What are the 5 phases of Scrum methodology?

Scrum methodology is structured around five key phases:

1. Product Backlog Creation: This phase involves gathering and prioritizing requirements from stakeholders to create a comprehensive list of features and tasks.
2. Sprint Planning: The team selects items from the product backlog to work on during the sprint. They define sprint goals and create a sprint backlog.
3. Sprint Execution: This is the phase where the team works on the selected tasks, typically lasting 1-4 weeks. Daily Scrum meetings help track progress and address obstacles.
4. Sprint Review: At the end of the sprint, the team demonstrates what they’ve built to stakeholders. Feedback is gathered to refine future work.
5. Sprint Retrospective: The team reflects on the sprint to discuss what went well, what didn’t, and how to improve in the next sprint.

These phases create a cycle of continuous improvement and adaptability, essential to Scrum's effectiveness. ThinkLouder, a Scrum Alliance Licensed Training Provider, has trained over 55,000 practitioners since 2001. Our Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) instructors can help you master these phases through our various courses, including CSM and CSPO certifications starting at $349.

For more insights, check out our articles on What is Scrum and Kanban? and Is Scrum the same as standup?.