3 Reasons Why Companies Are Sending Their Employees For Agile or Scrum Courses

Becoming Agile is a lifelong journey. With technology evolutions and changes in the workplace, companies need to incorporate Scrum values and Agile principles into their work. Scrum employs a process that is flexible, communicative while adding value to the project.

In recent years, there has been a surge in Agile adoption across the functions of the enterprise. Not only are employees in the IT industry sent for Agile courses, but so are individuals from the non-IT industries such as Marketing, Human Resources and Finance.

What makes Scrum special and why should your employees take on Agile or Scrum courses? Let's find out!

What is Scrum and what is an Agile methodology?

The most important difference between Agile and Scrum is that Agile is a project management philosophy that uses a set of principles, while Scrum is a specific Agile methodology that helps facilitate a project. Scrum is a framework that helps people, teams and organizations generate value through adaptive solutions for complex problems. It helps managers and business owners achieve goals and create value.

An Agile methodology is characterized by a practice that encourages repetitive testing and development. This train of thought encourages transparency and better communication between managers, developers, and customers. In short, Agile helps you deal with changes and succeed in ever-changing environments. 

The Agile methodology is definitely different from the Waterfall methodology.

What are the key stakeholders in Scrum?

In general, there are three leading roles in Scrum.

1. Product Owner

The job of the product owner is to define the product features and add them into the product backlog. They need to communicate between the key players and the team. They are also in charge of organizing the tasks and their priorities.

2. Developers

This is the Scrum team that utilizes their skills and experiences to deliver the job. They work on the first few items from the Product backlog in short cycles also known as sprints. The team will have to complete all the tasks.

3. Scrum Master

The Scrum Master is a key player in this model. The Scrum Master's role is to maximize everyone's potential and prevent distractions for interfering with the team. They lend a hand to the product owner and set the definitions of what is considered done. Scrum Masters are the main facilitators and coach and guide all team players on all things Scrum.

Reason 1: Scrum Is Applicable To Any Project And Industry

Much to the surprise of many employers, Scrum can be applied to any project and industry. This is probably why there has been such a huge increase in applicants for Agile courses.

There is a myth that Scrum is only used for IT and software engineering, but over the past two decades, Scrum has been able to help those in the Marketing, Human Resources and Finance industry as well.

Scrum is a lightweight framework that can help employees maximize their skills. Time is not wasted. To-dos and deliverables are clearly defined.

The best part of Scrum is that it encourages continuous improvement. This is an important value in today's ever-changing world.

In the past few years, AgileAsia has coached numerous project managers, business analysts and service managers on Scrum and the Agile methodology. Employers have decided to send their workers for Scrum courses because of its high versatility and potential to maximize all talents.

Reason 2: Agile Environments Work In Iteration

The Agile methodology takes on an iterative approach where value is delivered in stages, rather than all at once at the end of the project. It reduces risk and increases transparency.

The traditional management process gets the team to submit their work only at the end, making it tough for adjustments and changes.

Agile focuses on short sprints which are usually in 2-week cycles. There is always a conclusion and a form of progress at the end of every cycle. With iteration, quality will be enhanced, and changes can be made before it's too late.

Letting employees understand and learn about Agile can help to increase work productivity and do away with mundane processes. The greatest benefit is to reduce wastage, allowing constant improvement and for changes to be made at the soonest!

In the long run, costs will be kept low while productivity increases.

Reason 3: Agile Embraces Change

Change is the only constant.

Unlike traditional project/product management methods, Agile embraces change. The methodology is all about making changes and producing what the current environment needs.

Even in the later stages of development, the Agile idea allows employees to backtrack and make adjustments. Nothing is unchangeable.

The team will be trained to be adaptive and proactive. While increasing the value of the product, Agile employees will also improve their personal skills.

Which Company Adopted Agile Environments?

One of the organizations that have successfully adopted the Agile environment would be Google! Google's offices have plenty of open spaces and tables for collaborations and discussions. Google promotes teamwork and definitely wants its employees to grow together.

Stylish tables and pantries are set up all around for stand-up meetings. The office is also decorated with writable wall surfaces and whiteboards for employees to brainstorm anytime, anywhere.

Sending Your Employees For A Certified ScrumMaster Course

With the numerous benefits brought to you by Agile, it is no surprise that many companies are sending their employees to upgrade their skills.

AgileAsia offers a two-day Certified Scrum Master (CSM) course that provides in-depth and thorough training in Scrum theory and practice.

Our courses are conducted by highly sought-after and experienced trainers.

At the end of the Agile course, participants will be able to understand and apply Agile in their daily work. Value will be added to the company and communication between customers will improve.

By Miron Digital