Paradigms of Programming

Scrum is the most widely used agile framework at the moment, and has been applied to software development across a whole range of sectors, from web development to computer games. It can be used to manage and control contemporary and complex software development using a range of iterative techniques. This course investigates Scrum in detail from theory and foundations to practical applications and drawbacks, covering in detail all students need to know to be able to successfully apply Scrum in a real-life development environment. Team roles, activities, backlogs, sprints, meetings and other Scrum elements are explained in detail and applied.

On successful completion of this course a student will be able to:
1 Gain substantial experience in working in an agile scrum team environment and follow the Scrum method to resolve a problem from its conception through to its implementation.
2 Demonstrate the ability to analyse, design and develop creative solutions and systems for
contemporary problems.
3 Understanding through experience the practical challenges associated with working as a member of an agile Scrum software development team.

The Agile movement: Overview of agility, principles, methods and techniques. Introduction to most well - known contemporary agile processes.

Deep understanding and application of the Scrum framework: origins, why Scrum works, sprints, activities, meetings, team, backlogs, scalability etc.

Combining Scrum with other systems development approaches.
Business analysis and modelling technical solutions by using suitable modelling techniques. Introduction and use of software development tools used by agile teams.

Each week there will be a 1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial and 1 hour lab session.

Group coursework - 100%
LO - 1,2,3
Participate in a team using Agile scrum to produce a specified product. Individual team members will get a mark based on their contribution to the team effort and individual reflections.

Nature of FORMATIVE assessment supporting student learning:
Students will work in teams of 4-6 using the Agile Scrum method to produce a thorough business analysis, design and development of a prototype system. The coursework will involve multiple stages and a hackathon which will simulate a Scrum sprint.