Scrum Sim - A Simulation Game to Learn the Scrum Agile Framework

In recent times, organizations have been attempting to shift from Traditional project management methodologies such as waterfall model to incorporate agile methodologies such as scrum for their project development. The main features of these agile methods include incremental and iterative delivery that allows inclusion of the requirement changes at any stage of the project lifecycle and the most commonly used agile method is scrum. As are result of wide usage of agile mythology in the IT industry, scrum framework is now being taught in various software engineering and project management courses. Even though scrum has been introduced in various academic courses, the constraints of time, scope and facilities restrict students from getting hands on experience on real world scenarios. Many employers believe that students graduating of the universities lack the desired skills and practical experience to adopt and implement agile method like scrum. Researchers have suggested that use of simulations or games if used in complement to the traditional class room setting can enhance students learning. During our previous research on the existing software educational games, it was found that there is availability of many games and simulations based on traditional software methodologies i.e. sequential software process but a lesser number of games or simulations are available on agile methodology especially based on scrum. Also the scrum games that are available are mainly card games, board games or toy games such as “Lego Bricks” which have their own limitations. To address this problem, we have developed Scrum Sim a computer based game that simulates scrum process for a software development project. It provides a glimpse of the scrum lifecycle and represents various aspects of scrum framework in a team for a software development project. We present the game, its rules, game play and discuss its validation or evaluation results