A high-level overview of the benefits of Scrum process itself and its use in Data Science work. This methodology has been tried and tested for over a decade of software development and has proven itself as one of the most useful and efficient ways to efficiently create software. More importantly, this has proven to be successful for data related projects, the Appsilon team and our clients allowing everyone to quickly adapt to changes, streamline communications and get things done.
1. Scrum in Data Science
How we deliver value
Contact person:
Georgy Romelashvili
Account Executive
+48 787 957 007
georgy@appsilon.com
2. How we deliver value 2
Appsilon sp. z o.o.
ul. Chmielna 21/10
00-021 Warsaw, Poland
NIP 525-256-9920
REGON 146947137
appsilon.com +48 570 908 807 | office@appsilon.com
Scrum Iteration
cycle
REVIEW
Sprint is summarized,
retrospection takes place
PLANNING
Backlog is assessed, sprint
is planned
SPRINT
Team works on milestones
in Sprint
Introduction
This document is intended to convey a high level overview of the
benefits of Scrum process itself and its use in Data Science work.
This methodology has been tried and tested for over a decade of
software development and has proven itself as one of the most
useful and efficient ways to efficiently create software. More
importantly, this has proven to be successful for data related
projects, the Appsilon team and our clients allowing everyone to
quickly adapt to changes, streamline communications and get
things done.
Agile
Scrum is a methodology intended to alleviate many issues involving
the fast-changing environment of software development. It allows
for quick startup time, as the project scope can be changed very
quickly and does not require contractual renegotiations when the
scope changes.
3. Phases
A Sprint is a predefined duration of work that begins with a Sprint
Planning. Sprints range in duration from one to four weeks. Each
sprints finishes with a working increment, a part of the final
product, that can be presented on Sprint Review meeting. This
allows to control development progress and give immediate
feedback.
Sprint Planning
● We agree on the plan for the sprint using top priority tasks
● Scope and priorities are controlled by the Product Owner
Sprint
● Working on milestones from sprint planning
● Daily scrums address potential roadblocks manage priorities
● The team discusses progress and updates the backlog
Sprint Review
● Work is presented to stakeholders after completing a Sprint
● Stakeholders presence at this meeting is not required but
helps keep everyone informed
How we deliver value 3
Appsilon sp. z o.o.
ul. Chmielna 21/10
00-021 Warsaw, Poland
NIP 525-256-9920
REGON 146947137
appsilon.com +48 570 908 807 | office@appsilon.com
4. Benefits
Scrum’s purpose is to structure software development without
forcing teams to plan months in advance with incomplete
information. The primary goal is to foster frequent feedback and
communication from all parties. More often than not, scopes
change and unknown unknowns come to light during execution.
Agile Scrum tackles these through iterative sprints.
Increased efficiency
● Allows for greater control of resources and the speed of work
● Always aware of the direction of work, ie. no surprises
● Less time is wasted repeating what everyone already knows
Easier planning
● Easier to predict completion times
● Features can be added or removed quickly and easily
● Getting off track is very unlikely
Full transparency
● There is a a very short feedback loop; feedback is acted on
immediately
● The amount of knowledge transferred is increased
● A more intimate nature of communication
How we deliver value 4
Appsilon sp. z o.o.
ul. Chmielna 21/10
00-021 Warsaw, Poland
NIP 525-256-9920
REGON 146947137
appsilon.com +48 570 908 807 | office@appsilon.com
5. People
This process relies on a few precisely defined roles. We think it will
be helpful for your reference to be aware of these roles:
● Product Owner - client’s side, manages Product Backlog and
priorities
● Stakeholders - client
● Development Team
● Team Leader - manages Development Team and
communicates with the client.
● Scrum Master - ensures that the team follows Scrum process
correctly
Requirements
This methodology works when the method is followed. Traditionally,
there is an individual in charge of the process on both sides. The
client has a Product Owner, who is in charge of dictating the scope,
direction, and is responsible for communicating with their
stakeholders. The consultant has a Development Team, but also a
Team Leader. Team Leader manages communication with the
Product Owner but are also responsible for managing the team. The
Team Leader is not common in traditional scrum, but has proven to
be useful for Appsilon.
Frequent communication and constant feedback are paramount in
the such a relationship. This method breaks down without diligent
input from the client.
How we deliver value 5
Appsilon sp. z o.o.
ul. Chmielna 21/10
00-021 Warsaw, Poland
NIP 525-256-9920
REGON 146947137
appsilon.com +48 570 908 807 | office@appsilon.com
6. Process
● Diligent communication keeps the project on track
● Sprint scopes may only change during the Sprint Planning
● Maintaining a well structure of Product Backlog makes Sprint
Planning more efficient
Tools
● A scrum board, to keep track of all tasks (Asana or Trello)
● A communicator (Slack and email)
● Video chat app for meetings (Skype or Hangouts)
Summary
Scrum has worked brilliantly for many of our clients. We hope you
find this document helpful. Please share this with anyone of your
colleagues whom you feel could benefit.
Let us know if you have any questions, concerns or observations.
How we deliver value 6
Appsilon sp. z o.o.
ul. Chmielna 21/10
00-021 Warsaw, Poland
NIP 525-256-9920
REGON 146947137
appsilon.com +48 570 908 807 | office@appsilon.com