Scrum vs. Traditional Project Management

Scrum vs. Traditional Project Management

1. Overview

Scrum: An agile framework used mainly in software development and complex projects. It promotes flexibility, iterative progress, and collaboration.


Traditional Project Management (Waterfall): A linear and sequential approach where the project is divided into distinct phases (planning, execution, closure), often used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries.


2. Approach

Aspect Scrum Traditional Project Management

Process Iterative and incremental Sequential and linear

Planning Adaptive, continuous planning Detailed upfront planning

Flexibility High; welcomes changes anytime Low; changes are costly and discouraged

Delivery Deliver working product in sprints Deliver complete product at end

Project Size Best for complex, evolving projects Suitable for projects with clear scope


3. Roles

Scrum Traditional PM

Product Owner (defines priorities) Project Manager (controls project)

Scrum Master (facilitator) Team Lead or Project Manager

Development Team (self-organized) Functional teams directed by PM


4. Planning and Control

Scrum:


Uses sprints (fixed time periods, usually 2-4 weeks)


Frequent daily stand-ups to track progress


Backlog grooming and sprint reviews to adapt priorities


Traditional PM:


Follows Gantt charts, critical path method


Progress is tracked against the original plan


Change requests are formal and controlled


5. Documentation

Scrum: Lightweight documentation focused on working software and communication.


Traditional PM: Heavy documentation covering every project aspect.


6. Customer Involvement

Scrum: Continuous collaboration and feedback from stakeholders throughout the project.


Traditional PM: Customer involvement mainly at the beginning (requirements) and end (delivery).


7. Risk Management

Scrum: Early and frequent delivery allows issues to be found and fixed quickly.


Traditional PM: Risks are identified and managed upfront; less flexibility to adapt later.


8. When to Use Which?

Scrum Traditional Project Management

Projects with changing requirements Projects with fixed and well-defined scope

Software development, innovative projects Construction, manufacturing, regulatory projects

Teams that value collaboration and autonomy Projects needing strict oversight and documentation


Summary

Feature Scrum Traditional Project Management

Flexibility High Low

Customer feedback Continuous At milestones

Delivery Incremental (in sprints) At project completion

Documentation Minimal and evolving Extensive and upfront

Team Structure Self-organized, cross-functional Hierarchical and directive

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What Is Scrum? A Beginner’s Guide

The Role of the Scrum Master Explained

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