Scaled Agile
Scaled Agile is a set of techniques and frameworks designed to scale agile methodologies. Eventually, teams can apply this scaling process within a large project, a program, or even across an entire organization.
Teams commonly use agile frameworks such as Scrum, XP, Kanban, and LeSS for small to medium-sized projects, which typically involve a single, co-located team. However, organizations often have multiple teams distributed across different locations. As a result, techniques and frameworks were developed to facilitate agile scaling. These methods focus on scaling agile in three key areas:
- Large projects, where multiple teams work on different modules of the same product.
- Programs, where several teams collaborate on related products.
- Enterprise level, where multiple agile teams develop various products to meet business objectives.
Several agile frameworks support this scaling process, including Scrum of Scrums, Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®), Disciplined Agile (DA), Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS®), and Nexus. Following, we explore the most widely used frameworks for scaling agile methodologies.
Scrum of Scrums (SoS) or Meta-Scrum
Scrum of Scrums is an agile scaling technique that synchronizes and integrates the work of multiple teams collaborating on the same product. Each team designates a representative, such as a Scrum Master or a development team member, who attends regular meetings with representatives from other teams. During these meetings, they discuss progress, address impediments, and manage team interactions to ensure smooth workflow.
Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®)
Developed by Dean Leffingwell in 2011, the Scaled Agile Framework was originally called “Agile Enterprise Big Picture.” Later, it was renamed Scaled Agile Framework and adopted the acronym SAFe. This framework provides a structured approach to implementing agile practices at the team, program, as well as, portfolio levels. Basically, it combines agile development principles with lean methodologies, offering organizations a roadmap to successfully scale agile across various levels.
Disciplined Agile (DA)
Disciplined Agile enables organizations to scale agile by integrating multiple agile techniques and practices. Basically, this framework emphasizes four core principles: people-centric approaches, continuous learning, enterprise awareness, and scalability. As a result, teams can tailor agile methods to their unique organizational needs while maintaining flexibility and adaptability.
Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS®)
LeSS extends Scrum’s principles to support multiple cross-functional teams working on a common product. In this approach, all teams operate within a shared sprint cycle, collaborate using a single product backlog, and participate in joint sprint events such as sprint planning, backlog refinement, sprint reviews, and retrospectives. Additionally, each development team conducts its own sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and backlog refinement while maintaining an individual sprint backlog.
Nexus Framework
The Nexus framework, developed by Scrum.org, provides a structured approach for scaling agile product delivery. Its primary goal is to reduce complexity and dependencies among teams, ultimately improving communication, workflow, and product structure. Nexus defines a “Nexus” as a group of three to nine Scrum teams that share a single Product Owner and Product Backlog.
Conclusion on Scaled Agile
In summary, several techniques exist to scale agile within projects, programs, and organizations. The reality is that some frameworks work better in some specific scenarios than others. Before scaling agile, it is essential to analyze your organization’s needs and select the most appropriate framework. However, in many cases, combining multiple frameworks or customizing them to fit specific requirements is the best approach.
Trademarks Notice:
- Scaled Agile Framework and SAFe are registered trademarks of Scaled Agile, Inc.
- Disciplined Agile is a registered trademark of PMI.
- Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS) is a registered trademark of The LeSS Company B.V.
- Nexus is a registered trademark of Scrum.org.