“Based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic” is what the word “empirical” refers to. This is a fancy way of saying that you should base your decisions on facts, knowledge, and information that you have obtained through careful observation and analysis. As the project progresses, you will always learn more, so create the conditions to maximize this learning and your capacity to apply it.
Empirical process control relies on function by dividing the work into manageable pieces. A team can begin working on the next task once the previous one is finished and the results have been assessed. Transparency serves as the foundation for the team’s performance, and all processes are reviewed at the same rate during the sprint retrospective. The team then adjusts communication and quality for the following Sprint to make it better.
Empirical process control assists you in remaining adaptable and making adjustments in any complex system because the external environment is constantly changing. Empirical processes are typically intended to be simple for team members to begin with but are purposefully unfinished. This gives the team room and flexibility to make adjustments as they gain knowledge, which is essential when working in complex domains. In software development, where uncertainty and technological change have a major impact on the nature of the product, empirical processes are extremely helpful.
Instead of thorough upfront planning, decisions are made in Scrum based on observation and experimentation. Transparency, inspection, and adaptation are the three main principles of empirical process control. With universal agile you will learn the basics of the topic precisely.
Transparency
Anyone can view every aspect of any Scrum process thanks to transparency. This fosters an open workplace culture and encourages a simple and transparent flow of information throughout the organization. Transparency is portrayed in Scrum by:
Artifacts
- The vision for the project
- Backlog of Prioritized Products
- Schedule for Release Planning
Meetings
- Meetings to Discuss Sprints
- Stand-up meetings every day
Information Radiators
- Burndown Diagram
- Scrum board
Inspection
Scrum illustrates inspection using:
- Use of information radiators such as a common Scrum board
- Collecting customer and other stakeholder feedback throughout the processes of developing epics, creating prioritized product backlogs, and conducting release planning.
- During the Demonstrate and Validate Sprint process, the Product Owner and the client review and approve the Deliverables.
Adaptation
The Scrum Core Team and Stakeholders learn through open communication and constant review, and they adapt by making changes to the work they are doing. Scrum illustrates adaptation through:
- Stand-up sessions
- Always Identifying Risk
- Revision Requests
- Scrum Advisory Body
- Observational Sprint Meeting
- Project Review Meeting
Defined Process vs. Empirical Process
The defined process is the conventional fixed planning, whereas the empirical process is thought to be the evolutionary product planning. Even though both strategies aim for the same outcomes, more and more organizations are choosing the empirical approach.
In Scrum, experiments and simple observation are used to implement an empirical process rather than a detailed plan and clearly defined processes. The opposite is true for defined processes, which have a set of clearly defined steps. If the input is the same, both empirical and defined processes will result in the same output.
When using empirical process control, it is difficult to predict what will happen next. You survive by being ready for the unexpected. Because of this, each time you produce results, they will be random and unique. On the other hand, every piece of work is clear and understandable when there is defined process control.
This enables you to launch a predetermined process control and let it execute with consistent results each time. Empirical processes tend to be used more frequently in complex situations because they are unpredictable, whereas defined processes are used when one knows what results to expect.
Agile Empirical Process Control (Scrum)
Facts, experience, and evidence form the foundation of empirical processes. On the other hand, Scrum works to put these empirical processes into practice. Scrum measures progress by observing reality rather than making up hypothetical plans. Scrum promotes the use of mindset and cultural change in an agile environment to achieve business excellence and increase organizational agility. The scrum master certification will help you in knowing it better.
Three pillars—transparency, inspection, and adaptation—support empirical processes. Everyone in the organization should be aware of what is going on, according to proponents of transparency.
This implies that information is presented honestly. Everyone involved is honest with one another in their day-to-day interactions, from the highest ranking official to the consumers. Everyone in the company has grown to trust one another, and they are not afraid to be open with one another about good or bad news. As no one has any hidden agendas for self-gain, everyone in the organization can more easily cooperate and work together to achieve a common goal. The product backlog is open and available to the entire team in Scrum. This clarifies the priority for all team members, who can then base their work on it.
Examples of Empirical Processes Control
Empirical methods are typically employed in complex domains, as previously mentioned. They still have a lot of application to our daily lives, though. We most likely employ empirical methods without even being aware of them. The straightforward examples that follow will attempt to explain how empirical processes function and how we use them daily.
Thermostats for temperature control measure the temperature using empirical techniques. They rely on a reliable, frequently checkable temperature reading of the space they are placed in. If the temperature drops below a predetermined level that is considered to be comfortable, one can raise it by heating the space.
Numerous gyms contain another scenario that occurs frequently daily. Each month, a client and their fitness instructor will agree on a plan for the month that includes dietary and exercise recommendations. The client will undergo a weight and health test at the end of the month. A new plan will be developed based on the outcome, and the cycle will be repeated.
The nature of product development in software development is impacted by human requirements, and technological uncertainty. Because the true need cannot be fully specified upfront, software projects typically have novel requirements. An empirical approach enables the team developing the product to build incrementally while ensuring that it is moving in the direction of the needs of the customer.
