Agile vs. Scrum: Key Differences + How to Choose

The term "vs" is misleading when considering Agile and Scrum. While Agile is an approach to project management that emphasizes iteration, Scrum is one of several Agile project management methodologies that you can build a career around. That means, it's less about choosing between Agile and Scrum, and more about first determining whether Agile is the best approach to managing your team's projects and then whether Scrum is the most useful methodology compared to other options like Kanban or Lean.

Learn more about what makes Agile a nimble approach to project management and whether Scrum may be a good methodology for your needs. Afterward, learn Agile concepts of adaptive planning, iterative development, and continuous improvement with the IBM IT Scrum Master Professional Certificate.

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IBM IT Scrum Master

Advance your career in IT as a Scrum Master. Develop the in-demand skills and hands-on experience to get job-ready in 3 months

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Scrum Master, Risk Management, Communication, Leadership, agile, Kanban Board, Product Roadmap, User Story, Sprint backlog, Software Engineering, Software Architecture, Python Programming, Agile and Scrum, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Kanban, Sprints, Product Backlog, Zenhub, Scrum Methodology, Agile Software Development, Sprint Planning, Project Management, Information Technology, Cloud Computing, security, Operating Systems, Agile Management, Scrum (Software Development), Servant Leadership, CI/CD, Devops, TDD/BDD, Cloud Native, CSM, Scrum Alliance, Certification

What is Agile?

Agile is a philosophy that responds more nimbly to change compared to other types of project management. It aims to achieve a goal in small increments so teams can continuously deliver in shorter time frames. This makes it easier for project teams to adapt to changing priorities, respond to problems that arise, and cut down on cost, time, and inefficiencies.

The four values that drive the Agile philosophy of project management are:

• Individuals and interactions over processes and tools

• Working software over comprehensive documentation

• Customer collaboration over contract negotiation

• Responding to change over following a plan

How does Agile work?

To incorporate Agile principles into a company or project, you’ll use an Agile methodology, which tends to outline the tools and processes you'll need to follow. The most popular of these is Scrum. Others include Kanban, the Crystal Method, Extreme Programming, and several hybrids.

When should you use Agile?

Agile is well-suited for ongoing projects where certain details aren’t concrete. This makes Agile good for industries that deal with constant or unpredictable change or teams creating a new product. More traditional project management styles, such as Waterfall, might work better for projects with strict constraints—like a firm time or fixed budget—such as event planning.

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Google Project Management:

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Project Management, Change Management, Strategic Thinking, Career Development, Organizational Culture, Risk Management, Quality Management, Project Execution, Agile Management, Problem Solving, Coaching, Scrum, Influencing, Effective Communication, Stakeholder Management, Business Writing, Project Charter, Procurement, Task Estimation, Project Planning

What is Scrum?

Like many Agile methodologies, Scrum is designed to help develop products in an environment susceptible to change. It follows five core values—courage, focus, commitment, respect, and openness—and was built on the following three pillars:

• Transparency: All players involved have complete access to information, including progress and goals.

• Adaptation: The project and work can change to mirror new priorities.

• Inspection: The team strives to improve the product and the process continuously.

How does Scrum work?

Each Agile methodology follows different processes. In Scrum, work is incremental and builds on previous work. Scrum teams are usually small, ranging from three to nine people, and include a Scrum Master and product owner. Communication with team members and stakeholders is consistent, so feedback is constant, and changes can be made accordingly.

The following four factors are instrumental to the Scrum process:

• Artifacts: Lists and documents that provide transparency and opportunities for adaptation. The main Scrum artifacts are the product backlog, sprint backlog, and increment.

• Product backlogs: An ordered list of everything that a product may need, which the product owner is responsible for maintaining and prioritizing.

• Sprints: Delivery cycles that generally last one to four weeks and are meant to break down complex projects into manageable chunks of work. Each sprint represents a mini-project with a clear goal, a plan, and a potentially releasable product increment at the end.

• Increment: The sum of all product backlogs completed during a sprint, combined with all work from previous sprints. Think of it as a concrete stepping stone toward the product goal.

Learn more: The 3 Scrum Roles and Responsibilities Explained

When should you use Scrum?

As with the overall Agile approach, Scrum is excellent for dealing with complex projects, but it's most often used to deliver a new product or service. Working with a product backlog, product owners identify the work that needs to be completed, outline the timeframe for completion (one- to four-week sprints), and establish frequent check-ins to review progress and make adjustments.

Product development teams tend to like Scrum because it encourages flexibility without forsaking structure. With any project, you want to have clarity (structure) while allowing for more nimble responsiveness (flexibility), and Scrum strikes that balance.

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IBM IT Scrum Master

Advance your career in IT as a Scrum Master. Develop the in-demand skills and hands-on experience to get job-ready in 3 months

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Average time: 5 month(s)

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Skills you'll build:

Scrum Master, Risk Management, Communication, Leadership, agile, Kanban Board, Product Roadmap, User Story, Sprint backlog, Software Engineering, Software Architecture, Python Programming, Agile and Scrum, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Kanban, Sprints, Product Backlog, Zenhub, Scrum Methodology, Agile Software Development, Sprint Planning, Project Management, Information Technology, Cloud Computing, security, Operating Systems, Agile Management, Scrum (Software Development), Servant Leadership, CI/CD, Devops, TDD/BDD, Cloud Native, CSM, Scrum Alliance, Certification

Agile vs. Scrum

As we mentioned earlier, you should first determine whether an Agile approach makes sense for your project or company. Agile approaches tend to follow short development cycles, focus on collaboration and communication, and include the capacity to adapt to changes and feedback.

Then, of the available Agile methodologies, consider which will best fit your needs. Let's review some of the key differences between Scrum, Kanban, and XP.  

Scrum

Scrum organizes work into sprints, which are focused periods lasting one to four weeks. To track all necessary work, teams maintain a product backlog, which serves as a comprehensive record of pending tasks and requirements.

The Scrum framework defines three distinct roles: the Scrum Master (facilitates the process), the product owner (manages priorities and requirements), and the development team (executes the work). Team members stay aligned through a brief "daily Scrum" update meeting, where they discuss progress and potential obstacles.

Scrum vs. Kanban

Kanban gets its name from the Japanese word for “signboard.” The method uses a board (virtual or physical) divided into columns representing different project phases. As the project progresses, a sticky note or card representing the project gets moved into the next phase until the project is completed. It’s a great way to visualize the process and spot bottlenecks. 

Unlike Scrum, Kanban places less emphasis on fixed timelines, and work happens in a continuous flow. Roles like product owners are not decided at the outset. Many project managers combine Scrum and Kanban concepts in a hybrid methodology called Scrumban. 

Learn more: Kanban vs. Scrum: What's the Difference?

Scrum vs. XP

XP, which stands for Extreme Programming, is an Agile methodology usually specific to software development. Like other Agile methods, it focuses on small releases and iteration. XP is characterized by pair programming, in which two developers work together to build code.

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Generative AI for Project Managers

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How to build expertise in Agile and Scrum

If you're preparing for a new role or implementing Agile methodology in your company, consider building your skills. Some resources to consider include:

• Agile Project Management with Google: In this online, self-paced course by Google, you'll have the opportunity to learn how to build, manage, and refine a product backlog and implement Agile’s value-driven delivery strategies. You'll earn a shareable certificate for your resume.

• Agile Leadership Specialization from the University of Colorado: This online course is ideal for those seeking a more advanced role. It focuses on the neuroscience of change, social psychology, and change management.

To expand your Scrum skill set and enhance your resume, consider earning a Scrum Master certificate. For example, you can start with LearnQuest's Scrum Master Certification Specialization. Learn more about in-demand Scrum certifications you may want to consider.

Develop your knowledge of Agile and Scrum on Coursera

Gain access to over 10,000 courses from industry leaders such as Google, IBM, Amazon, and Meta with a monthly or annual Coursera Plus subscription. Build or strengthen your knowledge about Agile and Scrum through a number of Professional Certificates and Specializations, which you can add to your resume once you complete them.