the Purifier.  Communication and awareness is an Element that helps in this “filtering” process to ensure the commitment of all those involved in the project because they must see the value that is being added at each moment of the “filtering” process from the moment the need for change arises, then in each  until the final delivery to the customer. Through communication and awareness, a close relationship must be maintained with customers so that they understand their role and contribution to the project.

The way to determine if value is being delivered during the development of each Sprint is by metering another Element in the Purifier: Performance and Incentives. Without a proper way to measure and recognize those involved in the project, you could be generating a solution for the customer that does not meet their needs as defined in the Vision for Change.

As we mentioned in the previous blog, although for the development of a project the Project Team is key and fundamental, it becomes more critical for the Scrum dynamics, because it must be ensured that each team member understands their contribution level, their role and how to act harmoniously with the rest of the members, according to a precise Performance and incentive scheme.

Ken and Jeff state in their Scrum Guide: “Scrum is simple” (…). The 10 Elements, too. The mixture of both becomes a powerful “Purifier”.

 

The most complete guide to start transforming your organization with The 10 Elements is now available in your language, read it now!

10 ELEMENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL ORGANIZATIONAL TRANSFORMATIONS