Scrum vs Blockchain Theory

Bruce Daley
Sep 5, 2018 · 3 min read

Scrum theory is based on the philosophy of empiricism. Empiricism is based on and concerned with knowledge verifiable by observation (or experience) rather than theory or pure logic.

Source: Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/lightmeister/ Bust of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius

Philosophically, empiricism is different from both rationalism and skepticism . In two sweeping generalizations, rationalism is the theory that reason, rather than experience, is the foundation of certainty in knowledge and skepticism is the theory that certain knowledge is impossible. All three are alternatives to knowledge based on faith, emotional response, or political consensus.

What this means in practice, in my view, is that scrum participants need to keep an open mind free of dogma, prejudice, and preconceptions. They need to accept that they might be wrong and be willing to adjust their thinking accordingly. With that mid set decisions are made based on observation and experimentation rather than on detailed upfront planning.

Blockchain, if a data structure can be said to have a theory at all, has more of a psychological or political theory that individuals and institutions are inherently untrustworthy. This view has a measure of both empiricism and skepticism in it so this view is not inconsistent with the underlying philosophical view of scrum.

In order to control risk and improve predictability, Scrum employs an iterative, incremental approach to projects. In order to foster experience based decision making, Scrum draws on empirical process control theory. The three pillars required to uphold an experienced based process control are transparency, inspection, and adaptation.

Transparency

Most, if not all, aspects of the scrum process must be transparent to those responsible for the outcome for them to based their decision making on experience. Different aspects of the process must be defined common standards so everyone is on the same page. Transparency is consistent with Blockchain since it facilities transparency better than almost any other contemporary data structure.

To be on the same page, a common language referring to the scrum process must be shared by all involved. This is a bit of a paradox, since to be flexible, rigor must be maintain in communications. Most importantly those performing the work and those inspecting the incremental and final results must share in a common definition of the word “done”.

Inspection

Scrum participants must frequently inspect Scrum artifacts and progress toward a Sprint Goal to identify unexpected and undesirable variances. Their inspection should not be so frequent that inspection gets in the way of the actual work. Inspections work best when they are diligently performed by the people with the most skills who are closest to the point of work. This has the benefit of pushing decision making down to the level that can make the best decision. When implemented correctly, inspection is empowering to those involved, but only if they can feel safe enough to be transparent about mistakes.

Adaptation

If an inspector determines that one or more aspects of a process are going out of bounds and the risk to the immediate goals and perhaps the project itself will be unacceptable, the team has to be empowered to make adjustments. Adjustments need to be made as quickly as possible so their efforts does not get significantly off course. Just as in sailing, there is going to be continual cycle of over adjustment, correction, and readjustment which needs to be accepted.

At its current phased of development, Blockchain is all about adaption.

Four formal events Scrum Events are required for efficient inspection and adaptation,

• Sprint Planning

• Daily Scrum

• Sprint Review

• Sprint Retrospective

About which more later.

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