Scrum QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner's Guide to Scrum

If you're a software developer or project manager then at some point you're going to come across the phrases "agile" and "scrum".

I think I ought to lay out a little disclaimer that I am a proponent of scrum processes and agile methods in general. As a software developer of 30 years experience I've been exposed to almost all the popular (and unpopular) productivity and management methods you can shake a stick at when it comes to getting software from the "good idea" to "being used and loved" stages. Some I hated, some I loved but didn't work and, despite a few enforced sojourns from it, I keep coming back to Scrum. I also use the pomodoro technique but that's not covered in this book.

First the negatives; the free review copy I received contained several audio errors where the narration either faded out or repeated words or sentences. A few other people had mentioned this on their reviews too. I discussed this with Clydebank directly and a new, corrected version of the audio will be replacing the version I listened to. A brief look at their responses to review comments should make it clear they are fairly responsive to criticism and appear to value customer service - something they actually reiterate in the audio too. Pretty unique in the audiobook world I think and an admirable quality. Top marks for this.

Now the raft of positives; a superb book which thoroughly covers what Scrum is, why it's worth adopting along with quotes and case studies to back up this suggestion. If you've read or listened to "Scrum: The Art of doing twice the work in half the time" which is written by John Sutherland the original author of scrum then Clydebank's Scrum quickstart guide is an excellent adjunct to this. The Scrum QSG goes much more into how to actually *do* Scrum rather than just *why* Scrum is a good idea. I'd definitely recommend getting both the book from J Sutherland and the Clydebank book as the two complement one another quite nicely.

A nice touch for this book is the inclusion of access to a PDF diagram which adds as a visual aid to the text and audio. I like this idea - it gives a bird's eye view of the content and is a nice easy-to-consume adjust which enhances the content of the actual book in a simple bite-sized chunk.

Lucy Vest's narration is at a good pace and her British accent is clear with a delivery that allows the listener to absorb the fairly technical content without listener fatigue creeping in.

All in all - a book to get if you are interested in project management, especially in the software development world or wider IT industry.

Note: I received a free copy of this for this review.

If you knew what Scrum was this book would be a really good way to refresh the material. But if you don't, it really fails to provide sufficient detail to allow you to use it. It was also presented in a fairly disjointed manner. For instance, the best part of the book, where it discusses the principals of Aglie is totally unrelated to the instance of Scrum and is given little introduction or context.

The case studies are fun pictures of how implementing any system might be implemented and the limitations and tricks, but their depth is insufficient to fully replicate what they are saying.

The book as a whole isn't bad, it's well written and most parts are interesting, I just think Scrum is too complicated a process to be introduced in such a short, non-technical work.

The reader is competent, though has some long awkward pauses in the beginning, she hits her flow near the end. Also she doesn't inject much emotion into the work.

The content itself is really relevant to the course I'm taking this semester about software development management. I'm the kind who learns easier though listening and this audiobook really helps.

The way it goes into the practical applications of scrum

The whole audiobook was pretty short. I can't pick out a single favorite part as i listened to it in one sitting, absorbing the information. It did make me understand more on how relevant it is to making software development more efficient.

Yes

Got a free copy for review from reddit

No, she needs a better microphone and needs to turn off her laptop's notification sounds which were recorded alongside her voice.

It's concise

I like how it is a brief introduction to Scrum. In the first hour you learn about the basics of Agile and Scrum, the second half is comprised of examples.

Of the few I've read, it was very useful.

This was a very good audio book. It was informative and gave me some new info.
I'm not a big fan of the narrator, but the info itself is great. Provided a good background on Lean and Project Mgt, and went quickly from there. I received this item at a discount in exchange for an honest review.

Sure. It explains about Scrum quite well.

What to avoid while deployment of Scrum in your organization

Scrum

no it is not an emotional story.

thanks!

This quick guide is a must for anyone new or seasoned. It covers all aspects and give great samples of projects using scrum.

I think this was a pretty decent book, but I can't help but think that it could've been somewhat condensed. I do love the flow and the book's thoroughness.

I really enjoyed the comparison of American football/rugby. It really created a good visual for understanding how Scrum works.

As always, Lucy Vest does an excellent job narrating. Her voice is soothing, yet has a good air of authority and enunciation. The flow was easy to follow, but did not drag.

This audio book is extremely dense for the amount of time it takes, and I had to take breaks. There's a lot of jargon and specific information. I feel like it is important to take breaks to review PDF document and let the information sink in.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest assessment of this book.

I received this product in exchange for my honest review. Not a lot of people that Scrum is a methodology for software development. If it's something you are looking for, then this would be a great starting point. It's a very cut and dry audiobook, very textbook feel, but very well structured and has all the core information.

This is the only Scrum course I have taken and it provided enough information for me to pass the Professional Scrum Master 1 course on my first attempt! The test was moderately difficult but I felt well prepared. Its One of the better courses I've taken. Gets you to see the purpose behind scrum. Knowing what it is for makes me want to use it. I received this product in exchange for my honest unbiased review. Overall the course and author - clear, prompt, professional, provokes deeper understanding.

Provokes deeper understanding of scrum.

Clear, prompt and professional.

Yes, Gets you to see the purpose behind scrum.

Its One of the better courses I've taken.