What is Kanban, and how does it differ from Scrum?
Explanation:
Kanban and Scrum are both popular Agile methodologies used to improve efficiency in software development and project management. Kanban is a visual system for managing work as it moves through a process, emphasizing continuous delivery and limiting work in progress. Scrum, on the other hand, is a structured framework that breaks work into fixed-length iterations called sprints, with specific roles and ceremonies.
Key Talking Points:
- Kanban:
- Visualizes work on a board with columns representing each stage of the process.
- Focuses on continuous delivery without fixed iterations.
- Limits work in progress to improve flow and efficiency.
- Scrum:
- Organizes work into time-boxed sprints (typically 2-4 weeks).
- Includes roles like Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team.
- Utilizes ceremonies such as Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-ups, and Sprint Reviews.
NOTES:
Reference Table:
| Aspect | Kanban | Scrum |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Flexible, visual board | Structured, with defined roles and events |
| Work Delivery | Continuous flow | Iterative, in time-boxed sprints |
| Roles | No specific roles | Defined roles (Scrum Master, Product Owner) |
| Change | Changes can be made at any time | Changes made between sprints |
| Metrics | Measures flow (e.g., cycle time) | Measures velocity (e.g., story points) |
- Kanban: A chef sees all pending orders on a board and adjusts cooking priorities based on current demand and resource availability. Orders are fulfilled continuously as they come in.
- Scrum: The restaurant plans a fixed menu for a week (sprint), and the chefs work to deliver these dishes by the end of the week, reviewing the success and planning for the next menu iteration.
Follow-Up Questions and Answers:
-
Question: In what scenarios would you choose Kanban over Scrum?
- Answer: Kanban is ideal when teams need flexibility and the ability to handle shifting priorities without predefined schedules. It's also effective in environments where continuous delivery and frequent releases are necessary.
-
Question: How can Scrum and Kanban be combined?
- Answer: The combination, often called Scrumban, can be used to maintain the structure of Scrum while incorporating Kanban's flow-based approach to manage work in progress and improve process efficiency.
This structured response not only provides a clear understanding of Kanban and Scrum but also prepares the candidate for deeper discussions during their interview.