On what principle is Scrum's process control based?

Scrum's process control is fundamentally based on the principle of empirical process control. This approach emphasizes the importance of making decisions based on observation, experimentation, and experience rather than relying solely on predictions or forecasts. In Scrum, this principle manifests through the iteration of sprints, where teams can develop a product incrementally and assess their progress regularly.

The core elements of empirical process control are transparency, inspection, and adaptation. Transparency ensures that all aspects of the process are visible to those responsible for the outcome, allowing for informed decision-making. Regular inspection of the process and the product helps teams detect variances or deficiencies quickly, enabling timely adaptations to improve performance.

This empirical approach aligns closely with the dynamic and uncertain nature of product development, where complex challenges often arise that cannot be fully anticipated at the outset. Emphasizing empirical process control allows Scrum teams to navigate complexity effectively by using real data and experiences to guide their decisions and actions, fostering continuous improvement.