Scrum principles are the foundation on which the Scrum framework is based. The principles of Scrum can be applied to any type of project or organization, and they must be adhered to in order to ensure appropriate application of Scrum.
The aspects and processes of Scrum can be modified to meet the requirements of the project, or the organization using it, but Scrum principles are non-negotiable and must be applied as described in the framework presented in the Scrum Body of Knowledge (SBOK). Keeping the principles intact and using them appropriately instills confidence to the user of the Scrum framework with regard to attaining the objectives of the project. Principles are considered the core guidelines for applying the Scrum framework.
Principles, as defined in the Scrum Body of Knowledge (SBOK), are applicable to the following:
- Portfolios, programs, and/or projects in any industry
- Products, services, or any other results to be delivered to stakeholders
- Projects of any size or complexity
Scrum can be applied effectively to any project in any industry—from small projects or teams with as few as six team members to large, complex projects with up to several hundred team members. The Scrum principles are:
- Empirical Process Control—with the three main ideas of transparency, inspection, and adaptation.
- Self-organization—This principle focuses on today’s workers, who deliver significantly greater value when self-organized and this results in better team buy-in and shared ownership; and an innovative and creative environment which is more conducive for growth.
- Collaboration—The third principle of Scrum where product development is a shared value-creation process that needs all stakeholders working and interacting together to deliver the greatest value. It also focuses on the core dimensions of collaborative work: awareness, articulation, and appropriation.
- Value-based Prioritizing—The fourth principle of Scrum highlights the Scrum framework’s drive to deliver maximum business value in a minimum time span.
- Time-boxing—The fifth principle of Scrum treats time as a limiting constraint. It also covers the Sprint, Daily Standup Meeting, and the various other Sprint-related meetings such as the Sprint Planning Meeting and Sprint Review Meeting, all of which are Time-boxed.
- Iterative Development—The sixth principle of Scrum emphasizes that iterative development helps to better manage changes and build products that satisfy customer needs.
