Scrum Master vs. Project Manager
Introduction
The entire basis of comparing the roles of the Scrum Master vs Project Manager turns out to be something like comparing apples to oranges. This is because these are two separate roles with few overlap features in their job responsibilities; though, intrinsically both roles demand similar kinds of attributes and charisma.
Scrum, as we know, is an Agile framework where complex issues are resolved with Agility and the objective is to deliver a high-value product. Scrum Master is the person who acts as the servant-leader to the Scrum team. It is his/her responsibility to ensure that every team member and Stakeholder understands the essence of the Scrum and applies the same to their development work. In Agile projects, the Scrum Master is accountable for adding value to the product being delivered by his team. As is evident the Scrum Master has a very focused, well-defined job role. The Project Manager, on the other hand, handles all aspects of a project and is responsible for the entire project and manages various teams that are involved in the project. The Project Manager leads the team to ensure that the project objectives are met optimally and responsible for meeting the expectations of the Stakeholders. This is a tough job where one needs to balance the competing limiting and restraining factors in a project to ensure optimized results.
It is unfair to say that one role is superior to the other or that the Scrum Master's role is simpler as compared to the Project Manager's. Each of the two roles is different and involves different processes. The only similarity in both the roles is that they are both concerned with optimizing the outcomes and yet both the roles are not directly accountable for the failure or success of the respective projects. They are also similar in the terms that they coach their teams and Stakeholders, and help in addressing and removing impediments.
Scrum Master vs. Project Manager
Let's find out the differences between the Scrum Master and Project Manager.
| Characteristic feature | Scrum Master (SM) | Project Manager (PM) |
| Core Focus | The Scrum Master's core focus area is the Scrum Team members | The core focus of the Project Manager is the seamless execution of the project. |
| Risks | Removes risks early and often, helping Scrum Team members to move forward. | Project Manager needs to keep the risks associated with the particular project in mind. |
| Role | Scrum Master is a servant-leader role and is a facilitator for the team. | PM is the one point of contact for the project and works in the leader role. |
| Applicable industry | Scrum Masters work in many type of industries such as software development, IT and non-IT industry, manufacturing, construction etc., | Project Manager's are equipped to work across any industry vertical and any type of project |
| Key responsibilities | Leads in educating and coaching Scrum Team, and Stakeholders about Scrum. Facilitates so that the Developers can provide more value to the product | Ensure that multiple aspects of the project are well managed and within permissible limits. Balance Stakeholder expectations and objectives of the project. |
| Key Tasks | The Scrum Master is involved to remove impediments, facilitate Scrum events, resolve conflicts etc. | Project Manager handles numerous projects at the same time. PM is responsible for the following knowledge areas - scope management, resource management, quality management, integration, time management, cost management, quality management, communications management, and Human Resource Management. |
| Flexibility in job roles | SMs work in an Agile framework Scrum which means that while following the Scrum principles and rules, they can introduce other practices that add value. | PMs have more flexibility in their roles as they have the independence to choose the best approach and customize it as per their needs. |
| Skills | SM needs to be an excellent coach, mentor, tutor, facilitator, promoter, activator, and supporter of the team. | PM needs to have all leadership qualities like being a good communicator, decision-maker, negotiator, and motivator. |
| Expertise | SM should be a good coach and have strong concepts and understanding of Scrum. | PM is trained and qualified to plan, design, implement and deliver projects successfully. |
| Certifying Body | You need to be a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) from Scrum Alliance | PMs need to have the certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2 from PMI.org or Axelos. |
Role of a Scrum Master
Scrum Master is a person who needs to implement and manage the Scrum Framework, as per the Scrum guide in an organization. S(He) is a servant-leader that works with the Scrum Team, facilitates them to collaborate, and uses Scrum theories and practices to deliver maximum value to the customer. The Scrum Master's role includes:
- Educates people about the Scrum Framework.
- Helps people all across have a better understanding of the framework.
- Coaches the Product Owner and the Developers as well as Stakeholders about Scrum.
- Facilitates Sprint Events.
- Leads the way in the enterprise for the implementation of Scrum.
Role of a Project Manager
As the name implies, a Project Manager is equipped to work across different industrial verticals and projects. He plays an equally important role in product designing, marketing, software development, or construction of a product. The Project Manager's role includes:
- Planning a project
- Execution of the project and ensuring everything is going as per the plan.
- Monitor the team's progress to keep them on track.
- Allocation of resources optimally.
- Ensuring timelines for delivery are met
- Ensuring that the productivity of the team is maintained throughout.
- Enable teams and members to collaborate.
- One key aspect is budgeting for the project and budget control.
- Responsible for closing the project and deliveries.
Conclusion
Both roles are highly credible in an organization. While the Scrum Master brings credibility to the Scrum Framework, the Project Manager adds credibility to each Stakeholder connected with the project that they are handling. The debate Scrum Master vs. Project Manager as we see is not a comparison between two like roles - each has a significant role to play in the organization.
A PMs Role is more of a leadership role, and that of an SM is more of a coach and a facilitator. Each role requires different skill sets; and you need to consider carefully your individual preferences and liking before choosing one role or the other. You need to consider the qualification and the prerequisites for each role and how well you are suited to either to make the right choice.
References
- https://medium.com/the-value-maximizers/Scrum-master-vs-project-manager-an-overview-of-the-differences-73104d0264ab
- https://www.Scrum.org/resources/blog/project-manager-vs-Scrum-master-stop-comparing
- https://www.clarizen.com/Scrum-master-vs-project-manager-whats-the-difference/
Useful Links:
Advanced Product Owner Certification Course Cincinnati, SAFe Agilist Online Course Memphis, Scrum Master Online Training Copenhagen, Advanced Certified Product Owner Certification Sioux Falls, Advanced Scrum Master Certification Course Cape Town, Certified Scrum Master Virtual Training Course Detroit, A-CSPO Virtual Training Course Augusta, Certified Scrum Master Training Singapore City, Scrum Alliance Gatherings Not To Be Missed, Advanced Certified Product Owner Online Certification Dallas
