Scrum
Agile framework for software development that works in short iterations (sprints) and uses defined roles, events and artefacts for transparency, inspection and adaptation.
Scrum is the most widely used agile framework in software development. It gives teams a clear structure without constraining them: fixed roles create accountability, regular events create transparency, and time-boxed sprints deliver working software at short intervals. Whether startup or enterprise – Scrum is the standard for complex product development.
What is Scrum?
Scrum is a lightweight framework built on three pillars: transparency, inspection and adaptation. It defines three roles – Product Owner (owns the what), Scrum Master (owns the process) and development team (owns the how). Work is organised in sprints, fixed iterations of usually 2 weeks. Each sprint starts with Sprint Planning and includes daily Daily Scrums and ends with Sprint Review and Sprint Retrospective. The outcome of each sprint is a potentially shippable product increment. The Product Backlog is a prioritised list of all requirements maintained by the Product Owner.
How does Scrum work?
The Product Owner prioritises the Product Backlog by business value. In Sprint Planning the team picks the top items and plans them in the Sprint Backlog. During the sprint the team meets daily for a 15-minute Daily Scrum to sync and identify blockers. The Scrum Master removes those blockers. At the end the team demonstrates the increment in the Sprint Review and gathers feedback. In the Retrospective the team reflects on the process and agrees improvements for the next sprint.
Practical Examples
Fintech startup building its banking app in 2-week sprints: Each sprint delivers new features that beta users can test and rate.
Mid-size company modernising its ERP with Scrum: Each sprint migrates one module while the old system keeps running.
E-commerce team using Scrum to improve checkout: A/B test results feed into the next Sprint Planning.
Health startup building a patient app with doctors as stakeholders in every Sprint Review to shape the roadmap.
Typical Use Cases
Product development: Building new software iteratively and validating early in the market
Digitalisation: Digitising internal processes step by step with regular stakeholder feedback
Evolving existing products: Delivering new features and improvements in planned sprints
Agency work: Delivering client projects with transparency and regular deliverables
Cross-functional teams: Designers, developers and testers working toward one goal per sprint
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Clear structure through defined roles, events and artefacts – without micro-management
- Regular delivery of working software builds stakeholder trust
- Early feedback enables course correction before expensive mistakes
- Transparency on progress, blockers and priorities for everyone
- Continuous improvement through retrospectives every sprint
Disadvantages
- Requires disciplined adherence to events – half-hearted Scrum does more harm than good
- Product Owner must be available and able to decide – a common bottleneck
- Hard to scale for very large teams without frameworks like SAFe or LeSS
- Fixed-price contracts fit poorly with iterative Scrum and flexible scope
Frequently Asked Questions about Scrum
Do you need a certified Scrum Master?
How does Scrum differ from waterfall?
Does Scrum work for small teams too?
Related Terms
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