Scaling Agile frameworks help organizations apply Agile principles and practices to large, complex projects or multiple teams working together. These frameworks provide structure and guidance for scaling Agile methodologies beyond small, single-team projects. Here’s a list of some popular scaling Agile frameworks:
- Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe): SAFe is a popular framework that provides a comprehensive approach to scaling Agile practices across multiple teams and organizational levels. It combines Lean principles, systems thinking, and Agile development methodologies to align teams, synchronize work, and manage dependencies.
- Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS): LeSS is a lightweight framework designed to scale Scrum to multiple teams working on a single product. It emphasizes simplicity and flexibility, minimizing the amount of additional structure and overhead while maintaining the key principles of Scrum.
- Scrum at Scale (S@S): Scrum at Scale is a framework created by Jeff Sutherland, the co-creator of Scrum. It extends the core Scrum principles to multiple teams and organizational levels, enabling organizations to scale their Agile practices while maintaining a decentralized approach.
- Nexus: Nexus is a framework developed by Scrum.org that focuses on scaling Scrum by integrating multiple Scrum teams working together on a single product. Nexus adds minimal additional structure to coordinate and synchronize the work of these teams while maintaining Scrum’s core principles.
- Disciplined Agile (DA): Disciplined Agile is a process decision toolkit that provides a guided approach to selecting and tailoring Agile practices to fit an organization’s unique context. It incorporates elements from various Agile methods, including Scrum, Kanban, and SAFe, and supports scaling Agile practices across multiple teams and organizational levels.
- Enterprise Scrum: Enterprise Scrum is a framework that extends the Scrum methodology to the entire organization, encompassing not only software development but also areas like marketing, sales, and operations. It provides a scalable approach to applying Agile principles across the enterprise.
- Agile Portfolio Management (APM): Agile Portfolio Management is an approach to managing multiple projects or product lines in a way that aligns with Agile principles. APM provides guidance for prioritizing work, allocating resources, and coordinating efforts across the organization.
- Spotify Model: While not a formal framework, the Spotify Model is an example of how one organization (Spotify) adapted Agile methodologies to fit its unique needs and organizational culture. It organizes teams into Squads, Tribes, Chapters, and Guilds to foster collaboration, learning, and autonomy.
These scaling Agile frameworks offer various approaches to applying Agile principles and practices to large, complex projects or multiple teams. Each framework has its unique characteristics, and organizations should choose the one that best fits their context, goals, and culture.