Learning Objectives
Introduction
The goal of this set of learning objectives is to dive deeper into the role of the Scrum Master, the core competencies and day-to-day activities required for success. Although Scrum Master is a Scrum role, almost all of the techniques are framework agnostic and, thus, can be applied on any agile team. This class goes beyond mere theory and explores the application of many powerful techniques.
Course Format
The course can be taught in multiple formats, and we encourage educators to create an offering that is most suited to their client’s needs. It can be a live instructor-led class, self-paced online, or hybrid. It is up to educators to ensure that the learning objectives are met by every student. In order to maintain quality, we will gather feedback from every student. Suggested learning time, 16 hours.
Course Delivery
This class may be designed and delivered by any approved educator holding the E-BAC, P-BAC, or A-BAC credential.
Course Prerequisites
A sound overview of Agile product development and/or Scrum is advised. Hands-on experience, and/or one of the following courses are recommended; BAA Agile Fundamentals, BAA Scrum Fundamentals, or a similar training from a reputable organization.
Licensing Information
These learning objectives were created by Karim Harbott and Sohrab Salimi for the Business Agility Association. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.
Learning Objectives
1 – Lean, Scrum and Agile Overview
The purpose of this learning objective is to provide a solid foundation to the creation of the Manifesto for Agile Software Development and the key theories behind it.
- Outline at least three key challenges faced when using traditional product development approaches in a fast-paced, uncertain, complex environment.
- List at least three benefits of small batches when working in uncertain environments.
- Summarize the key events leading to the creation of the Manifesto for Agile Software Development.
- Explain the four values, and summarize the twelve principles, of the Manifesto for Agile Software Development.
- Describe the roles, artifacts, commitments, and events of Scrum, and the purpose of each.
- Describe empirical process control, and explain the various means by which Scrum provides greater transparency, and opportunities for inspection and adaptation.
2 – Supporting the Product Owner
The purpose of this learning objective is to outline the main ways that Scrum Masters can support the Product Owner.
- Describe how Scrum masters can support the creation of a strong product vision, product strategy, and Product Goal.
- Explain how Scrum Masters can support the development of clear and concise Product Backlog items.
- Describe at least three techniques Scrum Masters can use to support the Product Owner in the management of the Product Backlog.
3 – Supporting the Developers
The purpose of this learning objective is to outline the main ways that Scrum Masters can support the Developers.
- Outline at least three the benefits of self-managing teams.
- Explain at least three pre-conditions for safe self-management.
- Explain how technical excellence can improve product quality and enhance agility.
- Describe at least three techniques that could be used to foster greater collaboration during Product Backlog Refinement.
4 – Supporting the Wider Organization
The purpose of this learning objective is to outline the main ways that Scrum Masters can support the wider organization.
- List at least five organizational barriers to the delivery of value by the Scrum Team.
- Describe how HR, Governance & leadership may need to evolve to support Scrum and increase agility.
- Explain how the Scrum Master can catalyze change at the organizational level.
5 – Team Dynamics
The intent of this learning objective is to align on the importance of leadership taking a systemic approach to enabling agility across the wider organization.
- Explain the difference between a group and a team, and list at least five attributes of high-performing teams.
- Demonstrate the creation of a team working agreement.
- Explain the importance of trust for teams, and outline at least three factors that influence levels of trust.
- Explain the importance of psychological safety on teams and outline at least three factors that influence levels of psychological safety.
6 – Coaching
The intent of this learning objective is to outline how organizations could undertake planning and forecasting product development, and engage a variety of stakeholders during the development process to ensure alignment and manage expectations.
- Explain the difference between coaching, mentoring and consulting, and the benefit of each approach to improving team, and individual, performance.
- State the importance of contracting as part of the coaching agreement between Scrum Masters and teams.
- Describe a technique for structuring coaching conversations.
- Demonstrate the use of powerful questions in a coaching conversation.
7 – Facilitation
The intent of this learning objective is to align on the importance of leadership taking a systemic approach to enabling agility across the wider organization.
- State the purpose of the facilitator role and describe how it can help groups achieve a meaningful outcome.
- Demonstrate at least three facilitation techniques to get the best out of all participants during the Scrum Events.
- Outline an example agenda for a Retrospective.
- Apply at least two techniques for managing conflict during a Scrum Event.
- Demonstrate at least two techniques for group decision-making.