Differences Between Agile and Scrum, And How They Differ From Waterfall

 

When it comes to project management methodologies, there seem to be a ton of opportunities that are constantly changing and evolving. Agile is a methodology for project management that is based on the idea of constant changes and quick feedback. It has been around since 2001 and has been used in software development. Agile also applies to other fields, such as marketing and management.

Agile is a software development methodology that is characterized by rapid feedback, iterative development, and close collaboration between the customer and the developers. Scrum is a project management framework that focuses on maximizing productivity by dividing work into small, manageable pieces.

Agile certification is a way for individuals to show their skills in agile development. There are many certifications available for agile development, including the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification offered by Scrum Alliance.

Let us see the difference between agile and scrum and they differ from waterfall method in this article.

Difference Between Agile And Scrum?

Agile and Scrum are both project management frameworks that have been popular in the software development world for a number of years. They both have their own set of guidelines for how teams should be organized, what the product backlog should look like, and how to iterate on the product. However, there are some key differences that make one more favourable than the other depending on the situation.

Scrum is a framework that is broken down into three parts: sprints, daily meetings, and backlog grooming sessions. These three parts work together to help teams work through their product backlog in an orderly fashion.

In the Scrum methodology, sprint is the main development unit. Each sprint starts with a planning meeting that defines the sprint tasks. It is also the part that determines the expected effort to achieve the sprint goal. The sprint ends with a retrospective/review meeting to assess progress and identify other Sprint Lessons.

Meanwhile, on the agile system, there is a team that carries out all of the SDLC. During the process, the product goes through several iterations. Scrum sprints may match agile iterations.

Agile Certification like Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification, Product Owner Certification will give you the opportunity to work for companies that are looking for people with this skill set, and it will make you more competitive in your industry.

 

How Does Agile Differ From Waterfall Approach?

Traditionally, products are produced in the "waterfall" process. The requirements are set in advance and the budget is allocated to one project. As a result, it may take months or years for the product version to reach the end-user, with requirements that may never have been verified. Today more competitors are entering the market trying to do better and faster. Finally, customers can leave you with competitors who offer the same services/products but are more responsive to the immediate needs of their users.

The challenge with a waterfall approach is to focus on a fixed budget, quantity, and schedule. When a project comes to an end, development teams may be forced into death marches that require work overnight and at weekends, which can lead to severe burnout of staff. They have received little or no feedback from the end-user, and now you have a product that no longer meets the user's current needs.

To change the basic requirements, you must restart the entire waterfall process or cancel the project altogether. This leads to unnecessary waste of time and money and can negatively affect the morale of your employees, who may have invested large amounts of money in the success of the just-completed project.

Start with an agile system like Scrum that breaks down complex projects into smaller pieces so teams can deliver value more frequently and consistently. It is a more collaborative and flexible approach to responding to changing customer needs and market changes. The scope becomes flexible as the functionality inherent in the product delay is continuously improved, the budget can be allocated according to the product performance, and the period extends to the end of the product life cycle.

Agile methods like Scrum also value the individual, both team members, and the end-user. It's not only a change in the way we operate but also thinking about what great products really are: great teams! Agile is therefore not a management process; It is a way of thinking that is developing in various communities and organizations that have decided to accept the call to make work more enjoyable and rewarding.

To gain knowledge on these methods, people should undergo Agile certification training on methods like Scrum. Check the details for Scrum training online: CSM Certification, CSPO Certification.