Software development project
As your software development project evolves, the current team structure and process may need to be modified due to, but not limited to, expanded scope, additional team members, or simply to accommodate organizational changes. Fortunately, the creators of the Scrum framework had the foresight to develop insight and guidance for scaling a project. The most common framework for this process is called the Nexus framework. You’ll notice that the Nexus framework creates a “Scrum of Scrums” type of project organization.
In your discussion this week, focus on the following scenario that has occurred in your organization that affects your project:
The project has received additional funding, which will allow you to hire and add more cross-functional software developers to your project.
The management team expects that this additional investment will allow you to build and deliver more features than originally anticipated in the same timeframe.
Address the following in your discussion:
Discuss your approach to applying the Nexus framework to your overall project.
Describe the changes you will make to the events, artifacts, rules, and team roles.
Explain how you will synchronize the processes of the reorganization.
Detail how you will measure whether the changes you have made to your team have resulted in an improvement or a detriment to the overall project.
Identify the change(s) you would make to Azure DevOps to accommodate these process modifications.
Sample Solution
Applying Nexus Framework to Our Project with Increased Resources
Scaling Up with Nexus
Our project has received a funding boost allowing us to hire more developers. To leverage this effectively and deliver additional features within the timeframe, we propose adopting the Nexus framework, creating a "Scrum of Scrums" structure.
Nexus Framework Implementation:
- Events:
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- Nexus Sprint Planning: We will introduce a new planning event before individual Scrum team sprints. This event will involve the Product Owner, Scrum Masters from each team, and potentially a representative from each development team. Here, we will identify features to be tackled in the next sprint, considering dependencies and ensuring a cohesive product increment.
- Nexus Daily Scrum: We will maintain individual team Daily Scrums while potentially introducing a brief, optional Nexus Daily Scrum for Scrum Masters to share inter-team progress and identify any roadblocks requiring collective action.
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Full Answer Section
- Artifacts:
- Product Backlog: The existing Product Backlog will be refined to accommodate the expanded scope. The Nexus Sprint Planning will prioritize features for upcoming sprints considering the new team capacity.
- Nexus Sprint Backlog: A new artifact, the Nexus Sprint Backlog, will be created. This backlog will be a subset of the Product Backlog containing features and user stories assigned to specific Scrum teams for the current sprint.
- Roles:
- Existing Scrum Roles Remain: Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Teams within each Scrum team will continue with their existing roles and responsibilities.
- Nexus Integration Team (NIT): We may consider establishing a lightweight NIT comprised of representatives from each Scrum team (e.g., technical leads). This team will facilitate communication and integration across teams, ensuring a smooth delivery of the final product increment.
- Rules:
- Sprint Length: We will maintain the existing sprint length for individual Scrum teams.
- Definition of Done (DoD): The existing DoD will apply across all teams, ensuring a consistent level of quality for each delivered feature.
Synchronization and Measurement:
- Nexus Sprint Planning: This event will synchronize feature allocation and dependency management across teams.
- Communication Channels: We will establish clear communication channels between Scrum Masters and potentially the NIT to ensure issues and progress are shared effectively.
- Metrics: We will track existing Scrum metrics like velocity and burndown charts within each team. Additionally, we can monitor the time spent on inter-team dependencies and rework caused by integration issues.
Measuring Success:
- Increased Velocity: If the new structure leads to a combined team velocity exceeding the sum of individual team velocities, it signifies improved efficiency.
- Feature Delivery: Timely delivery of high-quality features within the planned timeframe will indicate successful scaling.
- Communication and Collaboration: Improved communication, collaboration, and reduced integration issues will point towards a positive impact.
Azure DevOps Changes:
- Workboards: We can create a high-level Nexus Sprint Backlog board to visualize features assigned to each Scrum team in the current sprint.
- Reporting: Leverage Azure DevOps reporting capabilities to track team velocity changes and identify trends.
- Customizable Dashboards: Create dashboards displaying key metrics across all Scrum teams to monitor overall project progress.
This approach allows us to leverage the additional resources and deliver more features while maintaining the core Scrum principles. We will continuously monitor for improvement or detriment and adjust accordingly.