What are Business Epics in SAFe?
Business epics are large initiatives in SAFe that drive business value and typically cross the organizational boundaries (release trains), time boundaries (Program Increments), or both1.They are solution descriptions for the business that capture the more substantial investments that occur within a portfolio2.Business epics directly deliver business value, while enabler epics are used to advance the Architectural Runway to support upcoming business or technical needs2.
1:Implementation Strategies for Business Epics - Scaled Agile Framework2:Epic - Scaled Agile Framework
Which aspect of leading by example challenges Lean-Agile leaders to 'walk the talk' by being a role model of desired professional and ethical behaviors by acting with honesty, integrity, and transparency?
Authenticity is the aspect of leading by example that challenges Lean-Agile leaders to 'walk the talk' by being a role model of desired professional and ethical behaviors by acting with honesty, integrity, and transparency1. Authentic leaders are genuine, self-aware, and trustworthy.They align their actions with their words and values, and they inspire trust and respect from others2.Authenticity helps leaders create a culture of openness, collaboration, and continuous learning in their organizations3.
1:Lean-Agile Leadership - Scaled Agile Framework2:What Is One Way Lean-agile Leaders Lead by Example? - CGAA3:Three Dimensions of Lean-Agile Leadership: A Guide for Leading Your ...
When do organizations begin realizing better results when following the Implementation Roadmap?
According to theImplementation Roadmaparticle on the Scaled Agile Framework website, organizations begin realizing better results when following the Implementation Roadmap as soon as the first Program Increment (PI). The article states that ''The first PI is a critical milestone. It's the first time the new ART delivers a fully integrated and tested increment of value. It's also the first time the ART demonstrates its new way of working to the enterprise and its stakeholders. The first PI is a big deal. It's a celebration of the new culture and the new way of working. It's also the first time the enterprise can see the benefits of the new approach.'' Therefore, the correct answer is B, as soon as the first Program Increment. The other options are not accurate, as the roadmap consists of more than just steps, training, or metrics. It is a continuous journey of learning and improvement.
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.
Which SAFe principle ensures the maximum benefit is generated by understanding trade-offs between risks, cost of delay, operational costs, and development costs for each program and Value Stream?
Taking an economic view is the SAFe principle that ensures the maximum benefit is generated by understanding trade-offs between risks, cost of delay, operational costs, and development costs for each program and value stream1. This principle requires a fundamental understanding of the economics of building systems and making decisions in a proper economic context.This includes the strategy for incremental value delivery and the broader economic framework for each value stream2.Taking an economic view helps to optimize the flow of value, reduce waste, and deliver solutions that meet customer and stakeholder needs3.
1:SAFe Lean-Agile Principles - Scaled Agile Framework2:Principle #1 -- Take an economic view - Scaled Agile Framework3:Adopting Lean Budgeting Aligned to Development Value Streams
