ScrumTeams

ScrumTeams are the units that implement the Scrum framework within an agile product development environment. A Scrum Team is typically cross-functional and self-organizing, empowered to decide how to achieve its goals. The team consists of the Product Owner, the Scrum Master, and Developers, who collaborate to produce a potentially shippable product increment each Sprint.

Size and composition: A common size is 5 to 9 members. Developers are responsible for turning backlog items into increments and for maintaining a consistent Definition of Done. The Product Owner prioritizes the Product Backlog to reflect value and stakeholder needs. The Scrum Master facilitates processes and removes impediments.

Process and artifacts: Work proceeds in Sprints, time-boxed iterations typically lasting 2–4 weeks. Scrum ceremonies include Sprint Planning, Daily Scrums, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. Key artifacts are the Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and the Increment, all supported by a shared Definition of Done.

Scaling and coordination: In larger settings, multiple Scrum Teams may work on a single product. Coordination patterns such as Scrum of Scrums, Nexus or other scaling frameworks provide ways to synchronize backlog items and integration across teams while preserving team autonomy and transparency.

Benefits and challenges: Scrum Teams aim to deliver value quickly, improve collaboration, and increase adaptability through frequent inspection and adaptation. Challenges include managing inter-team dependencies, aligning backlogs, and maintaining consistent quality and velocity across teams.