While a scrum master can be a project manager, and a project manager can be a scrum master, their roles are not the same. Both Scrum Master and Project Manager perform different functions in an organization and contribute to project success in distinct ways.
In simple words, a scrum master is responsible for ensuring the integration of the scrum framework in the project. In contrast, a project manager looks at overall processes in a project, including budgeting, teamwork, and resolving issues. Let’s talk about the differences between scrum master and project manager in detail.
Table of Contents
What is Scrum Master?
A scrum master in an organization makes sure that the project team works efficiently by implementing Scrum principles in the project. They can be called coaches or mentors who facilitate teams by providing them the knowledge of the effective application of the Scrum framework and principles. They ensure teamwork and good communication among the teammates. Scrum masters coach the team by informing them of the Scrum theory, rules, practices, and values.
What is Scrum?
To understand the role of a scrum master, it is essential to know what scrum is. Scrum is a project management framework in which a scrum masterworks with the product owner and development team to provide adaptive solutions to problems. The scrum master usually finds solutions and modifies the problem-solving approach to achieve goals.
What is a Project Manager?
Project managers are competent persons who take care of all matters of a project, including the planning, budgeting, execution, quality, and finalization of a project. While the scrum master usually works with the product owner, project managers report to the stakeholders and leadership. They have a wide range of roles and may work on multiple projects.
Do Scrum Master and Project Manager work together?
Despite having different roles, scrum master and project manager add to company progress collectively by working in their role capacities. Project masters ensure to resolve any time management, procurement issues, and risks associated with the project, and scrum master acts in the capacity of a coach or consultant to enhance technical skills.
Scrum Master Vs Project Manager: 6 Differences
Responsibilities Difference
Scrum masters: They act as consultants or mentors to the product owner and development team to improve productivity and team dynamics.
Project manager: They work on project management tasks, including scheduling, budgeting, procurement, implementation, and communication.
Difference in Expertise
Scrum master: The scrum master must have adequate knowledge of the scrum process to ensure appropriate implementation.
Project manager: They should be adept at negotiation, planning, execution, and leadership for everything to fall in place.
Role Differences
Scrum master: As the scrum master helps improve processes involving a scrum team, they do not have leadership.
Project manager: Project managers are the leaders in the project as they make sure that the objective of the project is met.
Risk Management Differences
Scrum master: The scrum master does not manage the risks that come with the product.
Project manager: A project manager bears the associated project management risks without blaming the team.
Difference in Projects
Scrum master: They work with one team at once to ensure efficiency and provide solutions.
Project manager: They manage multiple projects at one time to achieve company goals.
Difference in Team size
Scrum team: Scrum masters work with small teams of five to eleven members, including the product development team.
Project team: Project managers work in large teams to execute projects with different expertise.
Do Scrum Masters report to Project Managers?
While the project managers are leaders, they are not authorized to question scrum masters. They both report to the upper hierarchy. Scrum masters report to the product owner, stakeholders, and clients, whereas project managers are answerable to clients and stakeholders.
The Bottom Line
Scrum masters and project managers work together in an organization to make sure the objectives are achieved. Scrum masters act as mentors instead of being a part of the execution process. Project managers supervise working on the project altogether and ensure all objectives are achieved.
Matthew is a Co-Founder at BusinessFinanceArticles.org. Matthew was a floor manager at a local restaurant in Wales. He lost his job after the pandemic and took initiative to make a team and start the project.
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