Scrum roles

The Scrum is a model made up of three equally important groups.

The core component is the “Team”, made up typically a group of 7 people, each of whom provides the group with different functional expertise, all working towards a common goal. The group varies in terms of skill and what they bring into the process, and depends on one another for competence and reliability. It is important for the “team” to remain self-managing throughout the process, as they are responsible for organizing their own work.

The “Product Owner” represents stakeholders and customers. Their job is to communicate with the “team” and ensure priorities and goals are clear to both groups. This function also has the most authority; it represents the voice of the customer and is predominant in establishing the direction that the “team” is working towards. The “Product Owner” is also responsible for the “Product Backlog” and making sure it is adhered to. The “Product Backlog” is essentially a document that is the foundation of the entire project. It contains descriptions, expectations, and is considered the backbone of the entire project.

The last element of the Scrum is the “Scrum Master”. Although the “Scrum Master” has the ability to enforce rules, they are not the team leader, considering the purpose of the Scrum is for it to be able to self-coordinate. Instead their main function is to ensure any issues that may obstruct the “team” from reaching their full potential are removed and dealt with. They manage the environment in which the “team” is working and make sure it is focused, driven and productive, while demonstrating to the “Product Owner” successes, progress and corroborating a positive RIO.

Success of a scrum team

Using the Scrum method is a useful tool in ensuring work efficiency and an evenly distributed workload. The model works well as long as all three groups are clearly aware of their function, and don’t step outside of what comprises their responsibilities.
The most significant factor in the success of the Scrum framework is the dependence on experts within the “Team”, and the individual work illustrated by each member. The lack of management roles within the “Team” also improves self-efficacy within the group, increasing productivity and work efficiency. The “Scrum Master” also influences these outcomes, by overseeing the working environment, as opposed to the work itself. Communication is key in the success of the model. Ensuring the “Product Owner” mediates between the “Team” and the customer induces a favorable outcome, and therefore makes the Scrum a successful and relatively simple workflow.