Preface

The Scrum framework was conceived in the late 1980s, to counteract the formal, rigid, and stagnating software development methodologies prevalent at the time. The framework was formalized in the 1990s and its founders, Jeff Sutherland and Ken Schwaber, were instrumental in the creation of the Agile Manifesto and the subsequent spread of the Agile development movement. Scrum quickly became the most popular Agile framework, with huge adoption in both small businesses and the enterprise world. Part of the popularity of Scrum is its adaptability. The Scrum Guide keeps getting updated every few years to reflect current thinking and practices.

This book aims to teach people new to, or inexperienced with, Scrum all about the Scrum framework, from a practical, as well as a theoretical perspective, with a view to obtaining level I Scrum certification. It also intends to help existing Scrum Masters advance their skills and prepare them for level II certification exams. The book consists of three parts. In the first five chapters, we will cover the Scrum fundamentals. The theory and principles of Scrum will be digested, before moving on to cover the Scrum Team, Events, and Artifacts. The second part will focus on more practical knowledge, by examining best practices and tools used by Scrum Teams in the real world. We will learn how to plan and estimate in Scrum, how to monitor progress and deal with different situations within Sprint, and how to avoid some common anti-patterns. Every chapter closes with a short quiz to reinforce the knowledge gained.

The third part of the book reinforces and advances previous knowledge and covers themes used in level II certification exams, such as scaling, risk management, leadership techniques, and others.

Finally, the last chapter is entirely dedicated to taking the certification assessments. It offers practical advice on what to do before, during, and after the assessment exams to maximize your chances of success. This is capped with a mock assessment questionnaire, which closely resembles a level I assessment.

Disclaimer

The statements made and opinions expressed in this book belong exclusively to the author and Packt Publishing Limited and are not shared by and do not represent the viewpoint of either Scrum.org or Scrum Alliance, Inc. This content does not constitute an endorsement of any product, service, or point of view. Scrum Alliance, Inc. and Scrum.org make no representations, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, as to the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, availability, or currency of the content contained in this book or any material related to this book. In no event shall Scrum.org or Scrum Alliance, including their agents, officers, employees, licensees, or affiliates, be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of profits, business information, or loss of information) arising out of the information or statements contained in this book. Any reliance you place on such content is strictly at your own risk.