Session Title

Want to be innovative: DON'T USE SCRUM!!

Abstract

At its core, Scrum is an empirical-based product development process. However, it does not generally encourage innovation primarily due to its structure and "rules." Innovation is better facilitated through design thinking, lean startup concepts, experimentation, and trial and error. Scrum is arguably not well suited for those concepts when people try to internalize them into Scrum. I'll discuss my bases and arguments for my proposition and offer suggestions for alternatives to Scrum for innovation.

Bio

Tom Mellor has been involved in business and IT for 45 years in many different capacities and functions. He is passionate about the adoption and use of empirical-based product development approaches since 2004, primarily with Scrum. He has been a Certified Scrum Trainer through the Scrum Alliance since 2008 and has served on its Board of Directors and as its Chairman. Since 2004, he has taught empirical-based development to thousands of people, including the Scrum Alliance CSM and CSPO courses. Purpose driven work for Tom means helping people, organizations, teams and leaders use modern product development processes effectively through consultation, teaching and coaching. He often takes a curmudgeon's view towards agility.