Lesson 2

Question 1

What are the four SAFe configurations?

Answer 1

1. Essential SAFe
2. Large Solution SAFe
3. Portfolio SAFe
4. Full SAFe

Question 2

SAFe draws from what (four) primary bodies of knowledge?

Answer 2

SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) draws from four primary bodies of knowledge that inform its principles and practices:

1. Agile Development
2. Lean Product Development
3. Systems Thinking
4. DevOps

Question 3

What is a Lean-Agile Mindset?

Answer 3

A foundational belief system combining Lean Thinking and Agile Development, guiding behaviors and decisions to support business agility.

Question 4

What are the two core principles behind the Lean-Agile Mindset?

Answer 4

1. Lean Thinking
2. Agile Development

Question 5

What are the core principles of Lean Thinking?

Answer 5

1. Precisely specify value by product
2. Identify the Value Stream for each product
3. Make value flow without interruptions
4. Let the Customer pull value from the producer
5. Pursue Perfection

Question 6

“Take an economic view” refers to which principle?

Answer 6

Principle #1

This principle emphasizes the importance of understanding the economics of product development to make informed decisions that optimize value delivery. It highlights that all decisions made at any level should consider their economic impact, ensuring that the organization delivers the best value and quality in the shortest sustainable lead time.

Question 7

What are the ten SAFe Lean-Agile Principles?

Answer 7

1 – Take an economic view

#2 – Apply systems thinking
#3 – Assume variability; preserve options
#4 – Build incrementally with fast, integrated learning cycles
#5 – Base milestones on objective evaluation of working systems
#6 – Make value flow without interruptions
#7 – Apply cadence, synchronize with cross-domain planning
#8 – Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers
#9 – Decentralize decision-making
#10 – Organize around value

Question 8

What is the main goal of applying an economic view in SAFe?

A. Delivering the most features possible
B. Making decisions based on intuition
C. Delivering maximum value in the shortest sustainable lead time
D. Reducing the number of Agile teams

Answer 8

C. Delivering maximum value in the shortest sustainable lead time

This principle focuses on system economics — understanding Cost of Delay, balancing development and operational costs, and optimizing for value delivery speed.

Question 9

What does applying systems thinking mean in SAFe?

A. Focusing on improving individual team performance
B. Optimizing the entire system rather than individual parts
C. Centralizing decision-making
D. Reducing the number of iterations

Answer 9

B. Optimizing the entire system rather than individual parts.

Systems thinking ensures the whole value stream is optimized, preventing sub-optimization of parts that harm overall performance. Taking a holistic approach to solution development

Question 10

What practice supports the principle “Assume variability; preserve options”?

A. Defining a single solution early and committing
B. Evaluating multiple design options and eliminating weaker ones over time
C. Avoiding experimentation to reduce risk
D. Finalizing architecture before development

Answer 10

B. Evaluating multiple design options and eliminating weaker ones over time.

This uses Set-Based Design, keeping multiple alternatives open to manage uncertainty until data guides the best choice.

Question 11

“A leader encourages decentralized decision-making and continuous learning. Which principle does this reflect?”

Answer 11

Principle #8: Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers.
Principle #9: Decentralize Decision-Making:

Question 12

An organization reorganizes its teams into value streams to focus on delivering customer outcomes rather than functions. What principle is this?

Answer 12

Principle #10: Organize around value

💡 Aligning structure to value streams improves flow and responsiveness.

Question 13

A Kanban board shows that too many stories are in progress. The team decides to limit WIP to improve flow. What principle is being applied?

Answer 13

Principle #6: Make value flow without interruptions

Visualize and limit WIP, reduce batch sizes, and manage queue lengths

💡 Flow improves when WIP is limited.

Question 14

A System Demo after each iteration helps teams validate the integrated system. Which principle is applied here?

Answer 14

Principle #4: Build incrementally with fast, integrated learning cycles

💡 Integration and feedback accelerate learning.

Question 15

A Product Manager must prioritize multiple Epics. She calculates the Cost of Delay and divides it by the job size to decide what to do first. Which principle is she applying?

Answer 15

Principle #1: Take an economic view

💡 This principle guides prioritization using WSJF to maximize value and minimize delay.

Question 16

Multiple teams plan together during PI Planning to align goals and synchronize deliverables. What principle does this reflect?

Answer 16

Principle #7: Apply cadence; synchronize with cross-domain planning

💡 Cadence creates rhythm; synchronization aligns work across teams.

Question 17

A Scrum Master promotes autonomy by letting the team decide how to meet sprint goals. What principle supports this?

Answer 17

Principle #8: Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers

💡 Motivation grows when teams have control over their work.

Question 18

A development team resolves technical issues locally without waiting for management approval. What principle are they applying?

Answer 18

Principle #9: Decentralize decision-making

💡 Delegating authority speeds up decisions and reduces bottlenecks.

Question 19

An ART aligns product management, development, and operations to deliver value end-to-end. What principle supports this?

Answer 19

Principle #10: Organize around value

💡 Value-focused organization replaces functional silos.

Question 20

During PI Planning, a team decides to delay a low-value feature to focus on one with a higher Cost of Delay. What principle supports this decision?

Answer 20

Principle #1: Take an economic view

💡 Economic thinking ensures resources are focused on the highest-value work.

Question 21

At the start of a project, architects evaluate three design approaches and keep two viable options open until they gather more data. What principle are they following?

Answer 21

Principle #3: Assume variability; preserve options

💡 Encourages exploring multiple options and using data to converge.

Question 22

A company holds regular ART sync meetings to align multiple teams on progress and dependencies. Which principle supports this?

Answer 22

Principle #7: Apply cadence; synchronize with cross-domain planning

💡 Predictable cadence and synchronization improve alignment and integration.

Question 23

Strategic decisions like product portfolio direction remain centralized, while teams decide on implementation details. What principle does this demonstrate?

Answer 23

Principle #9: Decentralize decision-making

💡 Centralize only when necessary; decentralize operational decisions.

Question 24

A team reduces their feature batch size to deliver smaller increments more often. Which principle does this demonstrate?

Answer 24

Principle #6: Visualize and limit WIP, reduce batch sizes, and manage queue lengths

💡 Smaller batches increase feedback frequency and predictability.

Question 25

An RTE ensures all Agile Release Train teams optimize the full value stream from idea to delivery, not just their team’s piece. Which principle does this reflect?

Answer 25

Principle #2: Apply systems thinking 💡 System optimization over individual optimization. "Optimize the whole.

Question 26

A team releases small product increments every two weeks and collects customer feedback to guide the next iteration. Which principle does this demonstrate?

Answer 26

Principle #4: Build incrementally with fast, integrated learning cycles 💡 Frequent learning cycles reduce uncertainty and improve value.

Question 27

A solution team uses multiple prototypes to test market responses before finalizing the product direction. Which principle is in action?

Answer 27

Principle #3: Assume variability; preserve options 💡 Encourages exploring multiple options and using data to converge.

Question 28

Leadership decides to approve the next funding milestone only after seeing an integrated demo. Which principle supports this?

Answer 28

Principle #5: Base milestones on objective evaluation of working systems 💡 Objective evaluation replaces subjective opinion.

Question 29

What are the SAFe Core Values? A. Quality, Delivery, Innovation, Respect B. Trust, Planning, Agility, Growth C. Alignment, Transparency, Respect for People, Relentless Improvement D. Innovation, Speed, Quality, Leadership

Answer 29

C. Alignment, Transparency, Respect for People, Relentless Improvement These four core values represent the foundational beliefs that are key to SAFe’s effectiveness. They guide the behaviors and actions of everyone participating in a SAFe portfolio, ensuring that the organization can achieve business agility and deliver value effectively.

Question 30

“Apply systems thinking” helps teams: A. Optimize the entire system, not local parts B. Focus only on individual outputs C. Increase reporting D. Reduce feedback loops

Answer 30

A. Optimize the entire system, not local parts Systems thinking emphasizes understanding the interconnections and interactions within a system. It encourages teams to look at the whole system rather than just optimizing individual components. This holistic approach ensures that improvements benefit the entire organization and enhance the flow of value, rather than creating local optimizations that may hinder overall performance.

Question 31

What is the key behavior of a Lean-Agile leader? A. Command and control B. Leading by example and coaching others C. Centralized decision-making D. Delegating all responsibilities

Answer 31

B. Leading by example and coaching others Lean-Agile leaders are expected to model the behaviors they want to see in their teams. They inspire and motivate individuals by demonstrating Lean and Agile principles in their actions. This approach fosters a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and empowerment, which is essential for achieving Business Agility.

Question 32

“Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers” means: A. Rewarding only top performers B. Assigning strict KPIs C. Limiting team discussions D. Encouraging autonomy, mastery, purpose

Answer 32

D. Encouraging autonomy, mastery, purpose This approach focuses on creating an environment where knowledge workers can exercise their autonomy, pursue mastery in their skills, and connect their work to a meaningful purpose. These elements are essential for fostering intrinsic motivation, which drives engagement and satisfaction in their work.

Question 33

What is Agile Principle #1?

Answer 33

#1: Take an economic view

Question 34

What two practices are essential to achieving optimum economic outcomes via Lean-Agile methods?

Answer 34

1. Deliver Early and Often 2. Apply an Economic Framework

Question 35

What are the 3 aspects of System Thinking?

Answer 35

The Solution Itself is a system The Enterprise Building the System is a system too Understand and optimize the Value Stream — how value flows

Question 36

What is Agile Principle #2?

Answer 36

#2: Apply systems thinking

Question 37

SAFe’s economic framework contains what four primary elements?

Answer 37

Operating with Lean budgets and guardrails Understand Solution economic trade-offs Sequencing jobs for the maximum benefit Leveraging suppliers

Question 38

Most of the time spent getting to market is a result of what type of problem?

Answer 38

Delays Reducing delays is the fastest way to reduce time-to-market Optimize the full Value Stream

Question 39

What is Agile Principle #3?

Answer 39

#3: Assume variability; preserve options

Question 40

What is Agile Principle #4?

Answer 40

#4: Build incrementally with fast, integrated learning cycles

Question 41

What is Agile Principle #5?

Answer 41

#5: Base milestones on objective evaluation of working systems

Question 42

What is Agile Principle #6?

Answer 42

#6: Make value flow without interruptions

Question 43

What is Principle #7?

Answer 43

#7: Apply cadence, synchronize with cross-domain planning

Question 44

What is Principle #8?

Answer 44

#8: Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers

Question 45

What is Principle #9

Answer 45

#9: Decentralize decision-making

Question 46

What is Principle #10?

Answer 46

#10: Organize around value

Question 47

What are the eight (flow) properties to examine that can accelerate flow?

Answer 47

1. Visualize and Limit WIP (Work in Process) 2. Address Bottlenecks 3.Minimize Handoffs and Dependencies 4.Get Faster Feedback 5.Work in Smaller Batches 6.Reduce Queue Lengths 7.Optimize Time ‘In the Zone’ (focus time for knowledge workers) 8.Remediate Legacy Policies and Practices

Question 48

What are the six different Flow Metrics? Hint: DVT LEP (Def Leppard)

Answer 48

1.Flow Distribution: This metric measures the proportion of each backlog item type in the flow. It helps ensure a balance between new features, technical debt, and maintenance work. 2.Flow Velocity: This measures the number of items completed in a given time period, typically an iteration or Program Increment (PI). It helps assess team and ART throughput and forecast future deliveries. 3.Flow Time: This metric tracks the time elapsed from when an item enters the workflow until it is released to the customer. It helps identify opportunities for improvement in the delivery process. 4.Flow Load: This measures the total work-in-progress (WIP) across all steps of the flow. It helps match demand to capacity and optimize throughput. 5.Flow Efficiency: This metric calculates the ratio of the time spent on value-added work to the total time elapsed. It helps identify bottlenecks and delays in the workflow. 6.Flow Predictability: This measures the overall planned versus actual business value delivered. It helps assess how reliably teams and ARTs meet their commitments.

Question 49

Summarizes the team’s ability to achieve planned objectives is an example of what flow metric?

Answer 49

Flow Predictability

Question 50

Measures how long it takes for a work item to go through the system is an example of what flow metric?

Answer 50

Flow Time

Question 51

Measures the number of work items by type in a specific Value Stream is an example of what flow Metric?

Answer 51

Flow Distribution

Question 52

Measures the overall amount of work-in-process in the system is an example of what flow metric?

Answer 52

Flow Load

Question 53

Measures the average number of completed work items over a given time period is an example of what flow metric?

Answer 53

Flow Velocity

Question 54

Measures how much of the total flow time is spent in work activities vs. waiting between steps is an example of what flow metric?

Answer 54

Flow Efficiency

Question 55

Most problems with your processes willl surface as what?

Answer 55

►Most problems with your process will surface as delays ► Most of the time spent getting to market is a result of these delays ► Reducing delays is the fastest way to reduce time-to-market

Question 56

We are uncovering better ways of developing software by doing it and helping others do it. Through this work we have come to value: Individuals and interactions over what?

Answer 56

Individuals and interactions over processes and tools.

Question 57

We are uncovering better ways of developing software by doing it and helping others do it. Through this work we have come to value: Working software over what?

Answer 57

Working software over comprehensive documentation

Question 58

We are uncovering better ways of developing software by doing it and helping others do it. Through this work we have come to value: Customer collaboration over what?

Answer 58

Customer collaboration over contract negotiation

Question 59

We are uncovering better ways of developing software by doing it and helping others do it. Through this work we have come to value: Responding to change over what?

Answer 59

Responding to change over following a plan.

Question 60

What are the (four) SAFe Core Values?

Answer 60

1.Alignment 2.Transparency 3.Respect for People 4.Relentless Improvement

Question 61

► Communicate the vision, mission, and strategy ► Connect strategy to execution ► Speak with a common language ► Constantly check for understanding ► Understand your customer Are all examples of what SAFe Core Value?

Answer 61

Alignment

Question 62

► Create a trust-based environment ► Communicate directly, openly, and honestly ► Turn mistakes into learning moments ► Visualize work ► Provide ready access to needed information Are all examples of what SAFe Core Value?

Answer 62

Transparency

Question 63

► Hold precious what it is to be human ► Value diversity of people and opinions ► Grow people through coaching and mentoring ► Embrace ‘your customer is whoever consumes your work’ ► Build long-term partnerships based on mutual benefit Are all examples of what SAFe Core Value?

Answer 63

Respect for People

Question 64

► Create a constant sense of urgency ► Build a problem-solving culture ► Reflect and adapt frequently ► Let facts guide improvements ► Provide time and space for innovation Are all examples of what SAFe Core Value?

Answer 64

Relentless Improvement

Question 65

An Economic Framework is a set of decision guidelines that align everyone with the financial objectives of a Portfolio and inform the continuous decision-making process. Understand Solution Economic Trade-Offs is under this framework. According to SAFe what (Five) considerations affecting tradeoff decisions?

Answer 65

Development Expense-This refers to the costs associated with labor and materials required to implement a capability. Understanding these costs helps in evaluating the financial implications of different options. Lead time – the time needed to implement the capability. Product cost– the manufacturing cost (of goods sold) and deployment and operational costs. Value – the economic worth of the capability to the business and the customer Development expense – the cost of labor and materials required to implement a capability Risk – the uncertainty of the solution’s technical or business success

Question 66

Reduce < what > for higher predictability?

Answer 66

Reduce batch size for higher predictability Small batches go through the system faster with lower variability Optimal batch size is a U curve optimization where: - Total cost: Sum of holding costs and transaction cost - Higher transaction costs make optimal batch size larger - Higher holding costs make optimal batch size smaller

Question 67

True or False Time Critical decisions should be centralized?

Answer 67

False Decentralized decisions when: - Frequent - Time Critical - Requires local information

Question 68

Centralize Decision Making when? Hint: 3 items

Answer 68

Infrequent Long-Lasting Has significant economies of scale

Question 69

SAFe roles and practices are informed by: 1. Fixed mindset 2. Value Streams 3. Lean-Agile Principles 4. The Agile Manifesto

Answer 69

3. Lean-Agile Principles

Question 70

Coach sync

Answer 70

An ART-level event called Coach Sync is a good example of an event that aligns teams during execution. A representative from each Agile Team joins to share their progress and impediments.

Question 71

Iteration Review

Answer 71

Teams demo their work at the end of a fixed timebox, called an Iteration. The team and its stakeholders are invited to the demo to learn what the team delivered and to provide quick feedback.

Question 72

System Demo

Answer 72

System Demo is when all the teams on the ART Demo the Solution at the end of the Iteration. This event creates Alignment across the ART and its stakeholders.

Question 73

What does the body of knowledge that supports Laen-Agile Principles include?

Answer 73

- Agile development - Systems Thinking - Lean product development - DevOps

Question 74

SAFe roles and practices are informed by? 1. Fixed mindset 2. Value Streams 3. Lean-Agile Principles 4. The Agile Manifesto

Answer 74

3. Lean-Agile Principles

Question 75

“Building a problem-solving culture is an example of which SAFe Core Value?” 1. Respect for People 2. Alignment 3. Relentless Improvement 4. Transparency

Answer 75

3. Relentless Improvement Relentless Improvement means that everyone in the organization — from leadership to teams — is constantly looking for ways to learn, adapt, and improve. Building a problem-solving culture supports this by encouraging people to: Identify root causes instead of blaming individuals 🧠 Experiment, learn, and innovate continuously 🔁 Reflect regularly (through Inspect & Adapt workshops, retrospectives, etc.) 💬 💬 In SAFe, “problems are treasures” — because solving them makes the system stronger.

Question 76

Which of the Lean Thinking principles includes the activities from recognizing an opportunity through release and validation? 1. Precisely specify value to the product 2. Make value flow without interruption 3. Pursue perfection 4. Identify the value stream for each product

Answer 76

4. Identify the value stream for each product “Identify the value stream for each product” means mapping out all the steps (activities) needed to deliver value — from the first recognition of a customer opportunity through development, release, and validation of the product or service. In Lean Thinking, a value stream represents the entire flow of value — from idea 💡 → build 🏗️ → release 🚀 → validation ✅. That’s exactly what the question describes.

Question 77

What is an example of applying cadence-based synchronization in SAFe? 1. Teams meet twice every PI to plan schedule capacity 2. Teams can only release new software on the same day 3. Teams align the start and end dates of their Iterations 4. Teams decide their own Iteration length

Answer 77

3. Teams align the start and end dates of their Iterations Cadence = a regular, predictable rhythm Synchronization = aligning events and milestones across multiple teams Together, cadence-based synchronization means that all Agile Teams on an ART work on the same schedule — they start and end Iterations and Program Increments at the same time. This alignment allows: Shared planning (PI Planning) Integrated system demos Coordinated delivery of value Easier dependency management 💬 Cadence creates a heartbeat. Synchronization aligns multiple hearts to beat together. ❤️ In One Sentence Cadence-based synchronization in SAFe means all teams on an Agile Release Train align their iteration start and end dates to plan, integrate, and deliver value together predictably.