Which statement describes the three elements that the Innovation and Planning Iteration provides?
Answer : B
The Innovation and Planning (IP) Iteration in SAFe is a special iteration that occurs at the end of every Program Increment (PI). It serves several key purposes:
Innovation: It provides dedicated time for teams to innovate, which can include activities like hackathons, where teams can work on any project that aligns with the company's mission.
Planning: The IP Iteration allows time for PI Planning and Inspect and Adapt (I&A) events, ensuring that teams are prepared for the upcoming PI.
Estimating Guard Band: It acts as an estimating buffer for meeting PI Objectives, enhancing the predictability of PI performance.
What are two ways program risks can be categorized? (Choose two.)
Answer : C, E
Program risks can be categorized based on whether they areDeferredorOwned. A deferred risk is one that has been identified but is not being actively addressed at the moment, possibly due to prioritization of other risks or resource constraints. An owned risk is one that has been assigned to an individual or team who is responsible for managing and mitigating the risk. This categorization helps in tracking and accountability within the SAFe framework.
What is one activity the Release Train Engineer (RTE) performs before an upcoming PI?
Answer : C
Before an upcoming Program Increment (PI), the Release Train Engineer (RTE) has several responsibilities to ensure that the Agile Release Train (ART) is prepared for the PI Planning event. One of the key activities performed by the RTE is facilitating ART Backlog prioritization with Product Management and other stakeholders1.
This activity involves working closely with Product Management to review and prioritize the features and capabilities that are proposed for the upcoming PI. The RTE helps to ensure that the ART Backlog reflects the priorities of the business and that there is alignment between the stakeholders and the teams on what will be built. This collaborative effort is crucial for the ART to effectively plan and execute the work for the PI.
The RTE's role in facilitating ART Backlog prioritization includes:
* Engaging with Product Management: The RTE works with Product Management to understand the strategic objectives and the vision for the ART. This helps to ensure that the Backlog items align with the overall goals of the organization.
* Collaborating with Stakeholders: The RTE brings together various stakeholders, including Business Owners, Product Owners, and other key figures, to discuss and agree on the priorities for the PI.
* Preparing for PI Planning: By prioritizing the ART Backlog, the RTE helps to set the stage for a successful PI Planning event, where teams will further refine and commit to the work for the upcoming PI.
Through these efforts, the RTE plays a pivotal role in driving the ART's focus on delivering value that is aligned with the organization's strategic goals1.
What can a Release Train Engineer use to support relentless improvement for the Pro-gram Increment?
Answer : A
What foundational issue most often leads to team dysfunction?
Answer : A
The foundational issue that most often leads to team dysfunction is the absence of trust. In the context of SAFe, trust is a critical component of an effective Agile Release Train (ART). Without trust, teams may not effectively collaborate, which can lead to various dysfunctions such as fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results.
Trust and the SAFe Framework: SAFe emphasizes the importance of trust among team members and between teams and management. Trust is essential for creating an environment where team members feel safe to take risks, communicate openly, and work towards common goals.
Impact on PI Planning: During Program Increment (PI) planning, trust enables teams to be open about challenges and dependencies, ensuring that issues are addressed and that the plan is realistic and achievable.
Role of the RTE: The Release Train Engineer (RTE) plays a pivotal role in fostering trust within the ART. By acting as a servant leader and coach, the RTE helps resolve conflicts, facilitates collaboration, and supports teams in delivering value.
Continuous Improvement: Trust is also vital for the relentless improvement process within SAFe. Teams that trust each other are more likely to engage in constructive dialogue and problem-solving, leading to continuous growth and improvement.
Building Trust: Trust is built through actions such as making and meeting commitments, being transparent, and creating a blame-free environment where learning from mistakes is encouraged.
In conclusion, the absence of trust is the most significant issue leading to team dysfunction, and it is addressed throughout the SAFe framework by encouraging transparency, servant leadership, and a culture of continuous learning and improvement.