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The Agile Manifesto stresses “customer collaboration over contract negotiation.” The Scrum framework adopts an approach in which the Scrum Core Team members collaborate with each other and the stakeholders to create the deliverables that provide the greatest possible value to the customer. This collaboration occurs throughout the project.

According to A Guide to the Scrum Body of Knowledge (SBOK® Guide), collaboration ensures that companies realize the following project benefits:

1. Change Requests are minimized. The need for changes due to poorly clarified requirements is minimized. For example, during the Create Project Vision, Develop Epic(s), and Create Prioritized Product Backlog processes, the Product Owner collaborates with business stakeholders to create the Project Vision, Epic(s), and Prioritized Product Backlog, respectively. This will ensure that there is clarity among Scrum Core Team members on the work that is required to complete the project. The Scrum Team collaborates continuously with the Product Owner and business stakeholders through a transparent Prioritized Product Backlog to create the project deliverables. The processes Conduct Daily Standup, Refine Prioritized Product Backlog, and Retrospect Sprint provide scope to the Scrum Core Team members to discuss what has been done and collaborate on what needs to be done. Thus, the number of Change Requests from the customer and rework is minimized.
2. Risks are efficiently identified and mitigated. Risks are identified and dealt with efficiently. For example, risks to the project are identified and assessed in the Develop Epic(s), Create Deliverables, and Conduct Daily Standup processes by the Scrum Core Team members. The Scrum meeting tools such as the Daily Standup Meeting, Sprint Planning Meeting, Prioritized Product Backlog Review Meeting, and so on provide opportunities to the team to not only identify and assess risks, but also to efficiently implement risk responses (such as risk mitigation) to high-priority risks.
3. Efficiency is increased. True potential of the team is realized. For example, the Conduct Daily Standup process provides an opportunity for the Scrum Team to collaborate and understand the strengths and weaknesses of its members. If a team member has missed a task deadline, the Scrum Team members align themselves collaboratively to complete the task and meet the targets agreed to for completing the Sprint.
4. Continuous improvement is incorporated. Continuous improvement is ensured through lessons learned. For example, the Scrum Team uses the Retrospect Sprint process to identify what went well and what did not go well in the previous Sprint. This provides an opportunity to the Scrum Master to work with the team to rework and improve the team for the next scheduled Sprint. This will also ensure that collaboration is even more effective in the next Sprint.
5. Managing Distributed Scrum Teams: Explore best practices and challenges associated with managing Scrum Teams distributed across different geographical locations or time zones. Discuss strategies for overcoming communication barriers, maintaining team cohesion, and leveraging technology to facilitate remote collaboration effectively. Highlight the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability in fostering a cohesive and productive distributed Scrum Team environment.

For companies that wish to minimize setbacks, maximize efficiency, and realize the full potential of their workforce, SCRUMstudy and its 500+ Authorized Training Partners offer, not only the opportunity, but also the framework and guidance to get it done.