News and opinion | Georgina | 17 May 2022
In Right First Time we explore how assuring successful change management is crucial in insurance transformational programmes. Dynamic software applications, allow insurers to transact policies and enable digital platforms more effectively than ever before. However, implementation is not merely a matter of getting it done, but in getting it done right the first time, every time. One such way is the formation of an excellent scrum team.
Meet the Team
At the heart of any transformational programme are the cross-functional development teams. Most usually Scrum teams or Scrum-styled teams are used in insurance programmes, where some form of Agile is used. The purpose of these teams is to deliver the work required to install and configure the software.
The constituents of the team vary dependent on the work undertaken. For instance, an infrastructure team will be self-contained and highly technical in nature, while a core product team will contain a broad range of roles and collaborate directly with business stakeholders.
Teams work closely together and routinely interact with associated programme roles, such as the Product Owner, Project Manager and Business Leads.
Each team is a Self-Organising unit dedicated to a common purpose; delivering the work required to install and configure the software. Here we explore some of the roles most frequently found in a development team and what they contribute.
Developer
The Developer codes the software and undertakes other technical tasks. The Developer will also advise on technical solutions and liaise with other technical resources. Developers focus on sustainable development and on minimising technical debt.
Tester
The Tester writes test scripts and undertakes testing. Testing might be manual or automated. In addition, the tester will advise whether a solution is testable, before proceeding. Testers will also enable business testers, such as Subject Matter Experts when conducting User Acceptance Testing.
Business Analyst
The Business Analyst elicits the business requirements and transforms those requirements into a format which can be easily understood by Developers, Testers, and others. The Business Analyst will also marshal the User Story through to completion, ensuring the solution applied meets the original business requirement.
Solution Designer
The Solution Designer creates the software solution based on the business requirements. The Solution Designer will also define background technical solutions and blueprint inter-system connectivity.
UI/UX Designer
The User Interface/User Experience Designer creates the optimal experience for the user when interacting with the software. The UI/UX Designer will also design customer journeys and study user behaviour to enhance the user experience.
Scrum Master (Scrum team)
The Scrum Master is the scrum team’s servant-leader. They enable the workings of the development team through facilitation, coaching, mediation, organisation and impediment resolution. The Scrum Master also encourages Self-Organisation and inter-team cooperation.
Subject Matter Expert
The Subject Matter Expert is a representative of the business who acts as an expert on business matters. The Subject Matter Expert may also assist with User Acceptance Testing, to ensure the delivered solution meets business requirements and is usable by business users.
Solution Assurance Consultant
The Solution Assurance Consultant acts as the impartial arbiter in the design and development of the software solution. The Solution Assurance Consultant will also undertake technical inspections, such as Conformity, to assure the integrity of the software solution.
How Solution Assurance helps
Solution Assurance is a vital third-party service which assists customers to install and develop effective enterprise insurance software solutions.
Solution Assurance Consultants are an integral part of the development team, fully participating in team activities and seeking not only to assure the solution but to enhance it. A scrum team formation is an excellent method of o facilitating an insurance programme’s (usually very long!) journey.
