As an information technology and project management professional, Raven S. Cashaw is a proponent of the benefits of agile methodologies. Her areas of expertise include agile software development, agile coaching, and project management based on the PMBOK methodology. Raven S. Cashaw has worked as a scrum master for institutions such as JPMorgan Chase Bank, BMO Harris Bank, and Northern Trust Bank.
A scrum master is responsible for making sure a project is following the scrum framework. The scrum framework is a software development approach that uses continuous feedback and iterative development in order to make project teams more flexible and effective. Scrum is one of many frameworks designed to support agile methodology. It is one of the most popular, being used by 89 percent of agile practitioners.
Although scrum masters manage the scrum process, they are careful not to make decisions for project team members. Rather, they guide team members regarding how the scrum process should be implemented while fostering a sense of community around the usage of scrum.
Scrum masters monitor and manage the goals and scope of a scrum sprint (a clearly defined short-term project), ensuring that the team is focused on its specific targets. Scrum masters may also offer tools and techniques to assist team members in resolving task backlogs.
One way to become a scrum master is to get certified. Becoming a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a recommended path to building a career specializing in this framework. Certification requires familiarity with the scrum framework, taking a 16-hour course led by a certified trainer, and then passing an exam.
Raven S. Cashaw 