What does rugby and software development have in common?

Much more than you'd think... when using the scrum philosophy, both teams put their heads together and work towards achieving their goals. It's just that one scrum is very different from the other!

Here at Formulate, we strive for exceptional software applications that deliver value and flexibility. We understand requirements can change from time to time, so a workflow needs to be agile, adaptable and effective.

Let me introduce the Scrum Methodology. 

Operating in short Sprint cycles, the Scrum Methodology is ready to react to a change in direction. With over 12 million users worldwide, there's got to be a pretty good reason why so many love it. 

Don't worry; we're not about to make you run laps or get up close with a team of rugby players!

In the world of software, Scrum is an agile project management framework. It helps teams work seamlessly to achieve results - just like a rugby scrum. Scrum is designed to keep a project on track and flexible, without the need for dreaded micro-management. It's a structure of roles, events and artefacts combined with overarching values that provide direction and transparency.  

Everyone has an important role to play. The product owner's main job is to represent the client and drive the product backlog, a dynamic list of all the work that might be needed. This is overseen by the scrum master, who ensures that everyone understands the Scrum philosophy. Work is completed by a self-organised development team who manage their own load and complete work to meet the 'Definition of Done'.

A series of 'events' are held throughout the entire development process. A complex project is broken down into 'Sprints' and tends to be between 2-4 weeks. Sprints are the heartbeat of the Scrum Methodology, where ideas are turned into value. Each sprint kicks off with a planning session. Selected tasks are taken from the product backlog and added to the sprint backlog to create a to-do list. 

Each morning the Formulate team meet for the Daily Scrum. This critical event provides developers with the opportunity to catch up each day, discuss progress and blockers. This continues throughout the sprint until the end of the lifecycle. Once a task is complete and meets the 'Definition of Done' expectations, an Increment is born.

The Sprint Review and Sprint Retrospective conclude the sprint. The team will analyse the sprint outcome, present the results to key stakeholders, and discuss progress towards the product goal. Learnings from the retrospective analysis will increase quality and effectiveness in future sprints. 

The Scrum Methodology is a simple, high-performance framework providing transparency for clients and development teams. Its adaptive structure ensures workflow does not veer off on a tangent but remains open to change, preventing missed deadlines and budgets spiralling. In summary, the Agile Scrum Methodology is a flexible, structured project management tool focused on meeting your business goals; so, what's not to love? 

Does your business have a new or existing product that needs a bit of T.L.C?
Get in touch to discuss how Formulate can help.