Agile vs. Scrum: How to Choose the Best Method

You may encounter the terms Agile and Scrum being used interchangeably, which can be confusing. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the two terms unique and how and when you should implement them.

Agile is an approach to project management that emphasizes completing projects in small increments. It is often used for projects where some change or unpredictability is expected.

Scrum, on the other hand, is one of several Agile methodologies. It is more of a structure that teams can use to implement Agile principles. 

Learn more: Types of Project Management: Methodologies, Industries, and More

Agile or Scrum: Which should you choose?

The quick answer is—you don’t have to! Picking Scrum inevitably means that you’ll be using Agile principles, since Agile is the umbrella philosophy. Scrum is also widely practiced and can be a good way to start implementing Agile with your team. You can, however, use different Agile methods, like Kanban and XP.

What is Agile?

Agile is an approach or philosophy to project management that aims to achieve a goal in small increments. Instead of having one large reveal or launch, an Agile project comprises smaller chunks of tasks your team can continuously deliver in shorter time frames. This makes it easier for project teams to adapt to changing priorities, respond to problems that arise, and cut down on cost, time, and inefficiencies.

To incorporate Agile principles into a company or project, you’ll use a framework or a certain method to put them into play. The most popular of these is Scrum. Others include Kanban, the Crystal Method, Extreme Programming, and several hybrids.

The four values that drive the Agile philosophy of project management are:

• Individuals and interactions over processes and tools

• Working software over comprehensive documentation

• Customer collaboration over contract negotiation

• Responding to change over following a plan

Agile has its roots in software development but is now used in many different industries, including tech, marketing, design, and finance. Even industries that have relied on traditional project management styles, like construction, have begun incorporating Agile practices.

The founding of Agile

Agile was formally created in 2001 with the creation of the Agile Manifesto. Seventeen software development project managers came together one cold February in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah to create a set of principles they thought would lead to better organizational communities. What resulted was the four Agile values and twelve Agile principles, collectively called the Agile Manifesto. Now, Agile is used in many industries and teams beyond software development.

When you should use Agile

Agile is well-suited for ongoing projects where certain details aren’t evident. This makes Agile good for industries that deal with constant or unpredictable change or teams creating a new product. More traditional project management styles, such as Waterfall, might work better for projects with strict constraints—like a firm time or fixed budget—such as event planning.

Learn more: Agile Project Management: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

How to build Agile expertise

If you're preparing for a new role or implementing Agile methodology in your company, consider building your skills. Some resources to consider include:

• Agile Project Management with Google: In this online, self-paced course by Google, you'll have the opportunity to learn how to build, manage, and refine a product backlog and implement Agile’s value-driven delivery strategies. You'll earn a shareable certificate for your resume.

• Agile Leadership Specialization from the University of Colorado: This online course is ideal for those seeking a more advanced role. It focuses on the neuroscience of change, social psychology, and change management.

Read more: 6 Popular Agile Certifications

What is Scrum?

Scrum is an Agile methodology designed to help you develop products in an environment susceptible to change. 

In Scrum, delivery cycles are called “sprints, "and they generally last one to four weeks. Work is incremental and builds on previous work. Scrum teams are usually small, ranging from three to nine people, and include a Scrum master and product owner. Communication with team members and stakeholders is consistent, so feedback is constant, and changes can be made accordingly.

Learn more: The 3 Scrum Roles and Responsibilities Explained

Scrum is built on three pillars:

• Transparency: All players involved have complete access to information, including progress and goals.

• Adaptation: The project and work can change to mirror new priorities.

• Inspection: The team strives to improve the product and the process continuously.

Five core values also drive it:

• Courage

• Focus

• Commitment

• Respect

• Openness

When you should use Scrum

Scrum is excellent for dealing with complex projects in changing environments. Like many Agile methodologies, Scrum is good for constantly changing industries or pioneering new projects. A more traditional approach may be better if you’re dealing with fixed requirements or an organization that doesn’t allow for smooth cross-functional collaboration.

Read more: 7 In-Demand Scrum Master Certifications

How to build Scrum expertise

To expand your Scrum skill set and enhance your resume, consider earning a Scrum Master certificate. For example, you can start with LearnQuest's Scrum Master Certification Specialization.

Agile vs. Scrum

Scrum is part of the broader Agile umbrella. Agile is an approach to project management, and Scrum is a method for implementing it. A few parts of Scrum reflect Agile principles and several points make it unique within the philosophy. 

Key similarities between Scrum and Agile that make Scrum a distinctly Agile process Include:

• Short-term development cycles

• Focus on people, collaboration, and communication

• Capacity to adapt to changes and feedback

Factors that make Scrum different from other Agile methodologies include:

• Work is organized into sprints that last one to four weeks.

• A product backlog keeps a record of what work needs to be done.

• Roles are divided into Scrum master, product owner, and development team.

• Team members have a short “daily Scrum” update meeting.

Scrum vs. Kanban

Kanban gets its name from the Japanese word for “signboard.” The method uses a board (virtual or physical) divided into columns representing different project phases. As the project progresses, a sticky note or card representing the project gets moved into the next phase until the project is completed. It’s a great way to visualize the process and spot bottlenecks. 

Unlike Scrum, Kanban places less emphasis on fixed timelines, and work happens in a continuous flow. Roles like product owners are not decided at the outset. Many project managers combine Scrum and Kanban concepts in a hybrid methodology called Scrumban. 

Learn more: Kanban vs. Scrum: What's the Difference?

Scrum vs. XP

XP, which stands for Extreme Programming, is an Agile methodology usually specific to software development. Like other Agile methods, it focuses on small releases and iteration. XP is characterized by pair programming, in which two developers work together to build code.

Learn Agile and Scrum with Coursera

Agile is a flexible project management approach that emphasizes collaboration and completing projects in small parts. Scrum is a specific Agile methodology that uses fixed-length sprints and particular roles to implement Agile principles. Agile fits projects with changing requirements, while Scrum is ideal for complex projects in ever-changing environments.

Agile and Scrum will likely be fixtures for more companies as project management continues to be an in-demand skill. If you want to take another step toward advancing your career, consider learning from a credible industry leader like IBM. With the Introduction to Agile Development and Scrum, you'll have the opportunity to master concepts like adaptive planning, iterative development, and continuous improvement.

Or, to develop a broad project management skill set, consider these Professional Certificates from Microsoft, Google, and IBM: