Advantages and disadvantages of the Scrum methodology

As we have already told you in other articles, project management is supported by the use of different methodologies to increase efficiency and reduce errors, that is, to improve productivity. There are many methodologies but, in this case, we will focus on agile methodologies and one, in particular, the Scrum methodology.

This methodology works with the iterative and incremental life cycle, where the product is periodically released by applying the good practices of collaborative work, this teamwork facilitates a quick solution to the problems that may arise in the development of the project. Scrum is especially suitable for projects in environments where quick results are needed and is based on the following aspects: INNOVATION, PRODUCTIVITY, FLEXIBILITY, and COMPETITIVENESS.

Like all development methodologies, the Scrum methodology has its advantages and disadvantages. Among them we can name:

Advantages:

Scrum is a management proposal based on the division of work in iterations, that is, phases with specific objectives and tasks. This means that it necessarily provides advantages in aspects such as the following:

• Management of user expectations. Users can participate in each of the stages of the process and propose solutions. The whole process is designed for a type of joint evaluation.
  
  
• Anticipated results. Each stage of the process yields a series of results. It is therefore not necessary for customers to wait until the end to see the result.
  
  
• Flexibility and adaptation to contexts. It adapts to any context, area, or management sector. That is, it is not an exclusive technique of any discipline.
  
  
• Systematic risk management. In the same way, the problems that appear during the management processes that can affect a project are managed at the moment of their appearance. This is possible because the intervention of the work teams can be immediate.

Disadvantages:

But beware, before you decide on this management methodology, it is good for you to take into account the following limitations regarding its implementation:

• It works mostly with small teams. Large companies, for example, must be sectorized or divided into groups that have specific objectives. Otherwise, in practice, the effect of the technique will be lost.
  
  
• It requires an exhaustive definition of the tasks and their deadlines. When these two aspects are not properly defined, Scrum fades away. Remember that the division of labor in each stage (and of these in specific tasks) is the essence of this methodology.
  
  
• It requires that those who use it have a high qualifications or training. It is not a form of management of junior groups or groups that are just in the process of formation. Much of the success of Scrum lies in the expertise brought to it by team professionals, who typically have years of experience.
  
  

In conclusion, the Scrum methodology is an agile methodology that emphasizes teamwork where the clarity of the objectives is crucial to move towards an increasingly better version. Scrum is part of agile software development although, today, it is a method that many companies from different sectors have included as part of their strategy.

Scrum is recognized for being the most prestigious agile methodology internationally in the business sector and has been widely accepted since its creation, in 1992, when the American theorist Jeff Sutherland laid the foundations for its subsequent development.

Fuente: Uses and limitations of the Scrum methodology