Difference Between Scrum and Six Sigma
Project and process management are integral parts of any company’s operations. The right approach to project management and optimized processes can significantly reduce costs, improve efficiency, increase collaboration, and increase revenue.
PwC reports that 97% of companies recognize the importance of project management. Project performance is also improving globally through the implementation of various methodologies. Lean or agile methods (six sigma vs scrum) were used to accomplish nearly 70% of projects in 2018. We have already discussed lean six Sigma in previous blogs; multiple teams have been discussed, and now we have a detailed understanding that it has different certification levels, including six sigma green belts, black belts, master black belts, yellow belts, and white belts.
Companies that want to remain competitive must adopt a solid managerial framework in the digital age due to the growing complexity of the global business.
However, choosing a suitable project management methodology can take some work. Are you looking for a lean or agile approach, and what is the difference between the two? In this blog, we will show you how Agile vs Lean vs Scrum differ to assist you with making an informed decision.
Scrum vs Six Sigma
Scrum
Scrum is considered a lightweight framework for agile development. It is derived from the agile development process, just a repetitious and incremental software development approach. It can be defined as a group representing a team with specific skills to perform the relative tasks in their particular area. Initially, Scrum was introduced to develop, deliver and satisfy the products in a multiplex habitat.
Scrum masters should be able to eloquent the benefits of Scrum, show solid problem-solving skills, and communicate early with stakeholders. They should be comfortable in mentoring the scrum framework and working cross-functionally.
SCRUM TEAM
The team of Scrum consists of a product owner, a scrum master and the developers. They mainly focus on the product and the other roles
Product Owner
The product’s stakeholders represent the Product Owner’s role; it helps manage the customers’ requirements but also focuses on the betterment and productivity of the business. This is the most crucial role as it handles both the company and the developer side of the scrum team.
Developers
Developers play an essential role in the scrum team. They take care of all the technical aspects of business growth. They also reach out to researchers, architects, designers, data specialists, engineers, and programmers, to develop or improve a specific project.
Scrum Master
Scrum master removes impediments during the project life cycle. They also ensure that the scrum framework follows the methodologies of business. Scrum helps the product owner keep the backlog of products and the company’s well-being.
Workflow of Scrum
Scrum workflow requires the following steps:
Sprint Planning
In this method, product owners and developers discuss which product backlog items should be given to sprints. Then sprint planning involves the proper execution and removing errors to get a backlog and sprint goal.
Daily Scrum
An overview of sprint goals is given during the daily Scrum. It is limited to only 15 minutes. With limited time, developers can check quickly and easily, assess the program, and plan their activity for the next 24 hours.
Sprint Review
This process occurs almost at the end of a sprint. This allows the scrum team to present the recent increment to stakeholders. It assesses the sprint’s progress and work process.
Sprint Retrospective
This is the last step in a sprint. This method ensures that change occurs in the sprint for Improvement. This process resolves by collaborating with all the members, such as the product owner, scrum master, developers, and the entire scrum teams, for the betterment and progress of the business.
Six Sigma
Six Sigma is a methodological approach that provides tools and techniques for Improvement and processing. It was introduced in 1986 by an American engineer “Bill Smith” when he worked at Motorola. This term is derived from the statistical method. Its primary focus is to achieve profit and improve financial status. Six Sigma is mainly recommended for growing the business in every aspect. Based on this statistical process, we can easily deter the errors and also the cause of decrement in our company.
Six Sigma always tries to succeed by putting great effort and dedication into any project. It needs full commitment within the entire organisation and keeping everything in detail, which will help to understand all strategies quickly. Moreover, it also saves our money and helps to reduce faults.
Some highly used tools in Six Sigma for measuring and analysing the processes are; Control charts, 5 Whys, Root Cause Analysis, CTQ tree, Statistical Process Control, Process Mapping etc.
Workflow of Six Sigma
The methodology of six sigma is based on two principles DMAIC and DMADV.
DMAIC
DMAIC is derived from various words and their specific meanings.
- D: It stands for defining the customers’ requirements and project goals.
- M: Measures the critical point on the current process going on.
- A: Analyze the data. It analyses data from the existing one for their benefit.
- I: Improve processes. Examine and analyse the progress.
- C: Control future executions for accurate outputs so that errors don’t come again.
DMADV
DMADV is also derived from various words.
- D Defines the company’s processes, and customer needs
- M: Measures critical quality characteristics (CTQs). A product’s growth and production capacity, and damages are measured.
- A: Analyze the data from our calculation.
- D: Design the new strategy based on the last move.
- V: Verify the pattern by a pilot run, applicating the new method and delivering it to the owner.
Differences Between Six Sigma vs Scrum
There are several key differences between lean and scrum. We enlisted some of the following:
| Six Sigma | Scrum |
| Motorola engineers Bill Smith and Mikel Harry discovered Six Sigma in 1986. | Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland introduced this technique in the early 1990s. |
| Six Sigma mainly works on controlling methods by reducing errors. | Scrum is an agile-derived methodology; its main focus is to control software and product development through iterative processes. |
| It is based on DMAIC and DMADV principles | It is based on Agile principles |
| It requires high changes in the documentation but also a good strategy. | It also requires changes between teammate interaction and customer partnership |
| No need for teammates | Good teammates are required |
| Six Sigma is a great methodology for big-scale projects. Where requirements and functions are declared. | It is an ideal approach for agile companies which work on projects in a changing environment. |
| Six sigma works on improving processes by eliminating wastes and variations. | Scrum works in project development by Dividing a project into short, manageable (sprints)tasks. |
| It would be the best strategy if your main goal is eliminating variation from a routine production process. | Scrum is a great choice for projects where your main objective is to reduce risks and maximize value in the search for improvement. |
Similarities between Scrum vs Six Sigma
The most remarkable similarity between Scrum vs six Sigma is the primary focus on cooperation between the employees. This is how the success of these methods is defined. In these methods, people who perform their duties are more important than the tools they use. In Scrum, customers can adjust their requirements constantly, while Six Sigma involves manufacturing products, so there’s no waste. The customer gets exactly what they expect.
They are even similar in the execution of methodologies. In Six Sigma, a morning meeting is held daily in which the primary agenda involves a brief evaluation and a discussion of what has to be done in future. This is called the “Daily Scrum Meeting.” The same thing happens in the execution of Scrum. In 15 mins, all team members understand well what they have done and what has to be done.
Lean six sigma vs scrum remains the same on the principle of continuous improvement, known as Kaizen in Lean. Both techniques work persistently on adapting and learning. This is a must because customer satisfaction is the top priority.
Scrum vs Six Sigma – Which One Is Better for You?
Scrum and Six Sigma work on improving processes but sort out various issues from their angles. Even though both aim to improve the process to achieve success, Scrum works to do projects in an easy and manageable way. Scrum helps projects adapt to frequent changes. And that is accomplished in shorter “Sprints”.
While on the other side, six Sigma focuses on more minor and gradual changes in a process that works well. It usually depends upon data analysis and employs a statistical method to identify the barriers occurring in any process.
The efficiency and quality of products are improved with six Sigma and Scrum. Before choosing any of these two methodologies, have a clear picture of your company’s needs and objectives.
Conclusion
There’s yet to be an exact answer to whether you should choose a six sigma or scrum approach for your organization. However, It depends upon many things, including your company size, business model and many other factors. But one thing that is 100% clear is that your project management process always has room for Improvement.
We explained both methodologies in a detailed manner, and now it’s up to you whom you consider the best choice for your organization Six Sigma vs Scrum.