The SCRUM development process is an approach to systems development that treats major portions of the process as a controlled black box. It acknowledges that systems development is an unpredictable, complex process that cannot be fully defined but can be managed through a loose set of activities combining known tools with team innovation. SCRUM enhances the iterative and incremental object-oriented development cycle, using empirical methods and controls to manage risk and process. It is based on concepts from industrial process control, distinguishing between theoretical and empirical processes. Treating systems development as a black box allows for flexibility and responsiveness to changing requirements. SCRUM was first observed in new product development by Takeuchi and Nonaka at various companies, and later applied to software development at Borland. It has since been refined for Smalltalk and Delphi development. Leading software companies have successfully implemented SCRUM, and industry analysts believe it can help other organizations realize the benefits of object-oriented techniques. SCRUM is a management methodology for existing systems or production prototypes, assuming existing design and code. It addresses new or re-engineered systems later. Software releases are planned based on variables such as customer requirements, time pressure, competition, quality, vision, and resources. These variables form the initial plan for a software enhancement project, but they evolve during the project. A successful methodology must account for these variables and their changing nature. Systems development occurs in a complex environment, both within and outside the system. Environmental and technical changes can occur during the project, requiring adaptation within the system being built.The SCRUM development process is an approach to systems development that treats major portions of the process as a controlled black box. It acknowledges that systems development is an unpredictable, complex process that cannot be fully defined but can be managed through a loose set of activities combining known tools with team innovation. SCRUM enhances the iterative and incremental object-oriented development cycle, using empirical methods and controls to manage risk and process. It is based on concepts from industrial process control, distinguishing between theoretical and empirical processes. Treating systems development as a black box allows for flexibility and responsiveness to changing requirements. SCRUM was first observed in new product development by Takeuchi and Nonaka at various companies, and later applied to software development at Borland. It has since been refined for Smalltalk and Delphi development. Leading software companies have successfully implemented SCRUM, and industry analysts believe it can help other organizations realize the benefits of object-oriented techniques. SCRUM is a management methodology for existing systems or production prototypes, assuming existing design and code. It addresses new or re-engineered systems later. Software releases are planned based on variables such as customer requirements, time pressure, competition, quality, vision, and resources. These variables form the initial plan for a software enhancement project, but they evolve during the project. A successful methodology must account for these variables and their changing nature. Systems development occurs in a complex environment, both within and outside the system. Environmental and technical changes can occur during the project, requiring adaptation within the system being built.