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Scrum-PSM-II Professional Scrum Master II

The Professional Scrum MasterTM level II (PSM II) assessment is available to anyone who wishes to demonstrate his or her ability to apply the Scrum framework to solving advanced, complex problems in the real world. Those that pass the assessment will receive the industry recognized PSM II Certification as an indication of their advanced knowledge and abilities pertaining to Scrum and the role of the Scrum Master.



Anyone attempting the PSM II should have advanced Scrum knowledge, in-depth Scrum experience and/or have taken the Professional Scrum Master course prior to taking this assessment. However, attending a course is neither necessary nor sufficient for certification. The PSM II assessment is very difficult, and consists of multiple-choice questions based on your knowledge of Scrum and how you would handle real-world situations.



The PSM II certification assessment is an advanced assessment and relies heavily on your own experience using scrum, and how you would apply Scrum in particular circumstances. While it is not required we recommend that before taking PSM II you have a passed PSM I and may find it beneficial to review the PSM I Suggested practicing page during your preparation.



The PSM II assessment includes questions from the following Focus Areas as defined in the Professional Scrum Competencies.



Understanding and Applying the Scrum Framework:

Empiricism, Scrum Values, Roles, Events, Artifacts, Done.

Developing People and Teams:

Self-Organizing Teams, Facilitation, Leadership Styles, Coaching and Mentoring.

Managing Products with Agility:

Product Backlog Management, Stakeholders & Customers.

Developing and Delivering Products Professionally:

Managing Technical Risk.

Evolving the Agile Organization:

Organizational Design & Culture.


Professional Scrum Master II
Scrum Professional outline

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PSM-I Professional Scrum Master I - 2023
Scrum-PSM-II Professional Scrum Master II
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PAL-I Professional Agile Leadership (PAL-I)
PSK-I Professional Scrum with Kanban level I
PSPO-I Professional Scrum Product Owner I
PSPO-II Professional Scrum Product Owner II
SAFe-DevOps SAFe 5 DevOps Practitioner (SDP)
SAFe-Practitioner SAFe 5 Practitioner (SP)
SSM SAFe 5 Scrum Master (SSM)
SAFe-RTE Certified SAFe Release Train Engineer (RTE)
DASSM Disciplined Agile Senior Scrum Master
PAL-EBM Professional Agile Leadership - Evidence Based Management (PAL-EBM)
Scrum-PSD Professional Scrum Developer (PSD)
Scrum-PSD-I Professional Scrum Developer (PSD-I)
Scrum-SPS Scaled Professional Scrum (SPS)

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Question: 170
According to the values of Scrum, which is the best way to create Development Teams?
A. The Product Owner will create a skills matrix according to what is needed for the project and work with
the technical leads to allocate resources to the team.
B. Work with the leadership team to allocate members according to skills, seniority and experience to ensure
that all Development Teams are balanced fairly.
C. Provide boundaries to the developers and allow them to self-organize into Development Teams.
Answer: C
Explanation:
When the values of commitment, courage, focus, openness and respect are embodied and lived by the Scrum Team,
the Scrum pillars of transparency, inspection, and adaptation come to life and build trust for everyone and self-
organizing teams will be enabled to choose how best to accomplish their work.
Question: 171
A Development Team has a total of six members, 4 members who work full time in the office and 2 members who
work part time at home. The Development Team is complaining that it is too difficult to synchronize every day and
has suggested having the Daily Scrum every other day instead.
What would be three key concerns if the Daily Scrum is held less frequently? (Choose three.)
A. Impediments are raised and resolved more slowly.
B. Opportunities to inspect and adapt the Sprint Backlog are reduced.
C. Less information about the progress will be shared causing the Sprint plan to become inaccurate and
reducing transparency over progress toward the Sprint Goal.
D. The Scrum Master loses the ability to update the burndown chart adequately.
E. The Product Owner cannot accurately inspect utilization of the individual team members.
Answer: ABC
Explanation:
The Daily Scrum is an internal meeting for the Development Team to inspect progress toward the Sprint Goal and
to inspect how progress is trending toward completing the work in the Sprint Backlog. The Daily Scrum optimizes
the probability that the Development Team will meet the Sprint Goal. Every day, the Development Team should
understand how it intends to work together as a self-organizing team to accomplish the Sprint Goal and create the
anticipated Increment by the end of the Sprint.
Reducing the frequency of the event will increase the length of the feedback loop and adds risk if the team deviates
too far off course.
Question: 172
Steven is a Scrum Master asked to assist in creating five new Scrum Teams that will be working to build a highly
anticipated product. He talks with them about the importance of being able to integrate their Increments by the end
of their Sprints. This includes the first Sprints. The product is very important to both the end users and the
organization.
Of the choices raised by future team members, what would Steven encourage?
A. Each Scrum Team delivers Increments in its own code branch. After UAT is performed at the Sprint
Review, the code branch is isolated until enough Increments are considered acceptable. All code branches
will then be merged duringthe release phase.
B. Each Scrum Team delivers functionality at the end of each Sprint. New Product Backlog items will then
be added to the next Sprint Backlog to integrate their functionality with the other teams to create a unified
Increment.
C. All Scrum Teams agree on a mutual understanding of ‘done’ that defines all work necessary to deliver a
potentially shippable Increment that includes all previous Increments delivered for the product.
D. Wait until enough of the infrastructure and architecture is in place before starting the first Sprints. This
will increase the success of delivering integrated Increments in Sprint 1.
Answer: C
Explanation:
When a Product Backlog item or an Increment is described as "Done", everyone must understand what "Done"
means. If there are multiple Scrum Teams working on the system or product release, the Development Teams on all
the Scrum Teams must mutually define the definition of "Done" to have a shared understanding of what it means
for work to be complete, to ensure transparency. Each Increment is additive to all prior Increments and thoroughly
tested, ensuring that all Increments work together.
Question: 173
Three Development Teams are currently building a single product and pulling work from the same Product
Backlog. All three teams have identified that they will need Dan, a database specialist, to work full time in their
team for the next several Sprints.
What should Steven, the Scrum Master, do to solve this potential problem?
A. Manage the items in the Sprint Backlogs so that Dan can be utilized evenly for each team.
B. Assign Dan to the team with the most urgent tasks first and then move him to the next team and so on
until the required support is completed.
C. Facilitate a discussion with all Development Teams on how they want to deal with this issue, and help
them implement their preferred solution.
D. Ask Dan to work with the HR department to recruit and hire additional database specialists. In the
meantime, have the Product Owner move items that do not depend on Dan to the top of the Product
Backlog.
Answer: C
Explanation:
As a servant/leader, the Scrum Master facilitates conversations through open ended questions in order to help the
team members make the best possible decisions according to what is known at the time. He/she does not approve
or reject team decisions but ensures the team stays within the boundaries of the Scrum framework.
Question: 174
An organization wants to apply Scrum to build a new product and has hired Steven to be the Scrum Master of three
new teams that will build the first release. The organization is new to Scrum and asks Steven for advice on how to
start. Which two things should Steven first advise? (Choose two.)
A. Each Scrum Team has its own Product Backlog with items only their team will be working on.
B. One Product Backlog to represent all of the known work needed to be done for the product.
C. Three Product Owners, one for each Scrum Team.
D. Having one Product Owner to be accountable for maximizing the flow of value throughout the
development process and provide transparency on the overall progress.
Answer: BD
Explanation:
The Scrum Master serves the organization in several ways, including: Leading and coaching the organization in its
Scrum adoption; Planning Scrum implementations within the organization; Helping employees and stakeholders
understand and enact Scrum and empirical product development.
Question: 175
Steven, the Scrum Master, is approached by one of the Development Team members saying that they are not
completing regression tests for all of the work they are performing to the level defined in the Definition of Done.
They have discussed this with the Product Owner and decided to remove regression testing from the Definition of
Done.
Which two actions are the most appropriate for Steven to take? (Choose two.)
A. Reject the decision as the long term maintainability of the product will be negatively impacted by
modifying the Definition of Done.
B. Accept the decision as a mutual agreement has been made between the Development Team and the
Product Owner.
C. Ask the Development Team and the Product Owner what problem they are trying to solve by altering the
Definition of Done and removing regression testing from it. In what ways will this decision impact
transparency and quality?
D. Ask the Development Team and the Product Owner if they are still able to produce potentially shippable
product increments by altering the Definition of Done?
Answer: CD
Explanation:
As a servant/leader, the Scrum Master facilitates conversations through open ended questions in order to help the
team members make the best possible decisions according to what is known at the time. He/she does not approve
or reject team decisions but ensures the team stays within the boundaries of the Scrum framework.
Question: 176
At the end of the eighth Sprint, the internal sponsors are upset and angry with the progress of the product being
built. The current state of the product is not as expected and will require additional Sprints and more budget than
originally anticipated at the start of the project.
What factors may have led to this? (Choose three.)
A. The Product Owner has not been engaging with sponsors frequently enough and has not been kept aware
of the overall progress of the project.
B. The sponsors haven’t been using the Sprint Reviews to actively engage, and inspect and evaluate progress.
C. The scope changes have not been tracked adequately and the change request process has not been
followed properly.
D. The stakeholders have not been using the Daily Scrum effectively to track the Development Team’s
progress.
E. The Scrum Master has not ensured transparency.
F. The project plan proposed to the sponsors at the start of the project followed stringently.
Answer: ABE
Explanation:
One of the principles of agility includes working closely with business people. In order to manage stakeholder
expectation, there must be open communication (through collaboration and transparency) throughout the project
cycle. This maximizes alignment, helps with making business decisions, and reduces risk.
Although, the Scrum Guide does not directly state that the Scrum Master is responsible for ensuring transparency it
is implicit. The Scrum Master is responsible for the process in which Scrum is adopted and enacted. Scrum is
founded on empiricism and the Scrum Master helps those inside and outside the team work in an empirical
environment which includes transparency (one of the three pillars of empiricism).
Question: 177
Paul is a Product Owner for multiple products. Each product is allocated a dedicated Scrum Team and a set budget.
Based on the average velocity of a previous product release, Paul had estimated a new product to take 9 Sprints to
complete. The average velocity of the previous product release was 50 completed units of work per Sprint. Over the
first 3 Sprints, the Development Team reported an average velocity of 40 completed units per Sprint, while not
fully completing the required integration tests. The Development Team estimates that integration testing would
require additional effort to make the increments shippable. The Development Team is unsure if the required
velocity is achievable.
What is the most effective way to recover?
A. In the next Sprints, the Development Team strives to make the selected work as close to ‘done’ as
possible and at the minimum 90% completed. Any undone work is divided into new Product Backlog Items
that will be deferred to the lastSprint in order to maintain stable velocity.
B. The Development Team informs Paul that the progress he has perceived to date is not correct. The
Increment is not releasable. They deliver Paul their estimate of the effort it would take to get the previous work
‘done’, and suggest doingthat work first before proceeding with new features. The team also re-estimates the
effort to make the remaining Product Backlog items ‘done’, including all integration effort. In the end, it is
Paul’s call to continue the project or to cancel.
C. The Scrum Master will manage the Sprint Backlog and assign work to the Development Team members
to ensure maximum utilization of each member. He/she will keep track of unused resources so that it does
not impact the budget.Unused budget can be allocated for additional Sprints if needed.
D. The Scrum Master sets the open work aside to be performed in one or more release Sprints. They remind
Paul to find funding for enough Release Sprints in which this remaining work can be done. Up to one release
Sprint per threedevelopment Sprints may be required. It is Paul’s role to inform users and stakeholders of
the impact on the release date.
Answer: B
Explanation:
Scrum is founded on empirical process control and asserts that knowledge comes from experience and making
decisions based on what is known. Scrum employs an iterative, incremental approach to optimize predictability and
control risk. At the end of every Sprint, an increment of ‘done’ work must be available in order to inspect and
adapt accordingly.
Question: 178
Paul, a Product Owner of one of the Scrum Teams, has been attending the Daily Scrum. During the Daily Scrum,
the Development Team members have been reporting their daily work to Paul so that he is aware of their Sprint
progress and what each member is working on.
What is the best action for the Scrum Master to take?
A. Ask Paul to stop attending the Daily Scrum.
B. Coach Paul and Development Team members on the purpose of the Scrum events and let them figure out
what to do in this situation.
C. Allow the Paul to participate in the Daily Scrum as he is responsible for the success of the product.
D. Facilitate the Daily Scrums to avoid any conflicts between the Development Team members and Paul.
Answer: B
Explanation:
Because the Development Team is the ones doing the work, they are best suited to inspect and adapt the progress
toward the Sprint Goal. At minimum, this is done every 24 hours through the Daily Scrum. It is the Scrum Master’s
responsibility to teach the Scrum Team the value and objective of each Scrum event in order for them to optimize
the benefits of each event. Because the Daily Scrum is owned by the Development Team, it is up to them on how
they should run it but the Scrum Master can provide guidance to ensure it adheres to the Scrum guidelines.
Question: 179
A Scrum Master is not only a servant-leader to the Scrum Team and organization, it’s also considered a
management position.
Which three activities describe what a Scrum Master manages as reflected by the Scrum Guide? (Choose three.)
A. Reporting on the performance of the Sprint.
B. The way Scrum is understood and enacted within the organization.
C. Managing the capacity and utilization of each Development Team member.
D. Managing the process in which Scrum is applied.
E. Managing the Product Backlog items and work in the Sprint Backlog.
F. Removing organizational impediments that limits the team’s progress and productivity.
Answer: BDF
Explanation:
The Scrum Master must understand the principles and values behind agility as well as the Scrum theory. He/she
also must act in ways that reflects the values of Scrum and creates an environment for others to also embrace those
values. He/she is responsible for ensuring the team’s process stays within the boundaries of the Scrum framework
as well as helping and supporting the team with continuous improvement.
Question: 180
An organization has just hired you as a new Scrum Master to help them transition their teams from their current
traditional process to Scrum. The teams are currently structured to specialize in a single function. This is also
known as component teams where a team would only address a single layer (i.e. design, frontend, backend,
database, testing, etc.). You’ve introduced the concept of cross-functional teams where all the skills needed to
produce business functionality, from end to end, are inside of a single team.
What should you keep in mind when transitioning from siloed teams to cross-functional teams? (Choose two.)
A. It is easier to compare the performance between cross-functional teams in order to identify to which
teams to assign tasks and which teams need additional coaching.
B. Newly formed teams will need time to stabilize before reaching their peak performance. During the initial
stages of forming, performance will suffer and productivity may be low, although even then delivery of
business value is still likelyto increase.
C. Without feature teams, you cannot do Scrum. Postpone Scrum adoption until the teams are reorganized
in feature teams.
D. People from the different layers and components will need time to become accustomed to working and
delivering unified functionality together as one Scrum Team thus productivity may suffer.
Answer: BD
Explanation:
Forming a team takes time, and members often go through recognizable stages as they change from being a
collection of strangers to a united group with common goals. Bruce Tuckman’s Forming, Storming, Norming, and
Performing model describes these stages. When you understand it, you can help your new team become effective
more quickly.
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Every agile team needs a leader to oversee the implementation of scrum principles and ensure the team stays within the scrum framework, even during complex projects. If you’re great at communicating and organizing, that leader could be you—once you get certified.

There are many upsides to earning a scrum master certification, such as better career prospects and a wider professional network. When it comes to choosing a certification provider, however, it can be tough to narrow down your options.

This article overviews various scrum master certifications, including their costs and benefits. Read on to learn more about choosing the right scrum master certification for you.

What Is Scrum Master Certification?

Scrum teams typically execute projects by providing incremental value in each sprint cycle. A sprint cycle usually lasts two to four weeks, during which the team accomplishes specific objectives related to the overarching goal.

While basic scrum training allows product developers and owners to collaborate more effectively, a team still needs a scrum master’s expertise to Improve their workflow and remain committed to the agile framework.

Earning a scrum master certification demonstrates your understanding of scrum principles, exposes you to advanced agile processes, boosts your résumé and increases your value to current and potential employers.

There are many globally recognized scrum master certifications to choose from. You should carefully consider your career goals, experience level and budget before making a decision.

For more information, see our guides on scrum master certification costs and free scrum master courses.

6 Scrum Master Certification Options

Aspiring scrum masters have lots of options for certification providers. In this section, we highlight some of the most popular certification paths. We also discuss costs and which scrum master certifications require regular renewal.

Certified ScrumMasterÂź (CSM)

Cost: Course fees vary, but most cost around $400; renewal costs $100.
Certification overview: The CSM credential is an entry-level designation for scrum professionals offered by the Scrum AllianceÂź. It covers the fundamentals of scrum and agile methodologies.

To earn CSM certification, you must complete an online or in-person training and pass a test. The exam lasts an hour, during which you must correctly answer at least 37 out of 50 questions to qualify. Once you complete your training course, you have two opportunities within 90 days to take the exam at no cost. If you do not pass the test within that window, additional attempts cost $25 each.

The Certified ScrumMaster credential is a great starting point for anyone who hopes to lead or work on an agile team. You must renew the certification every two years. Renewal requires the completion of 20 scrum education units (SEUs).

Advanced Certified ScrumMasterÂź (A-CSM)

Cost: Course fees range from $500 to $1,495; renewal costs $175.
Certification overview: The A-CSM certification serves individuals who have already earned the CSM credential and have experience in a scrum role. To earn this designation, you must complete an approved A-CSM course, which goes beyond the fundamentals and prepares scrum leaders to boost collaboration and implement scrum principles more effectively.

You must renew this certification every two years. Renewal requires you to complete 30 SEUs.

Certified Scrum Professional – ScrumMaster¼ (CSP-SM)

Cost: Course fees range from $1,175 to $1,800; renewal costs $250.
Certification overview: The Scrum Alliance’s Certified Scrum Professional-ScrumMaster credential equips A-CSM holders with a deeper expertise in scrum to Improve their career prospects. This certification focuses on advanced scrum mastery, lean and agile frameworks and service (to the product owner, scrum team and organization).

To qualify for the CSP-SM certification, you must have at least two years of work experience as a scrum leader and complete an approved training course. Renew this certification every two years, and you must complete 40 SEUs for renewal.

Professional Scrum Masterℱ Certifications (PSM I, PSM II and PSM III)

Cost: Test fees range from $200 to $500 per attempt, depending on the certification tier.
Certification overview: Scrum.org offers three tiers of PSM certifications to validate scrum mastery at varying levels. PSM holders understand scrum principles and apply them in real-world projects.

These are the three PSM certifications available:

  • PSM I: This entry-level credential demonstrates a fundamental mastery of scrum principles and how to apply them in scrum team environments. The certification exam costs $200.
  • PSM II: Professionals with this credential have advanced knowledge of scrum and extensive experience as a scrum master. The exam costs $250.
  • PSM III: As the highest PSM designation, the PSM III indicates a deep understanding of the application of scrum principles, practices and values in complex team settings. The exam costs $500.

Scrum.org offers optional training courses for each PSM certification tier.

Benefits of Scrum Master Certification

If you’re debating the value of a scrum master certification, consider the following potential benefits they offer.

Strengthen Your Team Management Skills

Gaining advanced knowledge of the Scrum framework and its principles is a recipe for efficient leadership in the workplace. This experience prepares you to manage competing priorities more effectively and facilitate team collaboration.

Overall, stronger team management skills can motivate team members to adopt the agile methodology and deliver better value with each sprint cycle.

Help Your Résumé Stand Out

Many employers depend on demonstrable experience and knowledge when hiring candidates into scrum roles. Even if you’ve never held a scrum leadership position, earning a scrum master certification demonstrates that you are grounded in scrum principles and can lead an organization-wide agile transformation.

Earning this credential also indicates your commitment to stay current on emerging trends in product development. Whether you’re tilting towards a new job or negotiating a raise in your current role, a scrum master certification can show your value and may tip the scales in your favor.

Build Your Skill Set

In addition to improving your team management skills, a scrum master course and certification can expose you to the practice of risk assessment and management. With extensive scrum training, you can anticipate, identify and eliminate threats to your team’s productivity and customer satisfaction.

An in-depth understanding of scrum methodology equips you for project blockers and bottlenecks. This training prepares you to develop strategies that allow your team to redirect their efforts and remain productive.

What To Consider Before Earning Scrum Master Certification

The certification process brings potential drawbacks as well. Ask yourself the following questions before committing to a training course and certification path.

Do You Have the Time in Your Schedule?

Most scrum master certifications require you to complete in-person or virtual training sessions and take a test, which can eat up several days of your time. Before deciding on a scrum master credential, carefully study the training requirements and timing to determine if it can fit into your schedule.

Is the Credential Valuable to Your Company and Career Path?

While a scrum master certification can be beneficial in many ways, it isn’t for everyone. Prioritize earning certification if your employer values or requires it for specific product roles or if you want to make a career change.

Do You Currently Work With Scrum? Will You Use Scrum in the Future?

If you currently work in an agile environment or plan to do so in the future, a scrum master certification could help you stand out. However, if your career path doesn’t intertwine with scrum, other certifications might better align with your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Scrum Master Certification

Is a scrum master a project manager?

Project managers and scrum masters share similar skill sets, but their roles differ. A scrum master focuses on implementing the scrum framework at different stages of a project, while a project manager oversees the entire project lifecycle.

How long does it take to become a certified scrum master?

The required CSM training course takes about 16 hours, and the exam lasts an hour. Including your extra study hours, the CSM certification process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

How do you get certified as a scrum master?

Several providers offer scrum master certifications, most of which require the completion of specific training courses. Entry-level certifications may also require an exam, and more advanced credentials may ask for a minimum amount of relevant work experience.

Which is better: scrum master or PMPÂź?

Scrum master and PMP certifications each cater to different types of professionals. A scrum master certification is ideal for individuals who want to work in software companies, while the PMP is better suited to project managers who work in various industries.

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Agile Scrum Basics for Professionals Course Details

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Agile Scrum Basics for Professionals Course Details

Classroom with students

Agile Scrum Basics for Professionals is a seven-hour non-credit course designed for leaders and practitioners across a variety of industries to learn how the Agile Scrum methodology and framework can streamline your projects. Scrum is a highly collaborative method that can improve the development, management and delivery of complex projects. This course is the perfect place to start for agile project management beginners and those looking to start a path toward certification.

Cost: $199

In this Agile & Scrum course you learn:

  • The differences between an Agile approach and traditional methodology, and discover why Agile is more effective
  • How adopting Agile approaches can increase business value
  • The core practices and philosophies behind this way of working

This course is designed for:

  • Agile organizations
  • Project managers in a diverse range of industries
  • Senior leadership
  • IT and software professionals
  • Product managers

Contact Kena Sears-Brown, Director for more information: 215.571.3936 and ks3552@drexel.edu.

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What is a Scrum master? A key role for project success

With agile development a standard practice at most companies, Scrum masters are in great demand. Here is a look at the Scrum Master role, responsibilities, relevant certifications, and expected salaries.

Scrum is a powerful framework for implementing agile processes in software development and other projects. This highly adopted framework utilizes short iterations of work, called sprints, and daily meetings, called scrums, to tackle discrete portions of a project in succession until the project is complete. There are three key roles within Scrum: Scrum master, product owner and Scrum team members.

What does a Scrum master do?

The Scrum master is the leader of a Scrum team and is responsible for championing a project, providing guidance to the team and product owner, and ensuring all agile practices are followed by team members. The Scrum master not only addresses all facets of the agile development process but also serves the business, product owner, team, and individuals and facilitates communication and collaboration between all these elements.

Scrum master role and responsibilities

Because the role is at the nexus between the business, product owner, agile team, and individuals, the Scrum master’s responsibilities will vary depending on the unique needs of each business and team. Some Scrum masters also serve as a team’s project manager. Some also fill the role of an organizational agile coach. Others do not.

Generally, Scrum masters fulfill the following responsibilities, as laid out in The Scrum Guide by Ken Schwaber:

  • Leading and coaching the organization in its Scrum adoption
  • Planning Scrum implementations within the organization
  • Helping employees and stakeholders understand and enact Scrum and empirical product development
  • Causing change that increases the productivity of the Scrum team
  • Working with other Scrum masters to increase the effectiveness of Scrum in the organization

Scrum masters also act as facilitators and servant leaders, helping to remove barriers for their team, protecting team members from any external factors that might derail progress on their work, and aiding in resolving any conflicts within the team, with stakeholders, or the business at large.

Scrum master job description

At a more granular level, a Scrum master’s responsibilities and tasks differ depending on which team members they’re working with:

  • At the business level, the Scrum master creates a development environment that is creative, safe, productive, and supportive and enables multidirectional collaboration.
  • At the product owner level, the Scrum master facilitates planning and helps product owners understand and adhere to Scrum techniques and practices.
  • At the team level, the Scrum master provides guidance, coaching, support, and facilitation, and helps remove any obstacles that teams may encounter along the way.
  • At the individual level, the Scrum master supports individual efforts, addresses any issues that arise, and removes obstacles to help individuals be focused and productive.

Scrum master certifications

Two well-recognized organizations, Scrum Alliance and Scrum.org, offer Scrum training and certifications.

Scrum Alliance, established in 2001, is one of the more influential organizations in the agile community. It is a nonprofit association with more than 500,000 certified practitioners worldwide. Key certifications that the Scrum Alliance offers include the following:

Scrum.org was founded in 2009 by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland, the originators of Scrum, as a “global organization, dedicated to improving the profession of software delivery by reducing the gaps, so the work and work products are dependable.”

Scrum.org offers a number of Scrum-related certifications, including the Professional Scrum Master (PSM) at three levels:

  • PSM I: This level of certificate holder demonstrates a fundamental understanding of Scrum and its principles and can apply these concepts in guiding Scrum teams.
  • PSM II: This level of certificate holder has an advanced level of Scrum mastery and can apply the Scrum methodology in team settings involving complex projects.
  • PSM III: The highest level of PSM certificate holders demonstrate a “distinguished level” of Scrum mastery, including how to coach, facilitate, and teach Scrum teams in complex organizational settings.

For more information, see “Scrum master certification: Top 13 certs for agile pros.”

Scrum master salaries

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Scrum master across all industries and experience levels is US$106,024, with a typical range of US$86,000 to US$131,000.

Breaking salaries down by years of experience yields the following average salaries:

  • 0-1 years: US$95,914
  • 1-3 years: US$101,209
  • 4-6 years: US$109,204
  • 7-9 years: US$112,739

Scrum master jobs

Since Scrum can be applied to virtually any organization, Scrum masters are in high demand as companies continue to look for ways to get their projects completed and their products to market faster. According to data from Zippia, demand for Scrum masters is expected to grow by 9% through 2028, while research from Best Accredited Colleges suggests that the growth rate for those holding the Certified ScrumMaster credential will be 24% through 2026.

Project management offices (PMOs) or product development departments within many business sectors hire Scrum masters to streamline their software development processes. This can include software, healthcare, aviation, technology, engineering, construction, real estate, publishing, financial, marketing, manufacturing, education, insurance, government, and others.

The following four job boards provide a good starting point for those seeking a new job as a Scrum master:

Scrum master vs. project manager

The role and responsibilities of a Scrum master appear similar to those of a project manager. But while a Scrum master may also fulfill the role of a project manager, there are key differences in the roles and responsibilities of each, including the following:

  Scrum master Project manager
General role
  • For projects using agile methodologies, a Scrum master is a key role. He/she plays the role of a facilitator and coach for agile development teams in ensuring products are delivered on time with the quality specified.
  • For most types of projects, a project manager takes the lead role in all project phases and activities, including planning, leading, managing, monitoring, and closing of projects.
Responsibilities
  • Support product owners throughout product development.
  • Lead Scrum meetings and provide team support during sprint planning and execution.
  • Provide coaching to agile teams.
  • Ensure agile principles are followed.
  • Assist teams with prioritizing and managing of sprint backlog to ensure timely and accurate product delivery.
  • Help teams deal with any barriers to successful delivery.
  • Identify and document business and project requirements, plans, and progress.
  • Determine, document, and manage the scope of a project, tasks, milestones, timelines, the budget, and resources.
  • Lead and mentor project teams.
  • Determine and assign tasks and priorities.
  • Allocate, monitor, and manage project resources.
  • Set, monitor, and manage project timelines.
  • Manage project quality parameters.
  • Develop strategies for managing risks, as well as risk tracking.
  • Manage all stakeholders and their expectations.
  • Communicate task, milestone, and project progress and changes to relevant stakeholders.
  • Ensure project goals are met.
  • Close out projects and activities.
  • Identify lessons learned.
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10 Best Online Courses for Project Management in 2023

Looking to enhance your project management skills? Check out our list of the best online project management courses that offer comprehensive training.

Are you looking for the best project management certification course to help you advance your career or just looking to learn project management to Improve your skills? In this article, we selected and reviewed the best online project management courses, certifications and training — self-paced and instructor-led, free and paid — for professionals of all skill levels.

Jump to:

Top online courses for project management: Comparison chart

Here is a feature summary of the best online courses for project management.

Udemy: Beginner to PROject Manager

Created by 365 Careers, this Beginner to PROject Manager course is a bestseller on Udemy. This course teaches you how to use Gantt charts, critical path methods, project plans and budgets. It also includes 15+ project management templates that you can use to create your own projects. The course is structured in a step-by-step manner, starting with the basics of project management and gradually moving towards more advanced subjects such as MS Excel for project management, agile project management and scrum, as well as agile and waterfall.

Course details

Price $109
Time to complete 7h 17m
Prerequisites required No prior experience is required.
Difficulty Beginner
Flexible schedule This is a self-paced course, meaning you can study it at your own convenience.
Includes Tested certificate of participation Yes
Who should take this course? Anyone interested in project management

Udacity: Digital Project Management

​​Digital Project Management is a nanodegree program taught by Walyce Almeida, a program manager at AWS and hosted on Udacity. This course is designed for those looking to learn about project management processes, tools, principles and practices. The digital project management course teaches you foundational project management concepts. In this course, you will learn how to translate business requirements into a project scope statement, build project plans in waterfall or agile and develop a high-performing team.

Some of the skills you’ll learn include:

  • Cost-benefit analysis.
  • Project risk mitigation.
  • Scrum and scrum boards.
  • S.M.A.R.T. goals.
  • Requirements gathering.
  • Professional portfolios.
  • Project execution, status reporting, scoping, closure and scheduling.
  • Waterfall project management.
  • Project management artifacts.

Course details

Price You need a Udacity subscription to access this course. Pricing starts at $249 per user per month.
Time to complete 4 weeks
Prerequisites required No experience is required.
Difficulty This is a beginner-level course.
Flexible schedule This is a self-paced course. You can schedule your study time based on your availability.
Includes Tested certificate of participation Yes
Who should take this course? This course is designed for beginners and intermediate.

Colorado State University: Online Project Management

This course is powered by Colorado State University. It’s created for project managers, project coordinators and business analysts who want to advance their project management skills or those preparing for the Project Management Professional exam in order to earn the Certified Project Management Professional or the Certified Associate Project Manager certificate.

The program is structured to engage participants in a collaborative learning process, allowing them to earn project management education credits (contact hours) that count towards their eligibility for the PMP exam. Throughout the learning process, participants can earn points by participating in weekly discussions, engaging in team exercises and completing quizzes, which help track their progress.

In this course, you will learn:

  • Project life cycle phases, process groups, and knowledge areas — according to the PMI Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)Âź Guide (7th edition).
  • How to manage project scope, risk, communications and integration management.
  • Project management language and processes.

Course details

Price $3,395
Time to complete 16 weeks
Prerequisites required Students must purchase A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOKÂź Guide), 7th Edition.
Flexible schedule Limited flexibility due to the live classes
Difficulty Intermediate/advance
Includes Tested certificate of participation Yes
Who should take this course? Those with various experience levels as project managers, project coordinators and business analysts

Simplilearn: PMP Certification Training Course

Simplilearn’s PMP Certification Training Course is designed to help professionals prepare for and pass the PMP certification exam. The course covers various aspects of project management and the instructors train you based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) 7th edition and the latest certification exam content outline.

The PMP Certification Training Course gives you access to digital materials from PMI, such as audio-video content, ebooks, assessments and participant guides. It also includes nine full-length simulation test papers with 180 questions each, as well as 35 contact hours with live virtual sessions.

Course details

Price $399
Time to complete 3 months
Prerequisites required
  • A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree or equivalent) with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects
  • A minimum of five years of project management experience or a four-year degree with at least three years of experience in project management
  • Completed 35 hours of project management education
Flexible schedule Limited flexibility – combines live sessions and self-learning
Difficulty Advance
Includes Tested certificate of participation Yes
Who should take this course?
  • Project managers
  • Associate/Assistant project managers
  • Team leads/Team managers
  • Project executives/Project engineers
  • Software developers

Master of Project Academy: Project Management Training Bundle - 6 Courses

This six-in-one course bundle provides comprehensive training on project management. The bundle includes the following courses:

  • PMP certification training: It will prepare you for the PMP certification exam.
  • Microsoft project training: You will learn how to use Microsoft Project to plan, track and manage projects.
  • Agile scrum certification training: This course will teach you the principles and practices of agile scrum methodology.
  • PMP exams and math lectures: It covers the essential math concepts and formulas needed to pass the PMP certification exam.
  • Free PMP training: Offers a comprehensive overview of project management concepts and techniques, key principles and best practices.
  • Free agile scrum training: This course introduces agile methodology and the scrum framework.

Whether you’re new to project management or looking to enhance your skills and knowledge, this bundle is a carefully curated resource designed to help you excel in your project management career.

Course details

Price Pricing starts at $137 per month. You can also choose to pay $770 for one year of access or $1,247 for lifetime access.
Time to complete 70+ hours
Prerequisites required No prerequisites required.
Flexible schedule Yes
Difficulty All levels - beginner, intermediate and advanced
Includes Tested certificate of participation Yes
Who should take this course? This course is ideal for beginners and seasoned project managers looking to upskill.

Coursera: Engineering Project Management Specialization

Authored by experts from Rice Center for Engineering Leadership, this course is designed for professionals looking to specialize in engineering project management. This course will teach you how to initiate and plan engineering projects and provide tools to develop a project scope, schedule and budget. You’ll also learn how to manage risks, control the quality of the deliverables, engage and manage people and procure goods and services.

Course details

Price $49 per month
Time to complete 2 months at 10 hours a week
Prerequisites required No prerequisites required.
Flexible schedule Self-paced
Difficulty Beginner
Includes Tested certificate of participation Yes
Who should take this course? Professional engineers who are interested in advancing into leadership and management roles.

Pluralsight: Project Management for Software Engineers

If you’re a software engineer with a knack for organization and leadership, you might find this project management course authored by Michael Krasowski interesting. The course teaches you the practical elements of working with customers, people, technology and processes. You’ll learn project management fundamentals, planning, control and execution.

Course details

Price You will need a Pluralsight membership at $29 per month.
Time to complete 4h 50m
Prerequisites required No prerequisites required
Flexible schedule Self-paced
Difficulty Beginner
Includes Tested certificate of participation Yes
Who should take this course? Software engineers

Cybrary: Enterprise Project Management

Cybrary’s enterprise project management is designed for those who have achieved the PMP credential through PMI or those pursuing PMP certification. This course covers several project management aspects, including:

  • Projects, operations and organizational progress.
  • Building a project charter.
  • Project planning, execution and closure.
  • Organizational structures and agile planning.
  • Business analysis and complex modeling.
  • Enterprise project planning, execution and governance.
  • Enterprise change management.
  • Case studies.

Course details

Price Free
Time to complete 5h 53m
Prerequisites required No prerequisites required
Flexible schedule Self-paced
Difficulty Intermediate
Includes Tested certificate of participation Yes
Who should take this course? PMPs and aspiring PMPs

PRINCE2 6th Edition Foundation

Another great course for beginners is the Prince2 6th Edition Foundation online course. Prince2 has over 500K graduates worldwide and is a recognized leading project management course provider. This course will teach you how to create a business case, plan and manage change, as well as quality assurance, project scoping and deliverables.

Course details

Price $1,185.75 for one-year access
Time to complete 20 hours
Prerequisites required No prerequisites required
Flexible schedule Yes
Difficulty Beginner
Includes Tested certificate of participation Yes
Who should take this course? Project managers and professionals supporting projects

Cornell University: Project Management Certificate Program

Unlike the other project management courses we have reviewed so far, Cornell’s Project Management Certificate Program is an instructor-led online PM certification course. The program is designed for professionals who want to enhance their knowledge of project management. You will acquire 50 project management education hours towards your PMP certification when you complete this course.

Course details

Price $2,730 or $830 per month
Time to complete 3 months at 3–5 hours per week
Prerequisites required Knowledge of project management
Flexible schedule No - Instructor-led course
Difficulty Intermediate/advanced
Includes Tested certificate of participation Yes
Who should take this course? Team leaders, managers and aspiring PMPs

Tips for choosing the right project management course

When shopping for the best project management course for you, it’s essential to identify your learning goals. For instance, if you want to advance your career or look for higher-paying jobs, certification courses such as PMP or PRINCE2 can enhance your credibility and job prospects in the field. Your current professional stage and knowledge level will help you determine the kind of course to select:

  • Zero or limited project management knowledge? Go for a beginner course.
  • Need to widen your knowledge? Intermediate PM courses may help you align with the current industry trends.
  • Need advanced certification to advance your career? Look for PMP courses from recognized providers similar to the ones we listed above.

Before settling for a particular course and provider, make sure you do your due diligence.

  • Review the course syllabus.
  • Consider the course delivery method, duration and flexibility.
  • Consider the instructor’s qualifications and expertise.
  • Consider the cost of the course and weigh it against the value you’ll gain.

Ensure that the course provider is accredited by a recognized body in the field of project management, such as the Project Management Institute, Certified International Project Manager or Certified Associate in Project Management.

Frequently asked questions about online project management courses

We answered some commonly asked questions about online PM courses to help you determine the best course for you.

Which is the best certification for project management?

The best project management certification for you depends on your current career goals, experience level and industry. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or expert, the courses we analyzed in this guide are top-tiers and are suitable for different experience levels.

Is a PMP course worth it?

Yes, it is worth it 100%. For example, obtaining a project management professional certification can provide several benefits, such as career advancement, increased earning potential and industry recognition.

Are there free online project management courses?

Yes, there are several free project management courses. Cybrary’s enterprise project management is a free project management course.

Are online project management courses accredited, and does accreditation matter?

Not all online project management courses are accredited, and accreditation can be an important factor to consider when choosing a course.

Accreditation matters because it assures that a reputable organization has evaluated the course or certification program and meets recognized industry standards. Accredited courses are more likely to be recognized and accepted by employers and professional organizations.

What is the difference between project management certifications and online courses?

Project management certifications are designed to validate your knowledge and expertise in project management — they usually require passing an exam. They may have prerequisites, such as a certain number of hours of project management experience. Conversely, online courses are educational programs that provide you with knowledge and skills in project management. They may or may not lead to a certification.

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Agile Scrum Online Training

Agile Scrum Online Training

Are you a professional working in a project management role and curious about Agile Scrum? Or maybe you are already using Agile project management with Scrum training but want to get a refresher or expand your knowledge. Whether you are new to Agile or have been running sprints, Drexel’s Goodwin College of Professional Studies offers paths and courses to get up to speed about Agile Scrum:

  • Professional Skill Tracks  – Be prepared for the hybrid job economy that demands professionals to have a blend of technical and essential “soft” skills. PSTs deliver you the flexibility to choose a foundational or advanced tracks to advance your career in project management. Visit The Skills Hub for more information>
  • Agile Scrum Courses (below) – These two-day workshops are designed for novice to experienced project management professionals who have limited to advanced knowledge and/or experience levels in Agile Scrum

Experience Levels

  1. No prior knowledge, some knowledge and/or experience with Agile
    Recommended courses: Agile Team and User Stories
  2. Moderate to advanced knowledge and/or experience with Agile 
    Recommended courses: Agile Team and User Stories
  3. Moderate to advanced knowledge and/or experience with Agile
    Recommended courses: Product Owner, Scrum Master, Business Analyst and Agile Tester

Drexel's Agile courses are aligned with the goals of the Project Management Institute's Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)Ÿ credential. By enrolling in these courses, you can prepare for the certification exam and earn the PDUs needed to maintain your status as an Agile pro. Along with the courses listed below, we also offer training in related areas like Lean Six Sigma, information technology and business analysis.

What is Agile? What is Scrum?

According to the State of Agile Survey, approximately 60 percent of projects are Agile—a project management approach based on delivering requirements iteratively and incrementally throughout the life cycle. Scrum is an Agile methodology that includes a simple set of principles and practices that help teams deliver products in short cycles, enabling fast feedback, continual improvement and rapid adaptation to change.

Scrum has the power to transform project management across every industry and every business. By using Scrum, you become more Agile, discovering how to react more quickly and respond more accurately to the inevitable change that is associated with projects.

When companies become Agile, they have a greater chance of project success. If your company is using waterfall and exploring adopting Agile, consider about Agile project management with Scrum training for your employees. Talk to us about getting a complimentary training skills gap analysis and our multiple employee discount.

Agile Scrum Course Offerings

For further details upcoming course dates and information, please contact: goodwin.ce@drexel.edu or call 215.895.2154

Agile Scrum Team Workshop

Duration: 2 days

Dates: To be determined

Cost: $1,100

CEUs: 1.6

PDUs: 16

This two-day Agile Scrum training utilizes an immersive learning approach which allows you to practice the Agile Scrum techniques as you learn them. You will create Agile teams and simulate an genuine sprint using a chosen project. You will also conduct five scrum ceremonies while creating user stories, product backlogs, scrum boards, burn down charts, and participate in a daily meeting, demo and retrospective—all while using your chosen project as a case study for the exercises.

Register Now

User Story Workshop

Duration: 2 days

Dates: To be determined

Cost: $1,100

CEUs: 1.6

PDUs: 16

Learn how to define and manage high-level requirements effectively and demonstrate alternative ways of documenting requirements and managing changes using the Agile Scrum methodology. subjects will also cover product backlog management including epic decomposition, acceptance criteria (Gherkin & Bullet technique), story point estimation, and prioritization.

Register Now

Product Owner Workshop

Duration: 2 days

Dates: To be determined

Cost: $1,100

CEUs: 1.6

PDUs: 16

As you move through the disciplines promoted by Scrum, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the role of the Product Owner. Specifically, you will focus on the behaviors expected of this important Agile team member. Though many are familiar with the practice of establishing value and priority across projects, the Product Owner needs to consider value and priority across the features of a single project. This two-day course will explain the Product Owner’s role, responsibilities, prioritization consideration, commitment to the team, velocity and story points, and many other tips and tricks for helping the Agile team to succeed.

For further details upcoming course dates and information, please contact: goodwin.ce@drexel.edu or call 215.895.2154

Scrum Master Workshop

Duration: 2 days

Dates: To be determined

Cost: $1,100

CEUs: 1.6

PDUs: 16

This two-day course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the Scrum methodology while specifically reviewing the behaviors expected of a Scrum Master. This course is suitable for those practicing or looking to practice the art of the Scrum Master, but is highly valuable for others as well. The course specifically address, setting & adjusting the team’s velocity, facilitating the daily meetings, motivating the team, handling impediments, etc.

For further details upcoming course dates and information, please contact: goodwin.ce@drexel.edu or call 215.895.2154

Agile for Business Analysts

Duration: 2 days

Dates: To be determined

Cost: $1,100

CEUs: 1.6

PDUs: 16

In this two-day course, you gain an understanding about Agile business analysis. You will learn the similarities and differences of business analysis on an Agile project versus business analysis performed on Waterfall projects. Furthermore, you will understand how the business analysis role changes on an Agile team. A number of business analysis techniques suited for supporting Agile teams will be introduced as will the various standards available to the community to help make the transition from Waterfall to Agile. Since few organizations are purely Agile, you will also learn about delivery approaches that use a combination of practices from Waterfall and Agile. Throughout your learning, you will be introduced to the important concept of business analysis tailoring—the key skill used to adapt business analysis skills to all environments—regardless of the delivery life cycle selected.

For further details upcoming course dates and information, please contact: goodwin.ce@drexel.edu or call 215.895.2154

Agile for Testers

Duration: 2 days

Dates: To be determined

Cost: $1,100

CEUs: 1.6

PDUs: 16

This two-day Agile for Testers course looks at the Agile team issues that drive the need for a fully functional testing process and describes the components of such a process. It is designed to help Agile teams with an understanding of their role, the process and the deliverables associated with lighter-weight testing.

For further details upcoming course dates and information, please contact: goodwin.ce@drexel.edu or call 215.895.2154

Agile Scrum Basics For Professionals

Duration: 1 day

Agile Scrum Basics for Professionals is a seven-hour non-credit course designed for leaders and practitioners across a variety of industries to learn how the Agile Scrum methodology and framework can streamline your projects.

Learn More

Agile Scrum career pathways:

There are many job opportunities for professionals with experience and certification in Agile Scrum. When you start as a Certified Product Owner, Certified Scrum Master or Certified Scrum Developer, you can then move on to Certified Scrum Professional. Once you are that level, you then have teaching and coaching capabilities as a Certified Scrum Trainer, Certified Enterprise Coach or a Certified Team Coach.

Agile Scrum career pathway flowchart

Project Management Institute Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

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What Is Project Management? (Comprehensive Guide)

What Is Project Management?

Project management is oversight of the entire project lifecycle and involves using various tools and techniques to help ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. Project management tools and techniques also allow for more granular insights into various sub-tasks within a larger project. By combining these different overview and granular management techniques, the entire project is easier to manage.

Project management began as quality management initiatives, mostly in the engineering and manufacturing fields. Today, it is used in everything from marketing, healthcare, digital marketing and sales.

It’s important to note that project management differs from ongoing management within a department. Project management is focused on initiatives and goals, while ongoing management is focused on operations.


What Are the Benefits of Project Management?

The main benefit of project management is that it increases project efficiency, which in turn lowers costs and decreases the time needed for completion.

It’s not uncommon for initiatives within an organization to be over budget and over schedule. Looking back, it’s often easy to see where things went wrong, but during the project, there are limited insights and ways to keep things on track.

Project management techniques help to solve this by essentially breaking larger, cumbersome projects into more easily manageable deliverables. Each of these can be managed as part of the whole.

The result is that projects stay on schedule and within budget while delivering a product of substantially higher quality.


What Are Basic Project Management Concepts?

While different project management methodologies may use their own unique terms, they all follow essentially the same core concepts.

First, the project is broken down into phases or what is sometimes referred to as the project lifecycle, as follows:

  1.       Project initiation
  2.       Project planning
  3.       Project execution
  4.       Project monitoring and controlling
  5.       Project closing

Each of these phases will have its own tasks. For example, during the initiation and planning process, the project manager will deal with scheduling, project scope and the cost of the project. This area is often referred to as the triple constraint of project management (time-scope-cost). This phase will also involve bringing in stakeholders and getting corporate approval for the project to show that the end goal provides value for customers.

Next comes the execution and monitoring of the project and the individual deliverables or stages along the way. The original concepts of time, scope and budget still play a key role in this process, as adjustments can be made to maintain the overall goals within a successful project. Finally, the complete project is delivered and the end goal is met. Any issues or risks along the way will be documented to Improve efficiency in subsequent projects.


What Are the Best Project Management Methodologies?

Project management methodologies have the same goals, but they achieve those goals in different ways and by using different workflows. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Each one also tends to be more appropriate for specific fields or industries.

Below are the most popular project methodologies and what sets them apart.

Waterfall

Waterfall project management is focused on linear task completion and adherence to a strict timeline and task completion order. The sequence of completion for tasks is rigid in Waterfall project management. Waterfall works best for repeated and predictable projects. However, it doesn’t work well when flexibility is needed or previous tasks need to be revisited.

Agile

Agile is a flexible project management methodology and has become popular in software development where the goal is constant improvement over time. Agile focuses less on rigid sequences and more on an iterative approach that tries to Improve a product through a triage type of system to address issues.

Scrum

Scrum is a type of Agile project management and is based on team efforts led by a Scrum Master. Scrums are categorized by unique techniques, such as sprints, where an entire team works towards one goal. Scrum works well for collaborative and team environments but can be adapted to other situations as well.

Lean

Lean project management focuses on getting the most results from the lowest amount of resources. It does this by prioritizing efficiency and eliminating wasteful redundancies or tasks not directly related to the end goal. Lean can work well for organizations looking to cut costs or Improve efficiency.

Critical Path

Critical Path is a component of other popular project management methodologies. It focuses on the longest sequence of events from the start of a project to the end. This is defined as the critical path. The time needed for each step along the path is then determined via an algorithmic flow chart.

Kanban

Kanban is based on the Agile framework, providing a visual way of managing and monitoring a complex project. A “Kanban board” is used, and the board provides an overview of a project at a glance. The board contains cards that represent tasks or project goals. The cards are moved between columns as they reach different stages of completion.

Other visualization tools are used in the project management process, such as Gantt charts. These provide a more linear look at tasks and the relation each task has to the other.


With the popularity of project management in many industries, a host of tools have been developed to help with various aspects of project management and methodologies.

Scheduling and Planning Tools

Most project management tools will have scheduling and planning tools. These tools help with the initial phases of project development.

Dashboards

Dashboards allow project managers and individual team members to quickly see the information they need at a glance. When choosing project management software, the ability to customize dashboards is an important feature to look for.

Collaboration Platforms

Some project management solutions prioritize collaborative efforts either through built-in tools or enhanced communication integration. These collaborative tools can include software you may already be using. For example, if your teams already use Slack extensively, a project management solution that integrates with Slack can help you maintain your current workflow.

Budgeting and Expense Tracking

Different industries will require different levels of budgeting and expense tracking. Some project management tools offer enhanced integrations with popular business software. For example, Zoho Projects offers detailed time tracking and expense reporting along with integrations for popular accounting apps.

Resource Management

Resource management can be crucial during the project management process. Some project management solutions, such as Wrike, prioritize this aspect of project management and offer advanced reporting and analytics to monitor resource allocation and management.

Documentation

For project managers, teams and stakeholders, documentation is vital to improving project strategies and analyzing their effectiveness. Robust reporting and analytical tools are key to providing proper documentation before, during and after the project objectives have been reached.


What Are the Most Important Project Management Skills?

Collaboration

Collaboration is a key component of any project. Being able to work across teams efficiently leads to better outcomes and lower costs. Fostering an environment that rewards effective collaboration and offering the tools needed for collaboration are all part of this essential skill.

Communication

Communication in project management is about openness and trust. Everyone involved in the project should feel as though their voice can be heard. Team members should also never feel thinking about asking for clarification or where to turn if they hit a roadblock.

Leadership

Leadership is about building trust. Even if you don’t have a leadership role in a specific project, you can still project the qualities of a leader. This creates a sense of support among the team, knowing everyone is playing their part and that reaching the goal is everyone’s responsibility.

Organization

Organization is needed at every step of project management. A good project manager should have a solid grasp of organizing complex problems and systems. They also need to understand which project management tools will help them best keep the project and the team organized.

Time Management

Without time management, the project will quickly deteriorate and fall behind schedule. Project management tools and methodologies have many features to help with time management. A good team and project manager will know which methodologies will work best for their time management needs.


What Is a Project Management Framework?

You can think of the project management framework as an outline or blueprint for the project or goal. In general, the framework will consist of three main components. The first is the lifecycle of the project. This describes the initial planning, execution, management and completion of the project. Other areas considered during this phase are risk management, budgeting and scheduling.

Next in the framework is the project control cycle. This involves the management of the project, reporting and communicating with stakeholders regarding progress.

Finally, there are the tools and templates to be used to complete the entire project management task. Many effective project management methodologies have predefined strategies, templates and tools that can quickly and easily be adapted for a given project.


What Are the Components of a Project Management Plan?

A project management plan outlines the entire project process. It will contain baselines for the scope of the project, the schedule of the project and the costs. Baselines are important in project management as they provide guidelines and metrics to which managers should adhere. Another component will be the management plan. This outlines how the baselines will be managed as the project moves along.

Next up will be change management. This involves both project management and team management. This involves implementing the changes necessary to reach the end goals of the project. Finally, there will need to be process improvement. This is like an after-action report so that improvements can be made team-wide to Improve efficiencies.


What Are Common Project Management Roles?

Project management can include many roles. The most prominent begins with the sponsor. This is the individual or group that is calling for the project to be implemented. This can be the owner of the business, executives or a working group. Next is the project manager. This role is tasked with overseeing the project at various stages along the way. Some projects may have other similar roles, such as project creative manager, program manager and other roles specific to the project. Project managers are often certified by various groups, such as the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Next are project team members. These are members tasked within the project to contribute and complete milestones to move the project toward completion. In project management, you’ll also often hear about stakeholders. A stakeholder can be any person or group who has a vested interest in the completion and the success of the project. These are the most common roles, but each project can have other specific roles if needed to more efficiently design, manage and execute the project.


Which Industries Utilize Project Management?

Many fields and industries today use project management methodologies.

For example, an IT department may be tasked with rolling out a new piece of software company-wide. Utilizing project management methodologies allows for a smooth and predictable roll-out. The planning phase also lets stakeholders determine if the value is worth the expense.

In software development, an app or SaaS provider may use Agile methodologies to Improve the product and address bugs in the software. New feature requests and service requests are represented as specific tasks in the Agile framework. These are triaged based on importance and then addressed one by one until completion.

This Agile software example is a more continuous type of project management versus a single project. However, project management methodologies work equally well in both settings, and that type of flexibility across industries and applications is one of its main strengths.


The Bottom Line

Project management provides a reliable and proven set of tools to efficiently complete a wide variety of projects and initiatives. These proven tools help to keep projects on schedule and within budget at each step along the way.

These common project management skills and tools can be used by virtually every industry or organization that is focused on improving efficiency and the quality of the product or service they offer to customers.


Tue, 14 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0600 en-US text/html https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/business/what-is-project-management/
Sustainable Product Development Using Agile and Value Stream Mapping

Sustainable product development can be done by combining agile with concepts from the circular economy in our daily work. Value stream mapping can be extended to incorporate circular economy principles to optimize the flow of materials, information, and energy usage.

Ines Garcia spoke about sustainable product development using agile and value stream mapping at XP 2023.

The aim of sustainable product development is to build products that endure over time, Garcia mentioned. We can support sustainable product development using concepts from the circular economy in our daily work.

Being sustainable is not just about the product itself. It’s also about the people, time, the energy involved in the process, and the consumption that its existence requires, Garcia said. If any single part of the process cannot be maintained over time, it’s unsustainable, Garcia argued.

Garcia explained that when agile is truly embedded in the fabric of an organisation, the practices enable businesses to be adaptable, efficient, and sustainable:

By embracing circular economy principles, agile practitioners can reduce their environmental footprint, focus on value impact, and minimize waste. Agile promotes collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, all of which align with the goals of the circular economy.

Designing products for re-use involves considering their entire lifecycle, from raw materials to end-of-life disposal. Think up and downstream activities, which includes modular design, using durable and recyclable materials, and implementing take-back programs, Garcia said.

According to Garcia, the benefits of designing products for re-use are reduced resource consumption, minimized waste generation, cost savings through product longevity (this also includes software!), and the creation of new revenue streams through product-as-a-service models.

Value stream mapping is a common agile practice in our toolbox. Garcia came up with the concept of extending it to incorporate circular economy principles by mapping the entire value stream, identifying areas of waste and inefficiency, and evaluating the feasibility of circular strategies at each step:

You bring together representatives of each vertical section of your system map and collaborate to outline time spent in between each vertical area. Think of it being in a queue ready to be consumed by the next vertical step. This way you can co-create ways to streamline it.

The common practice of value stream mapping only looks at one variable: time. Garcia enriched it with variables beyond "time"; including materials and energy, to find the leverage points and how to streamline it throughout the whole value chain.

Organisations can identify opportunities to reduce waste, extend product lifetimes, and recover valuable materials. Value stream mapping helps optimize the flow of materials, information, and energy within a circular value stream, Garcia concluded.

InfoQ interviewed Ines Garcia about designing products for re-use and and infusing sustainability in retrospectives.

InfoQ: How can we design products for re-use and what benefits can that bring?

Ines Garcia: As an example of moving the concept of the product from material-based to value-based, let’s look at lightning. Putting our circular economy hats on, lightning as product-as-a-service is a circular business model which for example Signify adopted.

The circular economy approach includes:

  • Performance-based payments: Customers pay a monthly fee based on lighting system performance, reducing resource consumption and promoting longer product life cycles.
  • Reusability and recyclability: the manufacturer therefore designs lighting fixtures for easy repair, replacement, and eventual reuse/recycling, minimizing waste generation.
  • Energy efficiency: professional management of lighting systems optimizes energy consumption, resulting in significant energy savings and reduced emissions.
  • Reduced capital costs: adopting similar models eliminates the need for upfront capital investment, making efficient solutions more accessible to businesses and organizations.

InfoQ: How can we infuse sustainability and circularity into agile retrospectives?

Garcia: You may have heard of "Planet as a Stakeholder" retrospective format suggested by Marjolein Pilon, which uses green software engineering to find answers and practical ideas on reducing carbon footprint as a Scrum team. This format can also be used to support circular development.

You can create your own take on the core of Circular Economy:

  • Keep products and materials in use for as long as possible
  • Reduce waste and pollution and
  • Regenerate natural systems

You may want to design the retrospective to start with a "Planet Check-In" to raise awareness of the environmental impact, then move to review green software engineering principles, then gather individual input on the current state and desired improvements, and bring it to a close by collectively choosing actions that promote circularity and sustainability.

This helps teams reflect on their practices and identify opportunities for positive change. I believe that any concept of sustainability can be downscaled to industries, supply chains, organisations, departments, teams, communities, households, and individuals.

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 12:00:00 -0500 en text/html https://www.infoq.com/news/2023/10/sustainable-product-development/
The 8 best online resume services of 2023, per a career expert

In the mix of college assignments and perhaps your 9-to-5, piecing together an attractive resume for employers can be a difficult feat.

Not only is this one-pager the bread and butter of what will lead to a first-round interview (fingers crossed!), but it’s an excellent portrayal of your skillset, employment history and unique skills that help a company’s HR department gauge if you’re the right fit.

Not to mention, #SeptemberSurge is trending on TikTok, indicating a 2023 seasonal shift toward a hiring increase and a surplus of new positions. The solution? Getting your resume up to speed.

Whether you’re a senior in college applying for your first full-time job or you’ve been in the biz for years and are looking to segue into a different role, we rounded up the best online resume services you can use to help get your application in tip-top shape.

Not only that, but we interviewed a career expert on the different types of online resume services and what you can expect when enrolling in one of their services. In other words, consider this your all-you-can-ask-for guide to write your resume like a pro.

Click to jump to the best online resume services:

Which resume service is best?

The golden question, right? This depends mostly on your career goals. A range of services are available, and many are now even offered through LinkedIn. 

“When considering a resume service, it is important to consider the extent of guidance you are seeking,” Shannon Conklin, director of career and leadership development at The College of New Jersey — with 15 years of experience in higher education — told the New York Post.

“Are you overhauling your resume? Are you transitioning industries and need to consider a different format or approach? What are your financial resources to pay for one, or should you explore services offered from your alma mater or current institution if you are a current or graduate of higher education?”

You’ll also want to consider the resume services’ reputation, Conklin suggests: Are there reviews or endorsements of a service, especially if you are paying for one? What is the background, and is the resume service aligned with your industry of interest? 

Is it worth paying for a resume service?

“It depends on the service and one’s circumstances as to whether it is ‘worth’ paying for the service,” Conklin says. “There are very reputable services out there, especially for more experienced career seekers. If you’re transitioning to a new field, or you are seeking to move to a senior or executive level, it could definitely be worth the cost.”

As a preliminary step, Conklin advises to really make sure you are an informed consumer when considering a resume service, and if you should pay or if you have a network or connections you can leverage for advice first. 

How much does it cost to get your resume professionally done?

“When an individual pays for a resume service, there may be a flat rate, or it is calculated on an hourly rate and requires at least two sessions,” Conklin explains. “For example, it could cost $150 for a single session.”

However, there are resume services that can significantly exceed that rate and are part of a package that might include a quick return and other support, from LinkedIn to interview coaching, that is over $600, she highlights.

What to include on your resume, according to an expert

“Your story is the focus of your resume, and it is critical to be honest and reflect on how you want to tell that, ultimately,” Conklin notes. “The order also depends on the stage of your career (early, mid, senior, executive) and the industry you are seeking.”

In academia, for example, you’ll see a curriculum vitae (CV) that is pages long to reflect one’s research, publications, and roles held. In financial services, you would have a one-page resume until you have significant work experience. Or, in the creative fields, you may have a one-page resume and then an online portfolio or website that exhibits your work to complement your resume, she explains.

“No matter the field you are pursuing, you always want to make sure you list your experiences in reverse chronological order, you include your education/training, think of the keywords and skills (and make sure those are prominently displayed and included), and also think of what is most relevant,” she lists. “The most relevant should be at the top.”

It is also key to consider Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), automated review systems that scan resumes as part of an organization’s vetting process. “The format could align or cause issues with an ATS system,” Conklin adds. “This is why it’s important to do your research, leverage any connections you have to gain insights into a field and their preferred format and get advice on keywords, skills and experiences to include.”

Best Online Resume Services


TopResume

TopResume

TopResume is a beloved favorite — and for a good reason. It has four different packages depending on your career goals, some of which include unlimited revisions, a LinkedIn makeover, a cover letter and two interview prep sessions.

With TopResume, you also get a 60-day interview guarantee. If you don’t get twice as many interviews, the platform will rewrite your resume for free. It’s pretty top tier, to say the least.


Let’s Eat, Grandma Resume Service

Let's Eat, Grandma

Humorous name aside, resume service Let’s Eat, Grandma has a laser focus on punctuation (as you can tell because nobody intends to write that they’d like to eat their grandmother on a professional document) — as well as resume formatting. What’s great about this platform, specifically, is its vast packages, ranging from drafting your resume to offering cover letter and networking services to help boost your career trajectory.

What’s more, you’ll be assisted by a team of highly skilled writers who create targeted documents to help boost your chances of getting an interview. They’ll also speak to your unique strengths — and, therefore, amplify them on your resume — to tie your entire professional portfolio of experience together.


Resume Companion

Resume Companion

With Resume Companion, you’ll be able to build your resume step by step, from selecting a professional template to answering a few simple questions to have your experience and skills added directly to your digital file. Namely, if you’re not much of a writer, you’ll appreciate its pre-written work experience bullet points to craft your resume in minutes and then apply away.

Not to mention, it’s only $8 a month, so if you want a one-and-done service, this one’s your best bet. Keep in mind that you will have to renew your subscription to edit in the future, but it’s a great budget-friendly option to pursue if you don’t want to be completely in the dark.


Resumeble

Resumeble

Resumeble not only has a fun name, but it includes a resume and cover letter in its baseline package. If you’d like to upgrade, you can receive a LinkedIn write-up, a second resume version, thank you and follow-up notes and cold emails to recruiters.

This all-in-one service is fairly priced and is one of the best for its pick-and-choose structure: if you’re only looking to refresh your LinkedIn, you’ll just pay a one-time $99 fee. For just your resume, it’s a one-time purchase of $129 for the service.


BrandResumes

BrandResumes

BrandResumes made the cut as one of our top choices for online resume services for a few reasons: it’s one of the platforms best for ATS keyword optimization and formatting for interviews, LinkedIn branding and a customizable interface. If you buy the deluxe package, you’ll have your resume distributed across the 60 top job boards (including industry-specific ones), so you’ll spend less time applying.


TopStack Resume

TopStack Resume

TopStack Resume is a force to be reckoned with in the career development sphere. Notably, it’s one of the only services to provide career consulting. So, in addition to resume and cover letter formatting, you have the option to partake in one-on-one sessions with a career advisor.

Plus, TopStack Resume is unique in that it has a team of well-qualified writers to ensure your one-pager is the best it can be. At a fair price point, you can always upgrade to add on more benefits in the future.


ResumeSpice

ResumeSpice

ResumeSpice is ready to add that much-needed spice to your resume. It doesn’t just provide three different package options, but it specifically tells you which one would work best for you. For example, if you have no more than two years in the workforce, you should select its baseline package ($449) that includes a phone consultation, an eye-catching resume format, keyword optimization, a personalized draft, two rounds of revisions based on your feedback and finalized versions in both Microsoft Word and PDF formats.

Plus, ResumeSpice offers other Ă  la carte services, too, including cover letter help, LinkedIn profile revamping, interview preparation and career coaching.


Craft Resumes

Craft Resumes

Craft Resumes has an engaging, user-friendly interface that makes resume-building a fun, less stressful process. With ATS keyword optimization and a dedicated writer on your resume, rest assured that it will be in a healthy state to pass along to recruiters and job posters.

For its most popular package, The Basic, you’ll have access to a single writer and unlimited revisions (which is a score compared to some other services on this list), strong and optimized words, unique formatting and a cover letter to increase your chances of landing an interview. However, Craft Resumes has other great packages worth exploring.


Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0500 en-US text/html https://nypost.com/article/best-resume-writing-services-per-experts/
NBA Roundtable: Can James Harden and the Clippers figure it out?

The last week in the NBA has been marred by on-court drama, from the scuffle between the Warriors and the Timberwolves to the slumping Clippers. But the bright spots in the league have also been impossible to ignore.

Let's take a look at the current state of the league with FOX Sports' panel of NBA reporters, Ric Bucher, Melissa Rohlin and Yaron Weitzman.

1. The NBA suspended Draymond Green five games after he placed Rudy Gobert in a chokehold on Tuesday. What are your thoughts on the league's punishment? Too harsh, too lenient?

Weitzman: I'll say it's a Goldilocks-level of just right. For one, it was a ridiculous reaction. You can't place opponents in chokeholds (this would seem to be something most players already know), and it's even worse when you remember that Green wasn't involved in the original altercation. He went out of his way to do this. Add in his history and five games feels right.

Rohlin: I think the NBA had no choice here. Between Green's history and the length of time he held Gobert in the headlock, the league needed to make a statement. Five games is punitive, but the headlock was excessive. Also, considering Green's and Gobert's contentious past, it seemed pointed. All of that acknowledged, I will say this: If I could pick one player in the league to have my back during a bar fight, it would be Green. And I'll add that I'm relieved the suspension wasn't longer, which would've been Draconian. I saw some analysts calling for 10-plus games. Much more dangerous plays transpire on the court (pushes from behind, feet undercutting shooters) with far fewer repercussions.

Bucher: Feels heavy-handed — three games (which would actually be four counting Tuesday's game) would've been plenty. I could do a frame-by-frame breakdown of the incident to illustrate why what Draymond did wound up looking far more malicious than maybe he intended. I chalk this up to his history with Gobert in particular and reputation in general, as much as anything. And there's a conversation to be had about whether or not that's fair. Are enforcers in hockey punished based on their history/reputation? I don't think so, because it is an understood part of their role on the team. I look at Draymond the same way — he is the Warriors' enforcer. It is, implicitly or explicitly, what the team itself counts on from him. My skepticism about the punishment fitting the crime is also fueled by the fact that the league in general has become ridiculously hypersensitive to any and all demonstrable action, whether it be foul or a post-dunk reaction or a teammate jumping into a scrum. It is killing the game.

Did Draymond Green cross the line? | Speak

2. Scuffle aside, things appear to be looking up for the Timberwolves, who are now 8-2 on the season. What do you think has contributed to their leap and is it sustainable?

Weitzman: The biggest difference is that Rudy Gobert is back to being Rudy Gobert. He's swatting 3.4 shots per 100 possessions; that number plummeted to 2.1 last season. With Gobert manning the back line and once again playing like the three-time Defensive Player of the Year that he is, the Wolves have been able to stifle opposing offenses — right now they boast the league's top defensive rating. Combine that with another small leap being made by Anthony Edwards and you have the outline of an elite team.

Rohlin: Anthony Edwards is averaging career-highs in points (26), field goal percentage (46.7 %) and 3-point percentage (37.1 %). Karl-Anthony Towns has been consistently dominant. And Rudy Gobert is pouring himself into the defensive end, while averaging a career-high 4.2 offensive rebounds a game. That's a recipe for success. All of the Timberwolves' key cogs are playing at an elite level, with both Edwards and Gobert making improvements from last season. This team could be better than any of us thought. 

Bucher: I expected them to make this leap last year when they acquired Mike Conley for D'Angelo Russell. I knew Conley, having played with Gobert in Utah, would know how to get him going. But six games together, all healthy, just wasn't enough. Then they lost Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels to injuries (McDaniels punching a wall in frustration and breaking his hand) and that ended any hope of their first-round series against the eventual champions being competitive.

I also knew Conley would be a governor to Anthony Edwards, who is wildly talented but isn't the greatest of decision-makers. I constantly see those two huddled in the locker room before and after games talking strategy. I was in the Timberwolves' locker room after the game and learned two things that say a lot about where this team is: Edwards told me his pass to Conley for a dagger 3 was his first game-icing or game-winning dime — however you want to define it — ever, and he was as thrilled as if he'd made the shot. I also asked Kyle Anderson if the TWolves would've won this kind of game a year ago, dealing with the early distractions and facing a feisty, proud, undermanned team, at home, that they'd already beaten soundly two nights earlier. "No way," he said.

3. Which player has surpassed your expectations with their play this season?

Weitzman: The obvious answer here is Tyrese Maxey. I knew he was good, and so did the Sixers. But I don't think anyone expected him to be this good so fast. And by this good I mean All-NBA level. His numbers are ridiculous. He's averaging 27.6 points, 6.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting a scorching 43% from deep. He's gotten better on the defensive end, too. It's one of the more impressive leaps we've seen in recent years and — given how tenuous things appeared to be in Philly during the whole James Harden saga — it could end up being one of the most impactful. 

Rohlin: Definitely Maxey. He went from being a promising young player to looking like a bonafide star this season. With Harden gone, Maxey has fully embraced the role of being the perfect complement to reigning MVP Joel Embiid. He not only filled the Harden void, but he has blasted through it to create his own imprint. He has taken the greatest leap this season of any player this season.  

Bucher: Kyrie Irving. His scoring is down, but his assists are up and his turnovers are down; stats can be misleading, but not in this case. He's had much more of a pass-first mentality than I've ever seen before, he's pushing the tempo yet making sound decisions. He looks happy and focused, which we haven't been able to say about him for the last few years. I'm truly enjoying this renaissance.

A close second is Nikola Jokic. As great as he's been in the past, he is playing now like he KNOWS he's the best player in the league and is looking to impose his will on every game, every possession. Some of that may be because Jamal Murray is out, but the fact remains, Jokic looks like an unstoppable force, even more so than he did leading the Nuggets to their first championship.

4. The Clippers are still searching for their first win of the James Harden era. How confident are you that they'll figure things out with their star-studded core? Please explain your answer.

Weitzman: It depends how we define "figure things out." I think they'll eventually figure out a way to make the whole thing work, but I also don't see this group inserting itself into the championship conversation. They're too small and the stars all play too slow. Harden was supposed to help the Clippers get easy shots, but watch them play and what you'll see is just another ball-dominant star going 1-on-1. The Clippers already had enough of that. And if you're relying on someone like Daniel Theis to be the savior, well, you're probably in trouble.

Rohlin: The Clippers only needed to look down the hall to remember that adding more superstars to a team doesn't necessarily make the team better. After all, the Russell Westbrook-Los Angeles Lakers experiment was a complete disaster. Now, it seems as though the Clippers are going through their own iteration of that with a roster of four future Hall of Famers (Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Westbrook and Harden) who can't figure out how to effectively co-exist. They have too many stars who like the ball in their hands. No one knows when to defer or take over. Where's the defense? (They're 24th in the league.) It appears as though this is one of those rosters that look incredible on paper, but doesn't translate into championship-level success.

Bucher: Not at all. The four of them — Harden, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Russ Westbrook — still see themselves as the great players they once were. They're good players now, not great. Which means if they're going to win they need to focus on the menial tasks that allow good players to be great. Win the energy contest. Defend. Sacrifice for each other. Move the ball. Move without the ball. They don't seem to have the first clue about who they actually are at this stage of their careers and what it will take for them to win.

Are the Clippers doomed? | Undisputed

5. It sounds like the Bulls are prepared to have a fire sale, starting with two-time All-Star Zach LaVine. Is there a team LaVine moves the needle for? Are there any other Bulls players you think can help a contender?

Weitzman: Everyone is going to point to the Lakers when it comes to LaVine, and I get it. In some ways, he's a better version of D'Angelo Russell (an undersized, shoot-first scorer who's a liability on defense), so if the Lakers could get LaVine for Russell, Rui Hachimura (to make the cap numbers work) and a single pick, that'd be a good deal for them. But if the Bulls want more (someone like Austin Reaves) the Lakers should walk away. Other than that, though, there aren't that many playoff-caliber teams in desperate need of someone like LaVine. Most already have someone playing that role. If the Bulls really want to start a sell-off and recoup some assets, the guy they should be shopping is Alex Caruso. There isn't a contender out there that couldn't use another wing player capable of wreaking havoc and locking up opposing scorers.

Rohlin: The Lakers have sputtered to a 6-6 start this season despite being widely considered to have one of the best offseasons in the league. They seem like the obvious landing destination for LaVine, who said in a television interview with ESPN in 2020, "I would love to go out there and play with a dude like LeBron James." That said, I don't know if the Lakers would want to depart from players like D'Angelo Russell, who has had a strong start to the season (18.8 points on 48 percent shooting), or Rui Hachimura, who worked out alongside James all summer. Now, LaVine to Miami could also be an interesting thing to watch out for. Him alongside Jimmy Butler could be very interesting 


Bucher: I've long felt Zach is underrated, that he's put in some solid work to become a better defender and a more versatile scorer since coming into the league as little more than a blur crushing rims. That said, it's hard to identify his true value or believe he could elevate a team — particularly in a complementary role — because he's never really done it. They didn't make the playoffs until DeMar DeRozan came along. Unless you're trading young talent and draft picks, how do you know you're getting an upgrade over what you already have? Most teams that are trying to upgrade from playoff team to contender are looking for quality complementary pieces, not cornerstones. That's why Alex Caruso, with all his postseason experience, Torrey Craig might be easier to move at this point in the season. Core pieces with core-level contracts, like LaVine or Nikola Vucevic, are more likely to get moved during the offseason and/or around the draft.

Melissa Rohlin is an NBA writer for FOX Sports. She previously covered the league for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Times, the Bay Area News Group and the San Antonio Express-News. Follow her on Twitter @melissarohlin.

Yaron Weitzman is an NBA writer for FOX Sports. He is the author of "Tanking to the Top: The Philadelphia 76ers and the Most Audacious Process in the History of Professional Sports." Follow him on Twitter @YaronWeitzman.

Ric Bucher is an NBA writer for FOX Sports. He previously wrote for Bleacher Report, ESPN The Magazine and The Washington Post and has written two books, "Rebound," on NBA forward Brian Grant's battle with young onset Parkinson's, and "Yao: A Life In Two Worlds." He also has a daily podcast, "On The Ball with Ric Bucher." Follow him on Twitter @RicBucher.

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Thu, 16 Nov 2023 06:35:00 -0600 en-US text/html https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/nba-roundtable-can-james-harden-and-the-clippers-figure-it-out




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