Would love to offer Gangplank (http://gangplankhq.com) as a location
for monthly scrum meetings.  We host .NET user group, Ruby User Group
and other user groups on a regular basis.  Have projector and seating
for 30-40 with tables (classroom like) or can reconfigure space to
seat up to 100.  No cost and would love to host.

--
Derek Neighbors CSP,CSM

Great news today the meeting is confirmed.
>
A PHX SUG Kick-off meeting is currently being planned. Ken Schwaber
will attend via video conference and present "Scrum .
But." The meeting will be held on April 2nd and will be the "official
kick-off " meeting for the group. Jim Cundiff, the Managing Director
of the Scrum Alliance, will speak in person.
>

More details to come later.

Scum gets IT 'Done'

Regards All,

Ken W.

Hi All,

here is the update so far,

I am in the process of arranging a PHX SUG Kick-off meeting with Ken
Schwaber attending by video conference after his presentation "Scrum .
But."
that meeting will be on April 2nd and will be the 'official kick-off '
meeting for the group. Also in person will be Jim Cundiff, the
Managing Director of the Scrum Alliance. to speak in person.

I will also be planning an organizational meeting for people that want
to help with the logistics for the organization, such as how do we
want to structure the group, ie board members etc. and what bylaws etc
and how we interact with the community at large. if you are
interested in this pre-kick-off meeting do reply back asap with
available time and dates we can meet to take this to the next step.

Best regards,

Ken Ward

opps my and my fast fat fingers!!

Hi All,

here is the update so far,

I am in the process of arranging a PHX SUG Kick-off meeting with Ken
Schwaber attending by video conference after his presentation "Scrum .
But."
that meeting will be on April 2nd and will be the 'official kick-off '
meeting for the group. Also in person will be Jim Cundiff,   the
Managing Director of the Scrum Alliance. to speak in person.

I will also be planning an organizational meeting for people that want
to help with the logistics for the organization, such as how do we
want to structure the group, ie board members etc. and what bylaws etc
and how we interact with the community at large.  if you are
interested in this pre-kick-off meeting do reply back asap with
available time and dates we can meet to take this to the next step.

Best regards,

Ken Ward

The following scrumphoenix poll is now closed.  Here are the
final results:


POLL QUESTION: What Week of the month would be best for all?

CHOICES AND RESULTS
- First week of month?, 1 votes, 20.00%
- Second week of month?, 1 votes, 20.00%
- Third week of month?, 3 votes, 60.00%
- Fourth week of month?, 0 votes, 0.00%



For more information about this group, please visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scrumphoenix

For help with Yahoo! Groups, please visit
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html

The following scrumphoenix poll is now closed.  Here are the
final results:


POLL QUESTION: What Day of the week would be best for a monthly meeting?

CHOICES AND RESULTS
- Monday?, 0 votes, 0.00%
- Tuesday?, 2 votes, 28.57%
- Wednesday?, 0 votes, 0.00%
- Thursday?, 5 votes, 71.43%
- Friday?, 0 votes, 0.00%



For more information about this group, please visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scrumphoenix

For help with Yahoo! Groups, please visit
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html

The following scrumphoenix poll is now closed.  Here are the
final results:


POLL QUESTION: Which month would be best to start the regular meetings?

CHOICES AND RESULTS
- December?, 2 votes, 40.00%
- January?, 3 votes, 60.00%
- February?, 0 votes, 0.00%
- November?, 0 votes, 0.00%



For more information about this group, please visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scrumphoenix

For help with Yahoo! Groups, please visit
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html

The following scrumphoenix poll is now closed.  Here are the
final results:


POLL QUESTION: Some Agile/Scrum vendors have offered to sponsor some meetings.
What is your interest level in attending meetings that are
sponsored by such vendors?

CHOICES AND RESULTS
- High interest., 3 votes, 60.00%
- Medium interest., 2 votes, 40.00%
- Low interest., 0 votes, 0.00%
- Some interest., 0 votes, 0.00%
- No interest., 0 votes, 0.00%



For more information about this group, please visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scrumphoenix

For help with Yahoo! Groups, please visit
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html

The following scrumphoenix poll is now closed.  Here are the
final results:


POLL QUESTION: Location, Location, Location!
If the regular meeting was located at
The University of Advancing Technology (UAT)
2625 W. BASELINE RD., TEMPE, AZ 85283-1056
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2625+W.+BASELINE+RD.,+TEMPE,+AZ\
+85283-1056&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=31.371289,69.609375&ie=UTF8&ll=33.376833\
,-111.97551&spn=0.004032,0.008497&t=h&z=17
(Free Space for meeting)
Rate the Location.


CHOICES AND RESULTS
- Good, 6 votes, 85.71%
- Bad, 1 votes, 14.29%
- Ugly!, 0 votes, 0.00%



For more information about this group, please visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scrumphoenix

For help with Yahoo! Groups, please visit
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html

The following scrumphoenix poll is now closed.  Here are the
final results:


POLL QUESTION: The Scrum Alliance actively supports the creation
of local user groups and can also help arrange for a
representative (often a Certified Scrum Trainer)
to be present at your kickoff meeting.
What is your interest level for such a kickoff meeting?

CHOICES AND RESULTS
- Very High., 4 votes, 80.00%
- High., 1 votes, 20.00%
- Medium., 0 votes, 0.00%
- Low., 0 votes, 0.00%
- Not Interested., 0 votes, 0.00%



For more information about this group, please visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scrumphoenix

For help with Yahoo! Groups, please visit
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
scrumphoenix group:

Again Location, location and a new possible location is at:
Infusionsoft, Inc.
2065 W. Obispo Ave., Ste. 103
Gilbert, AZ 85233
Google Maps link:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2065+W.+Obispo+Ave.,+Gilbert,+A\
Z+85233+&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=35.219929,69.785156&ie=UTF8&ll=33.364478,-1\
11.833739&spn=0.009068,0.017037&z=16&g=2065+W.+Obispo+Ave.,+Gilbert,+AZ+85233
Rate the Location.


   o good
   o bad
   o ugly


To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scrumphoenix/surveys?id=2794913

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

I would like to see if group members could assist in getting the word
out about this group and the poll to help determine a date for the
regular meetings for the Phoenix area Scrum Users Group regular
meeting schedule. Thanks in advance.

Hi All,

I would like to invite you to join the yahoo Scrum Phoenix group if
you have not already.
Here is the link:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/scrumphoenix

I am also initiating a Scrum Users Group for the Phoenix area and have
several Polls on the groups for when the best dates and location for
the meetings be held.  Link below.  (Please join the group to make
your entry.)
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/scrumphoenix/polls

Please forward this to anyone you may know that might have an interest
in a Phoenix area Scrum Users Group.

Have a good Thanksgiving vacation.

Best regards,

Ken Ward

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
scrumphoenix group:

Location, Location, Location!
If the regular meeting was located at
The University of Advancing Technology (UAT)
2625 W. BASELINE RD., TEMPE, AZ 85283-1056
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2625+W.+BASELINE+RD.,+TEMPE,+AZ\
+85283-1056&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=31.371289,69.609375&ie=UTF8&ll=33.376833\
,-111.97551&spn=0.004032,0.008497&t=h&z=17
(Free Space for meeting)
Rate the Location.


   o Good
   o Bad
   o Ugly!


To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scrumphoenix/surveys?id=2790850

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
scrumphoenix group:

The Scrum Alliance actively supports the creation
of local user groups and can also help arrange for a
representative (often a Certified Scrum Trainer)
to be present at your kickoff meeting.
What is your interest level for such a kickoff meeting?

   o Very High.
   o High.
   o Medium.
   o Low.
   o Not Interested.


To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scrumphoenix/surveys?id=2790838

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
scrumphoenix group:

Some Agile/Scrum vendors have offered to sponsor some meetings.
What is your interest level in attending meetings that are
sponsored by such vendors?

   o High interest.
   o Medium interest.
   o Low interest.
   o Some interest.
   o No interest.


To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scrumphoenix/surveys?id=2790823

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
scrumphoenix group:

Which month would be best to start the regular meetings?

   o December?
   o January?
   o February?
   o November?


To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scrumphoenix/surveys?id=2790820

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
scrumphoenix group:

What Week of the month would be best for all?

   o First week of month?
   o Second week of month?
   o Third week of month?
   o Forth week of month?


To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scrumphoenix/surveys?id=2790832

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
scrumphoenix group:

What Day of the week would be best for a monthly meeting?

   o Monday
   o Tuesday
   o Wednesday
   o Thursday
   o Friday


To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scrumphoenix/surveys?id=2790815

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

The next class is set for Dec 1st and 2nd with Robin Dymond.

Here is a re-post of that information and the links to register.

  Hi all,

Just wanted to get the word out that I will be 'co-training' the CSM
course with Robin Dymond (CST) of Innovel, LLC on Dec. 1st and 2nd.
If you know of anyone that wants/needs to be a Certified ScrumMaster
(CSM) I recommend this class. (There is talk about sometime in April
2009 there will be an online CSM test that will be the requirement for
attaining the CSM, so pass it on if you know anyone thinking about it
to take the two day class ASAP .)

  Here follows the details and links to register for the class.

Course
http://www.scrumalliance.org/courses/3191-certified-scrummaster

Learn the essentials of working as a ScrumMaster or Scrum team member
in this course. While the Scrum Alliance provides a list of core
concepts that must be covered in the class, each instructor creates
his or her own material, allowing courses to differ based on the
strengths, interests, and experiences of the instructor.
Purpose of the Course

Leading a Scrum team is radically different than traditional project
management. Rather than plan, instruct, and direct, the leader of a
Scrum team (called a ScrumMaster) facilitates, coaches, and leads.

The 2-day Certified ScrumMaster training provides you with the
learning and experience required to lead, participate in, or sponsor
Scrum initiatives in your organization.  We supply individuals a set
of tools and techniques to aid them in becoming effective Scrum
Masters, help teams become high performing, and deal with the change
management associated with implementing Scrum in their organization.
This is your opportunity to learn about Scrum, in the real world, from
industry experts. Come prepared to challenge old beliefs and be open
to new ways of thinking about how you approach work in the future.
Objectives

At the successful completion of the workshop, you will be certified as
a ScrumMaster and have an understanding of how the various roles and
responsibilities can be applied in the real world to your current and
future projects. You will receive a one year membership to the Scrum
Alliance.

Details

Dates:      1-2 Dec 2008
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Venue:     TBD   Phoenix, AZ
Price:     1295

Register = http://www.scrumtraining.com/register/

When you do register :
*************************************
Please select the training you will be attending:
  December 1 and December 2 Phoenix

Your Name:


Company Name:


Title:


Phone Number:


Email Address:


How did you hear about the Certified ScrumMaster Course?

Referred by Ken Ward CSM, CSP  KRW INC, DBA
ScrumPhoenix group.
***************************************************

Agenda

Through a combination of immersive team-based learning, exercises, and
real-world case studies, you will learn how to:

     * Plan, initiate, and lead a Scrum project
     * Establish a shared vision for the entire team
     * Generate an agile release plan utilizing user stories and story
point estimation
     * Lead your Scrum team through planning, review, and retrospective
sessions
     * Create an environment in which self-managing teams can flourish
     * Identify, enroll, and engage business stakeholders in your project

ScrumMaster training provides an applied understanding of the Scrum
process and helps participants begin to develop the tools, insights,
and skills required to apply Scrum on their projects and across their
organizations.

ScrumMaster Training Topics
http://www.scrumtraining.com/scrum-master-training/topics.php

The public Certified ScrumMaster course covers the topics list below.
The curriculum builds upon content designed and utilized by Ken
Schwaber, co-pioneer of the Scrum process.
Day 1: 9:00am - 5:00pm

     * Introduction to Scrum and Agile
     * Roles on the Scrum Team
     * Self-organization, Empiricism, & Emergence
     * Getting to Done
     * Agile Release Planning & Estimation

Day 2: 9:00am - 5:00pm

     * Product Backlog & User Stories
     * Estimation & Planning
     * Leading High Performing teams
     * Organizational Change
     * Dealing with Conflict
     * Metrics & Reporting in Scrum

Here is Robin's web site: <   http://www.scrumtraining.com/  >.
Please check out the You Tube video of his class.
For those of you that were trained by Mike Vizdos you see the
similarities.

Best regards,

Ken


Kenneth R. Ward
Certified ScrumMaster
Certified Scrum Practitioner



--- In scrumphoenix@yahoogroups.com, <robertsdw@...> wrote:
>
> When is the next Phoenix class?
> ---- Tommi Johnstone <tjohnstone@...> wrote:
> As an update, the ScrumAlliance has revised the timeline.  The
certification
> exam will now go into effect on April 1, 2009 (instead of January 1st as
> previously planned).
>
>
> Tommi Johnstone | Danube Technologies
> Logistics and Training Coordinator
> (ph) 503.248.0800 | (f) 503.248.0801
> http://danube.com/services/courses/list
>
>
>
> On Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 9:37 PM, Ken Ward <scrummaster@...> wrote:
>
> >   Hi all,
> >
> > just thought I would put this out for all.
> >
> > http://www.infoq.com/news/2008/11/scrum-certification-test
> >
> > Scrum Certification Test
> >
> > Posted by Mark Levison on Nov 06, 2008 03:37 PM
> >
> > Community Agile
> > Topics Training / Certification
> > Tags Training , Certification , Scrum
> >
> > On many occasions various members of the agile community have
> > complained that the Scrum Certification is meaningless because almost
> > everyone who takes the class gets a certificate. Michael James, of
> > Danube technologies, writes as of Jan 1. 2009 that will no longer be
> > the case.
> >
> > At the Scrum Gathering in Stockholm this fall attendees (already CSM's
> > and CST's) were asked to write a Beta version of the test. The current
> > version is a multiple choice test whose goal is find out whether the
> > testee has a minimal amount of knowledge about Scrum. Simon Kirk took
> > the test and found it to be fairly good - even testing his
> > understanding of the Agile Manifesto. Tom Mellor, CST with State Farm,
> > said that his score was 84/100 and that was the average for the
> > trainers who took the test. In addition he noted the sigma was low and
> > the highest score was 89.
> >
> > Mike Dwyer, Agile Coach at BigVisible Solutions, would prefer a deeper
> > test: "Take any topic in Scrum and require the student to list three
> > valid arguments for and against it. Then to describe their position
> > and why. There should be no more than three questions answered and at
> > least 10 questions asked. I do not want agreement here, I want well
> > thought out responses because we are all about emergence and
> > learning." While Peter Stevens, of Scrum Breakfast, would like a role
> > playing test. The testee would be given a series of situations or
> > challenges like the Daily Scrum from Hell. Their score would relate to
> > how well they handled the situation.
> >
> > Tobias Mayer, of Agile Thinking, sees value in the test saying it:
> >
> > ...encourages participants of a CSM course to take time to read
> > books, papers, blogs and join discussion groups in order to improve
> > their academic understanding of Scrum, either prior to the training or
> > subsequently (the test is to be taken online, after the training is
> > completed). In other words, it encourages the potential CSMs to take
> > responsibility for their own learning and not just expect to be
> > spoon-fed a certificate after two days of sitting in a class.
> >
> > Alistair Cockburn, author of Agile Software Development, feels the
> > underlying problem runs deeper than just a test. He says that people
> > attend the CSM course looking for a Scrum Bootcamp and so certifying
> > them as ready to be Scrum Masters is beside the point. He feels that
> > "thousands of people have CSM certificates without possibly even
> > knowing basic Scrum rules, the CSM course has become the defacto Scrum
> > Bootcamp course". He suggests that it is in the interest of Scrum
> > community to introduce a Scrum Bootcamp course that is targeted for
> > most people and use that as the introduction to the Scrum Master
> > course that will be of interest to only a few thousand people.
> >
> > Finally Tom Mellor, a member of the Scrum Alliance Board, reminded us
> > that:
> >
> > Ken initially created the CSM as a bit of a thumb-of-the-nose to
> > PMI. He never intended the course to be about teaching people to be
> > ScrumMasters; he wanted people to understand ("master") the concepts,
> > principles, and rules of Scrum. Of course, no one, including Ken,
> > predicted Scrum would become so widely popular. Based upon the
> > immense growth of the CSM, it was the decision of the Scrum Alliance
> > Board of Directors to put a level of credibility around the
> > certification through a testing process - an element that was
> > conspicuously missing. That decision arose plainly and simply out of
> > a recognition of demand by many organizations and people to put an
> > element of integrity to the certification.
> >
> > Previously on items on InfoQ that touch on related aspects of
> > certifcation: We Vouch For and Martin Fowler on Avoiding Common Scrum
> > Pitfalls
> >
> >
> >
>
> --
> Dave Roberts
> 22058 N 34th Lane
> Phoenix, AZ 85027
> Phone: 623-322-4945
> Cell: 602-573-0408
> E-mail: robertsdw@...
>

When is the next Phoenix class?
---- Tommi Johnstone <tjohnstone@...> wrote:
As an update, the ScrumAlliance has revised the timeline.  The certification
exam will now go into effect on April 1, 2009 (instead of January 1st as
previously planned).


Tommi Johnstone | Danube Technologies
Logistics and Training Coordinator
(ph) 503.248.0800 | (f) 503.248.0801
http://danube.com/services/courses/list



On Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 9:37 PM, Ken Ward <scrummaster@...> wrote:

>   Hi all,
>
> just thought I would put this out for all.
>
> http://www.infoq.com/news/2008/11/scrum-certification-test
>
> Scrum Certification Test
>
> Posted by Mark Levison on Nov 06, 2008 03:37 PM
>
> Community Agile
> Topics Training / Certification
> Tags Training , Certification , Scrum
>
> On many occasions various members of the agile community have
> complained that the Scrum Certification is meaningless because almost
> everyone who takes the class gets a certificate. Michael James, of
> Danube technologies, writes as of Jan 1. 2009 that will no longer be
> the case.
>
> At the Scrum Gathering in Stockholm this fall attendees (already CSM's
> and CST's) were asked to write a Beta version of the test. The current
> version is a multiple choice test whose goal is find out whether the
> testee has a minimal amount of knowledge about Scrum. Simon Kirk took
> the test and found it to be fairly good - even testing his
> understanding of the Agile Manifesto. Tom Mellor, CST with State Farm,
> said that his score was 84/100 and that was the average for the
> trainers who took the test. In addition he noted the sigma was low and
> the highest score was 89.
>
> Mike Dwyer, Agile Coach at BigVisible Solutions, would prefer a deeper
> test: "Take any topic in Scrum and require the student to list three
> valid arguments for and against it. Then to describe their position
> and why. There should be no more than three questions answered and at
> least 10 questions asked. I do not want agreement here, I want well
> thought out responses because we are all about emergence and
> learning." While Peter Stevens, of Scrum Breakfast, would like a role
> playing test. The testee would be given a series of situations or
> challenges like the Daily Scrum from Hell. Their score would relate to
> how well they handled the situation.
>
> Tobias Mayer, of Agile Thinking, sees value in the test saying it:
>
> ...encourages participants of a CSM course to take time to read
> books, papers, blogs and join discussion groups in order to improve
> their academic understanding of Scrum, either prior to the training or
> subsequently (the test is to be taken online, after the training is
> completed). In other words, it encourages the potential CSMs to take
> responsibility for their own learning and not just expect to be
> spoon-fed a certificate after two days of sitting in a class.
>
> Alistair Cockburn, author of Agile Software Development, feels the
> underlying problem runs deeper than just a test. He says that people
> attend the CSM course looking for a Scrum Bootcamp and so certifying
> them as ready to be Scrum Masters is beside the point. He feels that
> "thousands of people have CSM certificates without possibly even
> knowing basic Scrum rules, the CSM course has become the defacto Scrum
> Bootcamp course". He suggests that it is in the interest of Scrum
> community to introduce a Scrum Bootcamp course that is targeted for
> most people and use that as the introduction to the Scrum Master
> course that will be of interest to only a few thousand people.
>
> Finally Tom Mellor, a member of the Scrum Alliance Board, reminded us
> that:
>
> Ken initially created the CSM as a bit of a thumb-of-the-nose to
> PMI. He never intended the course to be about teaching people to be
> ScrumMasters; he wanted people to understand ("master") the concepts,
> principles, and rules of Scrum. Of course, no one, including Ken,
> predicted Scrum would become so widely popular. Based upon the
> immense growth of the CSM, it was the decision of the Scrum Alliance
> Board of Directors to put a level of credibility around the
> certification through a testing process - an element that was
> conspicuously missing. That decision arose plainly and simply out of
> a recognition of demand by many organizations and people to put an
> element of integrity to the certification.
>
> Previously on items on InfoQ that touch on related aspects of
> certifcation: We Vouch For and Martin Fowler on Avoiding Common Scrum
> Pitfalls
>
>
>

--
Dave Roberts
22058 N 34th Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85027
Phone: 623-322-4945
Cell: 602-573-0408
E-mail: robertsdw@...

Hi all,

just thought I would put this out for all.

http://www.infoq.com/news/2008/11/scrum-certification-test

Scrum Certification Test

Posted by Mark Levison on Nov 06, 2008 03:37 PM

Community      Agile
Topics    Training / Certification
Tags    Training ,     Certification ,     Scrum

On many occasions various members of the agile community have
complained that the Scrum Certification is meaningless because almost
everyone who takes the class gets a certificate. Michael James, of
Danube technologies, writes as of Jan 1. 2009 that will no longer be
the case.

At the Scrum Gathering in Stockholm this fall attendees (already CSM's
and CST's) were asked to write a Beta version of the test. The current
version is a multiple choice test whose goal is find out whether the
testee has a minimal amount of knowledge about Scrum.  Simon Kirk took
the test and found it to be fairly good - even testing his
understanding of the Agile Manifesto. Tom Mellor, CST with State Farm,
said that his score was 84/100 and that was the average for the
trainers who took the test. In addition he noted the sigma was low and
the highest score was 89.

Mike Dwyer, Agile Coach at BigVisible Solutions, would prefer a deeper
test: "Take any topic in Scrum and require the student to list three
valid arguments for and against it.  Then to describe their position
and why. There should be no more than three questions answered and at
least 10 questions asked. I do not want agreement here, I want well
thought out responses  because we are all about emergence and
learning." While Peter Stevens, of Scrum Breakfast, would like a role
playing test. The testee would be given a series of situations or
challenges like the Daily Scrum from Hell. Their score would relate to
how well they handled the situation.

Tobias Mayer, of Agile Thinking, sees value in the test saying it:

     ...encourages participants of a CSM course to take time to read
books, papers, blogs and join discussion groups in order to improve
their academic understanding of Scrum, either prior to the training or
subsequently (the test is to be taken online, after the training is
completed). In other words, it encourages the potential CSMs to take
responsibility for their own learning and not just expect to be
spoon-fed a certificate after two days of sitting in a class.

Alistair Cockburn, author of  Agile Software Development, feels the
underlying problem runs deeper than just a test. He says that people
attend the CSM course looking for a Scrum Bootcamp and so certifying
them as ready to be Scrum Masters is beside the point. He feels that
"thousands of people have CSM certificates without possibly even
knowing basic Scrum rules, the CSM course has become the defacto Scrum
Bootcamp course". He suggests that it is in the interest of Scrum
community to introduce a Scrum Bootcamp course that is targeted for
most people and use that as the introduction to the Scrum Master
course that will be of interest to only a few thousand people.

Finally Tom Mellor, a member of the Scrum Alliance Board, reminded us
that:

     Ken initially created the CSM as a bit of a thumb-of-the-nose to
PMI.  He never intended the course to be about teaching people to be
ScrumMasters; he wanted people to understand ("master") the concepts,
principles, and rules of Scrum.  Of course, no one, including Ken,
predicted Scrum would become so widely popular.  Based upon the
immense growth of the CSM, it was the decision of the Scrum Alliance
Board of Directors to put a level of credibility around the
certification through a testing process - an element that was
conspicuously missing.  That decision arose plainly and simply out of
a recognition of demand by many organizations and people to put an
element of integrity to the certification.

Previously on items on InfoQ that touch on related aspects of
certifcation: We Vouch For and Martin Fowler on Avoiding Common Scrum
Pitfalls

--- In scrumphoenix@yahoogroups.com, "salexander28" <salexa8587@...>
wrote:
>
> I see that frequently now. I think people want to believe they are
> agile, but are afraid to commit.
>
> --- In scrumphoenix@yahoogroups.com, "sherman_mohler"
> <sherman_mohler@> wrote:
> >
> > I had a head hunter email me (bleh); they were looking for someone
> > with both PMP and Scrum certs! Would anyone have a guess as to what
> > actual company might be looking for this combination?   Cheers!  --
> Sherman
> >
>
I have seen that all too often and yes you can assume that they are
still stuck in the waterfall mentality but may be trying to give
Agile/Scrum a try and are like unable to 'cut the strings' from the
'waterfall mommy' and embrace the change that Scrum brings to an
organization.  And on another note I have seen job ads for companies
looking for Certified ScrumMaster and during my interview when you get
to ask the questions aka Nokia test type questions They Fail!! I won't
mention names but they are here in the valley.

Hi all,

Just wanted to get the word out that I will be 'co-training' the CSM course with
Robin Dymond (CST) of Innovel, LLC on Dec. 1st and 2nd.
If you know of anyone that wants/needs to be a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) I
recommend this class. (There is talk about sometime in April 2009 there will be
an online CSM test that will be the requirement for attaining the CSM, so pass
it on if you know anyone thinking about it to take the two day class ASAP .)

  Here follows the details and links to register for the class.

Course
http://www.scrumalliance.org/courses/3191-certified-scrummaster

Learn the essentials of working as a ScrumMaster or Scrum team member in this
course. While the Scrum Alliance provides a list of core concepts that must be
covered in the class, each instructor creates his or her own material, allowing
courses to differ based on the strengths, interests, and experiences of the
instructor.
Purpose of the Course

Leading a Scrum team is radically different than traditional project management.
Rather than plan, instruct, and direct, the leader of a Scrum team (called a
ScrumMaster) facilitates, coaches, and leads.

The 2-day Certified ScrumMaster training provides you with the learning and
experience required to lead, participate in, or sponsor Scrum initiatives in
your organization.  We supply individuals a set of tools and techniques to aid
them in becoming effective Scrum Masters, help teams become high performing, and
deal with the change management associated with implementing Scrum in their
organization.  This is your opportunity to learn about Scrum, in the real world,
from industry experts. Come prepared to challenge old beliefs and be open to new
ways of thinking about how you approach work in the future.
Objectives

At the successful completion of the workshop, you will be certified as a
ScrumMaster and have an understanding of how the various roles and
responsibilities can be applied in the real world to your current and future
projects. You will receive a one year membership to the Scrum Alliance.

Details

Dates:      1-2 Dec 2008
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Venue:     TBD   Phoenix, AZ
Price:     1295

Register = http://www.scrumtraining.com/register/

When you do register :
*************************************
Please select the training you will be attending:
  December 1 and December 2 Phoenix

Your Name:


Company Name:


Title:


Phone Number:


Email Address:


How did you hear about the Certified ScrumMaster Course?

Referred by Ken Ward CSM, CSP  KRW INC, DBA
ScrumPhoenix group.
***************************************************

Agenda

Through a combination of immersive team-based learning, exercises, and
real-world case studies, you will learn how to:

     * Plan, initiate, and lead a Scrum project
     * Establish a shared vision for the entire team
     * Generate an agile release plan utilizing user stories and story point
estimation
     * Lead your Scrum team through planning, review, and retrospective sessions
     * Create an environment in which self-managing teams can flourish
     * Identify, enroll, and engage business stakeholders in your project

ScrumMaster training provides an applied understanding of the Scrum process and
helps participants begin to develop the tools, insights, and skills required to
apply Scrum on their projects and across their organizations.

ScrumMaster Training Topics
http://www.scrumtraining.com/scrum-master-training/topics.php

The public Certified ScrumMaster course covers the topics list below. The
curriculum builds upon content designed and utilized by Ken Schwaber, co-pioneer
of the Scrum process.
Day 1: 9:00am - 5:00pm

     * Introduction to Scrum and Agile
     * Roles on the Scrum Team
     * Self-organization, Empiricism, & Emergence
     * Getting to Done
     * Agile Release Planning & Estimation

Day 2: 9:00am - 5:00pm

     * Product Backlog & User Stories
     * Estimation & Planning
     * Leading High Performing teams
     * Organizational Change
     * Dealing with Conflict
     * Metrics & Reporting in Scrum

Here is Robin's web site: <   http://www.scrumtraining.com/  >.
Please check out the You Tube video of his class.
For those of you that were trained by Mike Vizdos you see the similarities.

Best regards,

Ken


Kenneth R. Ward
Certified ScrumMaster
Certified Scrum Practitioner

KRW INC, DBA.
Rapid On-time Solutions
126 Canyon Rock Rd
Queen Creek, AZ 85243

480.656.2901 home
480.329.2792 cell

http://www.krw-inc.com
http://www.krw-inc.net

Please do not print this email unless it is absolutely necessary. Spread
environmental awareness.

Hi all,

Just checking in to see if there is still anybody that could make it
to this meeting Saturday, topics for discussion on vendors sponsoring
meetings such as Rally software etc would there be an interest in
having such tool vendors come and sponsor a meeting and demonstrate
the tools they have? How many people would show up for one?
Meet this Saturday.
November 15th at 2:00 pm
Location: BJ's restaurant and brewery in Chandler
Address: 3155 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler
Website:  http://www.bjsbrewhouse.com/
Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=3155+W.+Chandler+Blvd.,+Chandle\
r,+az&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=30.544155,72.949219&ie=UTF8&ll=33.307147,-111.\
90043&spn=0.007855,0.01781&z=16&g=3155+W.+Chandler+Blvd.,+Chandler,+az&iwloc=add\
r


Please RSVP to me at krw@... if you can attend.

Best regards,
Ken

Kenneth R. Ward
Certified ScrumMaster
Certified Scrum Practitioner

KRW INC, DBA.
Rapid On-time Solutions
126 Canyon Rock Rd
Queen Creek, AZ 85243

480.656.2901 home
480.329.2792 cell

http://www.krw-inc.com
http://www.krw-inc.net

On Sun, Nov 9, 2008 at 10:38 PM, Alan Dayley <alandd@...> wrote:
> Not being a drinker of alcoholic beverages, I don't know a good beer
> place from a bad one.  However, a favorite of the "geek groups" in
> town is Boulders on Broadway.  I can vouch for good food there.
> http://www.bouldersonbroadway.com/
>
> They have a sunken dining table partitioned from the rest of the
> dining area that seats about 8-12 easily, if that many show up.  Or
> they have the usual tables and booths.

OK, the above is the plan.

What: Scrum Phoenix Meetup
Where: Boulders on Broadway in Tempe.  http://www.bouldersonbroadway.com
530 WEST BROADWAY ROAD - TEMPE ARIZONA 85282 | PHONE : (480) 921 9431
When: Monday, November 10th, 5:30-ish till whenever.

I know this is late notice and many of you live in the north and west
ends of the valley.  Sorry about that.  Micheal Vizdos (Certified
Scrum Trainer and creator of http://www.implementingscrum.com) is in
town teaching a CSM course nearby this location.

Please come if you can.  If the WiFi at the restaurant is working,
I'll be twittering (ID:alandd) and in chat somewhere to communicate
with you who are remote.

Alan