Scrum (n): A framework within which people can address complex adaptive problems, while productively and creatively delivering products of the highest possible value.

1. Agile and Scrum
Progress and challenges
Lessons from 2016
Frederik M. Fowler
PSD, PSPO I, SPS, PSM III

2. 2016 -- Back to basics.
Definition of Scrum
Scrum (n): A framework within which people can address complex adaptive
problems, while productively and creatively delivering products of the highest
possible value.
Scrum is:
● Lightweight
● Simple to understand
● Difficult to master

3. Scrum Theory: Empirical Process Control
Scrum depends on :
● Transparency. Everything about the product, the process and the work must
be visible and accessible to all concerned.
● Inspection. If transparency exists, it must be be inspected regulary and
formally.
● Adaptation. If there is transparency and it is inspected regulary, lessons
should be learned and applied.
(This is the “Scientific Method” in disguise.)

4. Scrum teams must be cross functional, But Why?
Cross-Functionality: giving the team all of the skills needed to be able to create
the product from start to finish.
Why?
If the team cannot create the product from start to finish, they cannot accept
accountability for creating the product.
The Scrum Framework identifies accountabilities. A team can only accept
accountability if they have the resources to do the job.

5. Scrum teams must be self organized. But Why?
Self Organization: Allowing the team to manage itself by determining sprint scope
and deciding the manner of completing the work.
Why?
If a team is told what to do and how to do it, they cannot be held accountable for
the results.
In the Scrum Framework, the Developers are accountable for creating the product.
Therefore, they must have authority to make their own choices.

6. 2016 -- a year of re-learning
Many companies are suffering through the pains of “ScrumFall”, because their
internal cultures do not support the basics of the Scrum Framework.
The Scrum Framework is based on hard truths about how human beings work
together, and on the fact that complex adaptive problems pose wholly
unpredictable challenges.
The Scrum Framework outlines an organized process of discovery based on the
“Scientific Method”.
It is time to embrace the Scrum Framework in full.

7. Thank you.
Frederik M. Fowler, PSM III
FMFA inc
1250 Oakmead Parkeay #210, Sunnyvale, Ca 94087
ffowler@fmfa.com
408-357-9878