Agile vs Scrum: Which Project Management Methodology Should You Choose?

Choosing the right project management methodology is a critical aspect of software development. There are several different methodologies to choose from, with each one suited for different kinds of projects. However, two of the most common (and popular) are “Agile” and “Scrum”. If you are new to the software development world or already possess some experience, you’d have likely heard of these two terms and saw them being used interchangeably. While the two share similar approaches (and hence the confusion), they are two distinct concepts.

Let’s take a look at what makes Agile and Scrum unique, and when should you implement which project management methodology.

What is Agile Methodology?

Agile methodology or Agile Project Management is the practice of breaking a product into smaller builds and taking an iterative approach to complete the project. This is usually used for projects that can call for unpredicted or unexpected changes. In this methodology, development and testing tasks happen in tandem, unlike other software development methodologies. In other words, there is a continuous iteration of development and testing. Though agile is mainly used in software development, many other industries like finance and design are also using it. In agile project management, a project manager allots a certain time period to each phase of the project.

Due to its iterative nature, regular interaction with the client becomes necessary to ensure that the expectations are aligned and the changes can be adapted throughout the SDLC. Teams typically adapt this approach to accomplish tasks more efficiently as it keeps them organized and on track and offers the flexibility to make changes as needed. The agile methodology enables the team to work on multiple iterations which are then organized into a backlog based on the end user feedback.

Also Read: Amazing Benefits of Using Agile Software Development

Incorporating these agile principles into a project requires using a certain method or framework, and one of those is Scrum.

What is Scrum Methodology?

Scrum is one of the several but also the most popular agile methodologies. It allows a product development team to focus on delivering business values quickly by repeatedly testing the software. Here, the project is divided into short phases which we call sprints, which consist of three components- product backlogs, sprint backlogs, and sprint goals. At the time of planning a sprint, the team identifies a small part of the project to be completed in the upcoming sprint, which is generally a 2-4 week period, depending on the project complexity. As a sprint reaches close, that small part should be ready to be delivered to the client. At its end, the sprint is reviewed or analyzed, and the cycle is repeated until the entire project is delivered. Moreover, it’s quicker and easier to adapt to the code changes by looking at it in the sprint backlog rather than repeating the entire SDLC. So, unlike traditionally, where the project is delivered at the very end, this methodology allows the clients to look at the ongoing progress of the project.

The team involves a product owner, scrum master, and other cross-functional team members. The responsibility of the product owner is to maximize the value of the product while the Scrum master is responsible for ensuring that the team follows the Scrum methodology and adheres to the deadlines.

Agile vs Scrum: What’s The Difference?

By definition, both Agile and Scrum may look the same and can confuse anyone as they both rely on an iterative approach, shorter development cycles, regular client interaction, and collaborative decision-making. But there are some notable differences between the two, such as-

1. Agile is a philosophy having a core set of principles or values while Scrum is a type of agile methodology based on those principles.

2. Agile focuses on the continuous iteration of development and testing whereas Scrum is an agile process that focuses on delivering the business values in a quick time span.

3. In agile methodology, the software is delivered on a regular basis to collect feedback whereas, in Scrum, it is delivered after each sprint.

4. Agile involves in-person interactions between the members of different cross-functional teams whereas Scrum collaboration happens in daily stand-up meetings.

5. Another important point- Scrum is an agile approach but Agile doesn’t always mean Scrum- there are many other methodologies that leverage an agile process for project management. In other words, Scrum will possess the same methodologies as Agile but the same can’t be said for the latter.

6. Agile is more suited to environments that involve an expert product development team. Scrum, on the other hand, is ideal for projects that demand quick changes.

7. Scrum is comparatively a more rigid method with less space for flexibility or change, while agile is suitable for those who prefer a more straightforward design and execution.

Agile vs Waterfall and Kanban

While Agile and Scrum are the most talked about methodologies, the former is often compared with other methodologies like Waterfall and Kanban. Let’s have an overview of both.

Agile vs Waterfall

Compared to Agile, the waterfall methodology is linear in nature and doesn’t take an iterative approach. Put simply, it doesn’t allow revisiting previous phases. While agile is best suited for large projects, waterfall is more fitted for smaller projects. Also, they both differ in the level of stakeholder involvement. The waterfall method doesn’t typically involve the client whereas the client has a crucial role to play in the Agile methodology.

Agile vs Kanban

The Kanban methodology is one of the Agile methodologies that focuses on improving the project management process through workflow visualization. It uses a tool called Kanban board that is basically made up of columns that denote a certain phase in the project and cards or sticky notes that specify certain tasks placed in an appropriate stage.

Summing Up

To sum up the difference between the two, just know that Agile is a style of project management and Scrum is one of those agile methodologies that is used to implement that style.

The hiring rate of Agile developers and Scrum masters by organizations has increased significantly of late. And one of the main reasons behind it is high competitiveness in the technology market.

Once you get a clear understanding of both the project management methodologies, you’ll be able to apply these to your own projects and use the right one for any given project. To decide which one will be the right fit for a project, you will have to take into account the specific requirements and constraints involved. If Agile isn’t ideal for your project, you will have to see if the other agile methodologies like Scrum would go well. 

Also, remember that only choosing the right project methodology doesn’t guarantee the success of your project, what’s more important is to be able to execute a methodology skillfully.