What is governance in a SAFe context?
According to theGovernment Articleon the Scaled Agile Framework website, governance in a SAFe context is a framework for decision-making to ensure programs achieve desired mission outcomes. The article states that ''Governance is not the natural enemy of the lean flow of value in technology development. In fact, governance plays a vital role in many high-assurance systems where the economic and human cost of failure is unacceptable. It is merely a framework for decision-making and oversight to ensure that programs achieve the desired mission outcomes.'' Therefore, the correct answer is B, a framework for decision-making to ensure programs achieve desired mission outcomes. The other options are not accurate, as they are not the definitions of governance in a SAFe context. Oversight that is provided by the PMO (A) is not governance, but a function that supports governance by providing guidance and coordination. Agency level regulations that ensure compliance with federal laws are not governance, but a set of rules that programs must follow. Participatory budgeting events conducted twice annually by LPM (D) are not governance, but a mechanism for allocating funds based on value and strategic alignment.
When should government technology programs be organized as Solution Trains?
According to theSolution Trainarticle on the Scaled Agile Framework website, Solution Trains are the organizational construct used to build large solutions that require the coordination of multiple ARTs and suppliers. The article states that ''Solution Trains form for different reasons. Some trains form with new ARTs and Agile Teams to specifically address a large initiative, while others begin by combining existing ARTs and teams.'' Therefore, the correct answer is D, when the size and complexity require two or more ARTs. The other options are not relevant to the definition of a Solution Train.
How does the Incremental Capability Review help streamline execution reviews?
According to theAdapting Governance Practices to Support Agility and Lean Flow of Valuearticle on the Scaled Agile Framework website, the Incremental Capability Review is an objective-based progress review that replaces the traditional phase-gate reviews. The article states that ''The Incremental Capability Review (ICR) is a new governance practice that provides a more effective way to measure progress and manage risk. It is based on the principle of objective evidence of working systems rather than subjective opinions and documentation. The ICR is a lightweight, collaborative, and transparent review process that aligns with the PI cadence and events. It leverages the System Demo, Inspect and Adapt, and PI Planning to provide frequent and incremental checks of the solution's fitness for purpose and compliance with relevant standards and regulations.'' Therefore, the correct answer is A, it is an objective-based progress review. The other options are not accurate, as the ICR is not the default for phase-gate reviews, it is not a document-based progress measure, and it does not ensure manual review of processes.
What are two reasons objective Milestones, like the System Demo, are useful? (Choose two.)
According to theSystem Demoarticle on the Scaled Agile Framework website, objective milestones, like the System Demo, are useful because they provide tangible evidence of progress and allow for cost-effective adjustments towards an optimum solution. The article states that ''The system demo offers the ART a fact-based measure of current, system-level progress within the PI. It's the true measure of ART velocity and progress. Achieving this requires implementing the scalable engineering practices necessary to support Continuous Integration across the ART.'' The article also states that ''The system demo provides the opportunity to get fast feedback from the stakeholders, which is essential for building the right solution. The feedback can be used to validate assumptions, evaluate hypotheses, and identify potential pivots or changes in direction. The system demo also helps to identify and resolve any integration issues, dependencies, or risks that may affect the solution's fitness for purpose or compliance.'' Therefore, the correct answers are D, they provide tangible evidence of progress, and E, they allow for cost-effective adjustments towards an optimum solution. The other options are not accurate, as they are not the reasons why objective milestones are useful. They do not necessarily allow the contracting officer to release funds for payment, satisfy phase-gate governance processes, or satisfy a SAFe requirement.
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
