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A scrum master is a facilitator for an Agile software development team that uses the Scrum project management framework.
The scrum master is responsible for the team’s iterative progress towards a well-defined goal. This includes making sure that all project stakeholders understand the Scrum framework and clearing any impediments that are getting in the way of progress towards a quantifiable goal.
Additional responsibilities of a scrum master include:
- Improving communication between project stakeholders.
- Maintaining the team’s focus on creating deliverables each sprint that meet the definition of done.
- Supporting product backlog management.
- Ensuring all meetings are positive, productive and kept within a previously agreed-upon timebox.
Techopedia Explains Scrum Master
Scrum is a lightweight project management framework that emphasizes self-guided teamwork, project transparency and individual accountability. The scrum master is responsible for removing impediments to the project team’s success and ensuring deliverables are on time.
In some cases, the scrum master may act as a buffer between the product owner and the development team, using scrum best practices to keep everyone’s attention focused on progress towards a well-defined goal. Frequent reflection points called retrospectives are built into the framework to encourage continuous improvement.
Other types of meetings a scrum master facilitates include:
Five Popular Scrum Master Certifications
Scrum master certification are increasingly being used to support — and sometimes even replace — Project Management Institute (PMI) certifications. Popular certifications for scrum masters include:
