On what principle is SCRUM based?

Scrum is fundamentally based on the principle of empirical process control, which emphasizes the importance of transparency, inspection, and adaptation. This approach acknowledges that in complex environments, such as software development, not all variables can be predicted and that knowledge comes from experience and experimentation.

The heart of empirical process control is to make decisions based on what is known, and to continuously validate and adapt based on feedback. In Scrum, this is reflected in the iterative cycles of work (Sprints), where teams can inspect their progress through regular reviews and adapt their plans based on the findings, ensuring that they remain aligned with the goals and objectives.

This approach allows teams to respond to changing requirements and learn from the work they have accomplished, fostering an environment of continuous improvement. The emphasis on collaboration and regular feedback loops is a cornerstone of Scrum, reinforcing the necessity for an empirical methodology over a prescriptive or predictive one, which may not encapsulate the unpredictable nature of complex projects effectively.