The paper is basically dedicated to the problem of effort estimation for the Product Backlog items of IT projects led accordingly to the Scrum framework. The effort estimation issue is important, because low quality estimation decreases the efficiency of project implementation. The paper proposes an estimation method for the Product Backlog items of Scrum-based IT projects (which can be adapted also to other projects), which has two original elements with respect to the state of art in Scrum estimation: the usage of fuzzy numbers and strict rules for consensus forming, combined with a space for human interaction. The assumptions of the method should be complied with and were formulated on the basis of literature and authors experience. Two case studies were used for an initial method validation. The case studies confirmed a high potential of the method to increase estimation quality in Scrum-based projects, as well as in other project types. The case studies were conducted using research methods fulfilling the symmetry principle. The paper is thus an example of symmetry in management research.

Teams of scientific specialists have replaced independent researchers, simultaneously the research team size has increased by 50% over the 19‑year period. Better collaborations between project team members might improve research outcomes or R&D project products. Knowledge needs to be communicated among a research team effectively and shared among all research team members as it is created collaboratively. Collaboration can be successfully supported by providing a knowledge sharing environment and communication facilities. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility and discuss novel communication among scientists using a content management system (CMS) which operates based on the Software‑as‑a‑Service (SaaS) cloud‑computing model. This study presents the use of CMS for the collaboration of a research team carrying out a research project funded by the Polish National Science Centre.