UT Institute of Computer Science Graduation Theses Registry

Name

Kadri-Liis Kusmin

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to analyze the use of Scrum-methodology in long-term student projects following the case of ESTCube-1 Mission Control System, and to examine whether it is a reliable methodology in the projects of given type. The analysis revealed that the implementation of Scrum in ESTCube-1 is a suitable methodology for long-term student projects. The only weakness in the current methodology implementation is vulnerability to possible lack of team motivation. However, the potential problem can be avoided with establishing a work routine that is strict enough for less experienced teams or choosing another, more experienced, Scrum Master. Another objective of the thesis was to give additional recommendations for further adjustments for Scrum if the reliability of Scrum was verified. To increase work efficiency using best practices from other methodologies alongside with Scrum should be considered. To make the teams’ work more effective as well as beneficial in educational purposes, the teams should consider implementing “Pair programming” from Extreme Programming. As this technique requires that all code is produced by two people programming simultaneously on one computer, this practice would help to raise the competence of less experienced team members and produce reliable results in shorter time. To reduce the number of cases where ongoing Sprints have to be changed, the teams should implement the “Decide as late as possible” practice from Lean Software Development. While the Sprint Backlog is currently composed of the most important items already specified in the Product Backlog, the implementation of the practice in question would reduce the time spent on tasks that later would have to be reconsidered.

Graduation Thesis language

English

Graduation Thesis type

Bachelor - Information Technology

Supervisor(s)

Silver Lätt, Meelis Kull

Defence year

2012