Scrum + Waterfall = Scrummerfall: Bridging Structure and Flexibility
Waterfall approach
| he Waterfall approach is a traditional project management methodology that focuses on a linear, step-by-step process. It emphasizes structure, clear roles, accountability, and defined outcomes. With Waterfall, each phase flows into the next, and teams typically operate within a predefined set of rules and objectives. It’s ideal for projects with predictable, repeatable tasks, where clear planning and control are paramount. However, its rigid structure can falter in dynamic, complex environments where change is frequent, and outcomes are uncertain. For example, Waterfall struggles in areas requiring adaptability and quick shifts, such as political, emergent, or highly innovative projects.
Agile framework
In contrast, Scrum is an agile framework that thrives in uncertainty. It focuses on enabling teams, especially those of experts, to solve problems collaboratively. Rather than directing every step, Scrum facilitates the team’s self-organization, supporting innovation and adaptability. It allows for ongoing refinement of tasks based on new insights and changing conditions. Scrum emphasizes continuous improvement through short, iterative cycles (sprints), where teams review, plan, and adjust their approach frequently.
Combining
Combining these two frameworks creates a “Scrummerfall” approach, where the structured governance of Waterfall and the flexibility of Scrum coexist. This hybrid model allows teams to manage emergent tasks through Scrum while maintaining the rigorous controls and deliverables of Waterfall.
Project Plan
| Phase / Task | Start | End | % Complete | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Task 001 | 01-Mar | 01-Mar | 100 | AB |
| Task 002 | 01-Mar | 01-Mar | 90 | AB |
| Task 003 | 01-Mar | 01-Mar | 50 | CD |
| Task 004 | 01-Mar | 01-Mar | 0 | EF |
| Task 005 | 01-Mar | 01-Mar | 0 | AB |
| Task 006 | 01-Mar | 01-Mar | 0 | AB |
Routine Meetings
| Agenda | Who | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Review last meeting commitments | AB | 5mins |
| Item or Deliverable No1 | AB | 5mins |
| Item or Deliverable No2 | CD | 5mins |
| Item or Deliverable No3 | EF | 5mins |
| Item or Deliverable No4 | EF | 5mins |
| Item or Deliverable No5 | EF | 5mins |
| Review risks, issues, decisions | EF | 5mins |
| Actions and tasks for next meeting | EF | 5mins |
A key aspect of Scrummerfall is having a clear “To-Do List” for products or deliverables, much like Scrum’s product backlog. By using tools like Kanban boards or task logs, the team can ensure accountability and track progress without getting lost in a detailed Gantt chart.
Kanban boards
| Deliverable / ToDo | Not Started | In Progress | Stuck | Complete |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Document | x | |||
| Report | x | |||
| Item | x | |||
| Document | x | |||
| Report | x | |||
| Item | x |
Deliverables To Do List
| Deliverable / ToDo | Author | Reviewer | Approver | Notes / Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Document | AB | CD | EF | Approved dd/mmm |
| Report | AB | CD | EF | Approved dd/mmm |
| Item | AB | CD | EF | Final |
| Document | AB | CD | EF | Final |
| Report | AB | CD | EF | Draft |
| Item | AB | CD | EF | Draft |
Governance
Governance in Scrummerfall is achieved through structured meetings. These meetings should have a clear agenda, defined outcomes, and should focus on risks, issues, dependencies, and decisions. Action items and decisions are tracked in logs and serve as a record, not an alternative to conversation.
Project initiation documents (a nod to Waterfall) define the project’s scope and deliverables, while regular updates help teams stay focused on the tasks at hand. By combining both approaches, Scrummerfall ensures that teams maintain flexibility and innovation while staying aligned with overarching goals and timelines.
Structure and flexibility
Scrummerfall is the ideal solution for projects that require both structure and flexibility, where innovation and predictability need to coexist. By adapting to the needs of the project and leveraging the strengths of both methodologies, teams can achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.
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