Agile Methodology:
Agile methodology is a strategy that aims to continually iterate the development and testing of the SDLC process. Agile splits the product into smaller structures. Agile and Scrum are two of the most frequently used terms in today’s tech-driven project environments. However, many professionals confuse the two or use them interchangeably.
Unlike other software development methodologies, in this approach, development and testing operations are parallel. It also facilitates collaboration and face-to-face contact. Businesses, stakeholders, creators, and customers must collaborate to create a product.
Scrum in Agile methodology
Scrum in Agile is a method that encourages product development teams to concentrate on delivering business value in the shortest period by analyzing current working software efficiently and repeatedly. It emphasizes responsibility, cooperation, and iterative progression towards well-defined objectives. The Agile and Scrum System typically addresses the fact that at the beginning of the project, requirements are likely to change or mostly not defined.
What is Agile?
Agile is a project management philosophy. It encourages continuous delivery, close team collaboration, customer feedback, and adaptability to change. Agile was born from the 2001 Agile Manifesto, which outlined principles for improving software development.
Key Agile Principles:
- Customer satisfaction through early and continuous delivery
- Embrace changing requirements, even late in development
- Deliver working software frequently
- Build projects around motivated individuals
- Face-to-face conversation is the most effective form of communication
What is Scrum?
It is a structured framework within the Agile methodology. It offers a step-by-step approach to implementing Agile principles. It introduces specific roles, artifacts, and time-boxed events to keep teams on track.
Key Roles:
- Scrum Master – A facilitator and coach who ensures the team follows Scrum principles.
- Product Owner – Represents the customer and manages the product backlog.
- Development Team – Self-organizing professionals who build the product.
Scrum Artifacts:
- Product Backlog
- Sprint Backlog
- Increment
Scrum Events:
- Sprint Planning
- Daily Scrum
- Sprint Review
- Sprint Retrospective
Example:
A healthcare app development team used it to build features in 2-week sprints. The regular retrospectives helped the team refine its development process, and consistent feedback cycles led to better product-market fit.
Agile and Scrum: Core Differences Explained
1. Concept vs Framework
- Agile is a set of guiding principles.
- It is a specific implementation of Agile.
2. Flexibility vs Structure
- Agile allows teams to define their workflow.
- It provides a defined structure with clear roles and responsibilities.
3. Role Definition
- Agile has no defined roles; it focuses on collaboration.
- It defines three key roles to streamline decision-making and accountability.
4. Iteration Style
- Agile can use various iteration lengths and workflows.
- It uses fixed-length sprints (commonly 2 weeks).
5. Documentation
- Agile values working software over comprehensive documentation.
- They promote documentation like sprint goals and backlog refinement, but still keep it lean.
Major Differences Agile and Scrum
- In the software development process, Agile is a continuous iteration of development and testing, while It is an Agile process that focuses on delivering business value in the shortest possible period.
- The agile approach provides the software frequently for feedback, while it releases the software after each sprint.
- Leadership plays a crucial part in the Agile process; Scrum, on the other hand, promotes a self-organizing, cross-functional unit.
- Agile and Scrum provide partnerships with members of diverse cross-functional teams and face-to-face encounters, while the cooperation is done in regular stand-up sessions.
- The design and execution of the Agile process can be kept basic, while the design and execution of the process should be creative and experimental.
Difference between Agile and Scrum
The difference between agile and scrum is listed in the table below:
| Agile | Scrum |
| Agile is a methodology for development focused on iterative and incremental strategies. | Scrum is one of the agile methodology applications. In which incremental builds are shipped to the client every two to three weeks. |
| Agile software development has been commonly considered highly suitable to environments with a limited but experienced project development team. | It is probably used in a project where the demand is changing rapidly. |
| Leadership plays a critical role in the Agile process. | It promotes a self-organizing, cross-functional team. |
| It is a more rigid approach compared to Scrum. But there is not a lot of room for periodic revisions. | In Scrum, collaboration is achieved with a fixed role assigned to the scrum master, Product Owner, and team members in daily stand-up meetings. |
| Agile includes partnerships and face-to-face meetings with members of diverse cross-functional teams. | The collaboration is achieved with a fixed role assigned to the scrum master, Product Owner, and team members in daily stand-up meetings. |
| Agile may involve a lot of up-front development and organizational change. | When implementing the scrum process, not too many changes are required. |
| The agile approach has to be delivered periodically to the end-user for feedback. | In this, for feedback, a build is sent to the client after each sprint. |
| When implementing the Scrum process, not too many changes are required. | An overview of the functionality is provided at the end of each sprint. So that regular input can be gathered before the next sprint. |
| In this methodology, during the life cycle, every development phase such as requirements, analysis, the design, is continuously monitored. | There is no team leader, so the problems or issues are addressed by the entire team. |
| The Agile methodology encourages feedback from the end-user during the process. The end product would be more efficient in this manner. | To decide the future progress of the project, daily sprint meetings are conducted for review and feedback. |
| Regularly deliver and upgrade the software. | The next sprint can be planned when the team is done with the current sprint activities. |
| It should be kept easy to plan and implement. | Development and execution can be both creative and experimental. |
| In the Agile process, by delivering continuous delivery of useful applications, the priority is always to please the client. | Empirical process control is a central Scrum process philosophy. |
| The most elementary indicator of success is working software. | Working software is not a basic metric. |
| It is better to provide face-to-face contact, and strategies such as these can be used to get as close as possible to this target. | The team is committed to providing maximum business value from the start and throughout the project. |
| The Agile concepts are as follows:Welcome changing demands, even late in development. Agile procedures make improvements based on the competitive advantage of the customer. Throughout the project, business people and entrepreneurs will work on a routine basis. Paying attention to technical excellence and proper design increases flexibility Agile teams strive to become more successful so that they can change their actions according to the project. | The following are the principles : Self-organization: This results in a healthy sharing of responsibility among team members. It is also an imaginative and creative atmosphere that leads to development. Collaboration: Collaboration is another central concept that relies on collective work. 1. Awareness 1. 2. Collective and 3. Authorization. It also finds project management to be a collaborative value-creation mechanism with teams working together to deliver the best value. Time-boxing: This principle defines how time is a limitation in the Scrum system. Daily Sprint Planning and Review Sessions are an essential aspect of the time-limited components. Iterative Development: This concept emphasizes how to best handle improvements and create products that fulfill consumer requirements. It also determines the responsibilities of the organization regarding iterative Development. |
Why Learn Scrum If You Know Agile?
Many professionals trained in Agile find value in Scrum master training and placement programs because Scrum offers a practical way to implement Agile in real teams. Companies need Scrum professionals who can facilitate daily stand-ups, run sprint planning sessions, and remove blockers for developers.
Industry Stats That Support Learning Scrum:
- According to over 58% of Agile teams use Scrum.
- Companies report a 37% increase in productivity after implementing Scrum practices.
- Glassdoor lists Certified Master’s as one of the top-paying project management roles.
Agile and Scrum Certification Pathways
Here are the most recognized Scrum certifications in the market:
1. PSM Certification (Professional Scrum Master)
- Validates knowledge of principles and servant leadership
- Suitable for aspiring Agile and Scrum master Coaches
2. Certified Scrum Master Certification
- Focuses on Agile mindset, Scrum ceremonies, and team facilitation
- Ideal for team leads and managers
3. Product Owner Certification
- Prepares professionals to manage backlogs, define vision, and maximize product value
- Crucial for business analysts or client-facing roles
All these certifications are covered in H2K Infosys’ Agile and Scrum Master course, which combines theory with real-world projects.
Agile and Scrum Training: What You Gain
1. Hands-on Practice
H2K Infosys provides live projects simulating real Scrum scenarios. You’ll learn how to manage a backlog, facilitate a sprint retrospective, and prioritize customer feedback.
2. Placement Support
With scrum master training and placement programs, you’ll be interview-ready with a portfolio that showcases your experience.
3. Mentorship from Certified Trainers
All instructors are certified in PSM certification or Certified Scrum Master certification, ensuring you’re trained by experienced professionals.
Long-Term Career Impact of Scrum Certification
- Faster Career Growth: Certified Scrum professionals are seen as credible, well-trained, and valuable.
- Higher Salary: According to industry reports, Scrum Masters with certification earn 20-25% more than non-certified peers.
- Versatile Roles: With Scrum certification, you can explore roles like Agile Coach, Scrum Master, Product Owner, or even transition into project management.
Common Myths: Agile and Scrum
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| Scrum and Agile are the same | Scrum is a framework within the Agile methodology |
| You must use Scrum in Agile | Employers prioritize certified candidates for Agile/Scrum roles |
| Scrum is only for tech teams | Scrum is used in marketing, education, healthcare, and manufacturing too |
| Certifications are unnecessary | Scrum is used in marketing, education, healthcare, and manufacturing, too |
Practical Tip: When to Use Agile and Scrum?
- Use Agile when you need flexibility, frequent updates, and can define your workflow.
- Use Scrum when you want structured roles, well-defined cycles, and measurable progress.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Agile and Scrum Journey
Step 1: Understand the Basics
Begin with Agile principles and understand how Scrum fits in.
Step 2: Enroll in Agile and Scrum Training
Choose a program that offers hands-on practice, such as H2K Infosys’ Agile and Scrum Master course.
Step 3: Prepare for Certification
Select the right path: PSM, CSM, or Product Owner Certification—and focus on mock exams and live scenarios.
Step 4: Build Real-World Experience
Participate in live projects or internships included in training programs.
Step 5: Apply for Jobs
With the help of H2K Infosys’ placement team, get assistance with resumes, interviews, and job applications.
Conclusion:
Choosing between Agile and Scrum doesn’t have to be confusing. With structured agile and scrum training, you’ll gain the confidence to implement real-world solutions and lead high-performing teams.
Key Takeaways:
- Agile is a methodology; Scrum is a framework within it.
- Scrum provides structure with roles, events, and artifacts.
- Certifications like PSM, CSM, and Product Owner Certification boost your credibility and job prospects.
- H2K Infosys offers hands-on learning, live projects, and job placement support to help you succeed.
Ready to become a certified Scrum professional?
Enroll in H2K Infosys’ Agile and Scrum Master course today to gain hands-on experience and start your high-growth tech career.
