What is the appropriate Lean action to take once all of the expected value of an Epic has been delivered, even if all of the planned Features have not been completed?
The appropriate Lean action to take once all of the expected value of an Epic has been delivered, even if all of the planned Features have not been completed, is to close the Epic1. This means that the Epic Owner declares that the epic is done and no further work is required. Closing the epic frees up the resources and budget that were allocated to it, and allows the teams to focus on other value streams and initiatives.Closing the epic also enables the Epic Owner to measure the actual outcomes and benefits of the epic, and compare them with the expected ones in the Lean business case2. Closing the epic does not mean that the solution is fixed and cannot be changed or improved later.It simply means that the current hypothesis of the epic has been validated or invalidated, and that further work can be initiated as new epics or features if needed3.
1:Epic - Scaled Agile Framework2:Epic - Scaled Agile Framework3:Epic - Scaled Agile Framework
An agency is ready to undertake a large modernization effort. Though the agency ensures the correct implementation of all stage gates in their SDLC, projects seem to always be over budget. They are exploring the use of SAFe due to the success stories from other agencies. What is the appropriate first step?
According to theImplementation Roadmaparticle on the Scaled Agile Framework website, the appropriate first step for an agency that is ready to undertake a large modernization effort using SAFe is to identify and train change agents that will lead the effort. The article states that ''The first step in the roadmap is to identify the change agents who will lead the transformation. These are the people who have the vision, influence, and drive to make the change happen. They include executives, managers, coaches, and other leaders who can champion the new way of working and inspire others to follow. Change agents need to be trained in the principles and practices of SAFe, as well as the skills and mindset of Lean-Agile leadership.'' Therefore, the correct answer is D, identify and train change agents that will lead the effort. The other options are not accurate, as they are not the first steps in the roadmap. Mapping all stage gates to Agile events (A) is a possible activity in the fourth step, which is to create the implementation plan. Training Product Owners in the principles, practices, and benefits of adopting SAFe (B) is a possible activity in the fifth step, which is to prepare for ART launch. Starting an Agile project with an internal Agile Scrum Master is not a recommended step in the roadmap, as it does not involve the whole ART or the Lean Portfolio Management.
In reference to large programs, what are Strategic Themes?
Strategic themes are specific, defined business objectives that connect a portfolio to the enterprise's strategy1.They provide business context for portfolio decision-making and influence the investments in value streams and solutions2.They also serve as inputs to the vision, budget, and backlogs of the portfolio, large solution, and program levels3. Strategic themes help align the portfolio with the mission and goals of the enterprise or government agency.
1:Strategic Themes - Scaled Agile Framework2:Strategic Themes - Scaled Agile Framework3:The Influence of Strategic Themes across a Portfolio - Scaled Agile Framework
At what levels are confidence votes taken once dependencies and program risks are addressed?
According to thePI Planningarticle on the Scaled Agile Framework website, confidence votes are taken at the program and team levels once dependencies and program risks are addressed. The article states that ''After discussing plans and dependencies, each team member casts a vote, usually on a scale of 1 to 5. This collective feedback helps identify potential risks, enabling teams to address concerns and enhance their overall chances of success.'' The article also states that ''The RTE then facilitates a program-level confidence vote, where the Business Owners and other stakeholders assess the feasibility and economic outcomes of the plan.'' Therefore, the correct answer is D, program and team. The other options are not accurate, as they are not the levels at which confidence votes are taken. Portfolio, branch, and train are not relevant terms in the context of PI planning.
Which reduces the cone of uncertainty?
According to theBuild Incrementally with Fast, Integrated Learning Cyclesarticle on the Scaled Agile Framework website, convergence of requirements with designs reduces the cone of uncertainty. The article states that ''The cone of uncertainty describes the uncertainty and risk in estimates at different phases of development. The cone narrows as the project progresses, reflecting the fact that there is less uncertainty and risk as more is learned about the requirements and design of the system. The goal is to reduce the cone of uncertainty as quickly as possible by converging on the requirements and design through fast feedback and learning cycles.'' Therefore, the correct answer is A, convergence of requirements with designs. The other options are not accurate, as they are not the terms that describe reducing the cone of uncertainty. Convergence of alternatives with flexible specifications (B), convergence of architectures with design sets , and convergence of flexible specifications with design sets (D) are not concepts that are used in the Scaled Agile Framework.
