Chapter 11 – Agile PM
11.6. Roles and Responsibilities
Although self-organizing teams decide who will do what work, there are specific roles in the scrum process.
Roles and Responsibilities in the Scrum Process
Product Owner: Represents the customer and acts on behalf of the customer. This person could be a manager from within the company, or a manager from the customer’s company. Their role is typical of any manager which is to ensure the outcome of the project is successful. The manager may work with the team to make lists of the features required. They develop the goals. The have the authority to make changes and set priorities at the end of each sprint. They can accept or reject any of the changes. As well, they make the decision when the project is complete.
Development Team: A group of people who work together to deliver the product/service. They have cross functional skills and are the group who accomplishes the sprint goals. They build the product, or design the service. All the necessary expertise is within the team to complete the scrum. They have a high degree of accountability, and at the same time a high level of autonomy. They are self-organizing and usually small. There is a collective responsibility of developing, testing and finishing the project. They do not choose a lead because all the decisions are collectively made by the team.
Scrum Master: A person who helps the team learn and apply the Scrum process. They do whatever they can to help the team meet their goals. They also are invested in the Product Owner, and ensure this person is kept up to date and involved. The Scrum Master may or may not be a manager. They serve the team. They remove obstacles and protect the team from any outside interference. They guide the team with the Scrum process. Their role is to coach, guide and educate. They help to motivate and encourage the team.
HR in Focus: Human Resources and Scrum in Motion
The Human Resources Specialist would design a roles and responsibilities document (similar to a job description, however, must less detailed). They would be involved in the recruitment and selection of the Scrum Master and the Development Team. They would assist the team by training them in the Scrum Development Process. Once the team is training, HR may remove themselves from the project. Or, if the team chooses, may ask the HR Specialist to be involved where they believe they may be of value.
