In our previous blog, we introduced the Scrum framework. We covered how to run a Scrum team of ten or fewer team members. However, what do we do if the team is larger than that? In this blog, we'll introduce five frameworks that scale the Agile approach: Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), Scrum of Scrums, Large Scale Scrum (LeSS), Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD), and the Spotify Model.

Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)

Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) for Lean Enterprises is a framework based on integrated principles, practices, and competencies from Lean, Agile, and DevOps.

SAFe, like most Agile practices, is based on a set of core values:

Alignment: Synchronize the planning and execution of SAFe activities at all levels of the organization.

Built-in Quality: Built-in Quality ensures that every element and every increment of the solution reflects quality standards throughout the development lifecycle.

Transparency: Make execution activities visible at all levels to build trust among teams and across the organization.

Program Execution: Focus on working systems and business outcomes.

Leadership: Model the values and principles of SAFe.

More information on the SAFe framework can be found here.

Scrum of Scrums

Scrum of Scrums is a scaled agile technique that offers a way to connect multiple Scrum teams who need to work together on the same project.

In Scrum Daily meetings, there is a focus on the team and not an individual person. So the "ambassador" or Scrum Master from each team will tell what the team has been working on and whether or not there are any blockers. There are also Sprint Planning, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective meetings.

There are some guidelines but there is no official framework or methodology to implement. The company should adjust this framework to itself.

Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS)

LeSS is a scaled-up version of one-team Scrum, and it maintains many of the practices and ideas of one-team Scrum. The LeSS rules define the LeSS framework. But the rules are minimalistic and don’t answer how to apply LeSS in your specific context. LeSS includes ten principles for applying the value, elements, and overall purpose of Scrum across an organization.

1. Large-scale Scrum is Scrum

2. Empirical process control

3. Transparency

4. More with less

5. Whole-product focus

6. Customer-centric

7. Continuous improvement towards perfection

8. Systems thinking

9. Lean thinking

10. Queuing theory

The LeSS toolkit provides two frameworks—one for up to about 50 people (called Basic LeSS) and one for 50–6000+ people (called LeSS Huge).

More information on the LeSS frameworks can be found here.

Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD)

Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD) is a composite approach that combines the strategies from various Agile frameworks, including Kanban, LeSS, Lean Development, Extreme Programming, Agile Modeling, and more. DAD guides people through the process-related decisions that frameworks like SAFe and Scrum of Scrums leave open. DAD is organized into four “layers”:

1. Foundations discuss the principles, guidelines, Agile concepts, roles and team structure definitions, and Way of Working (WoW).

2. Disciplined DevOps ensures that solutions are delivered to customers effectively and safely, with data and security management always at the forefront.

3. Value Streams ensure that solutions are aligned with the organization's business strategy, connecting customers, sales, and portfolio management to the framework.

4. Disciplined Agile Enterprise (DAE) connects the industry marketplace with corporate governance and larger enterprise activities.

More information on the DAD framework can be found here

The Spotify Model

Another approach you may encounter is the “Spotify Model". It is crucial to note that Spotify’s model is not a truly Agile framework. There is no standard guide on how to implement it. The model began as a description of how Spotify overcame the challenges of scaling Agile.

More information on the Spotify Model can be found here.

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