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Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)

Information Technology > Software development methodologies

Description

The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a set of organization and workflow patterns intended to guide enterprises in scaling lean and agile practices. It provides a knowledge base of proven, integrated principles and practices to support enterprise agility. SAFe promotes alignment, collaboration, and delivery across large numbers of agile teams. It provides a structured approach to scaling agile methodology from small teams to an enterprise level, incorporating aspects of Lean thinking and Product Development Flow. Key components include Agile Release Trains (ARTs), which are teams of agile teams that build solutions together, and Program Increments (PIs), which provide a development timeline.

Expected Behaviors

✎
LEVEL 1

Fundamental Awareness

At the fundamental awareness level, individuals are expected to have a basic understanding of Agile principles and the SAFe framework. They should be familiar with the Lean-Agile mindset and have an awareness of Agile Release Trains (ARTs). Knowledge of basic Scrum practices is also expected at this level.

🌱
LEVEL 2

Novice

Novices should be able to apply Agile principles in a team setting and understand the roles and responsibilities within a SAFe environment. They should be capable of participating in Program Increment (PI) Planning and have an understanding of the Inspect and Adapt (I&A) workshop. The ability to work within an Agile team is also expected.

🌍
LEVEL 3

Intermediate

At the intermediate level, individuals should be able to facilitate PI Planning and understand Value Stream and ART identification. They should be capable of implementing Lean Portfolio Management (LPM) and have an understanding of the Continuous Delivery Pipeline (CDP). Managing backlogs and program increments is also expected at this level.

⭐
LEVEL 4

Advanced

Advanced individuals should be able to lead a SAFe transformation and understand how to implement DevOps and Release on Demand. They should be capable of coaching Agile teams and ARTs, and understand how to align strategy and execution with LPM. The ability to manage multiple ARTs and Solution Trains is also expected.

🏆
LEVEL 5

Expert

Experts should be able to train others in SAFe methodologies and understand how to scale Agile to the enterprise level. They should be capable of driving continuous improvement through I&A workshops and understand how to implement Lean Budgets and Guardrails. Leading a Lean-Agile enterprise is also expected at this level.

Micro Skills

✎
LEVEL 1

Fundamental Awareness

Understanding of Individuals and Interactions over Processes and Tools
Understanding of Working Software over Comprehensive Documentation
Understanding of Customer Collaboration over Contract Negotiation
Understanding of Responding to Change over Following a Plan
Understanding of Team Level
Understanding of Program Level
Understanding of Large Solution Level
Understanding of Portfolio Level
Knowledge of Eliminate Waste
Understanding of Build Quality In
Familiarity with Create Knowledge
Understanding of Defer Commitment
Knowledge of Deliver Fast
Understanding of Respect People
Familiarity with Optimize the Whole
Knowledge of the Structure of an ART
Understanding of the Role of an ART in Delivering Value
Familiarity with the Concept of a Program Increment within an ART
Knowledge of the Role and Responsibilities of a Product Owner
Understanding of the Role and Responsibilities of a Scrum Master
Familiarity with the Role and Responsibilities of a Development Team
🌱
LEVEL 2

Novice

Knowledge of the four values of Agile Manifesto
Understanding of the twelve principles of Agile Manifesto
Understanding of Sprint Planning
Knowledge of Daily Stand-up
Understanding of Sprint Review
Knowledge of Sprint Retrospective
Understanding of iteration planning
Knowledge of iteration review
Understanding of iteration retrospective
Ability to focus on delivering working software
Knowledge of when documentation is necessary
Flexibility in adapting to changes
Understanding of the value of feedback
🌍
LEVEL 3

Intermediate

Ability to define business value
Ability to manage dependencies
Ability to identify value streams
Ability to align ARTs with business objectives
Ability to establish the Portfolio Vision
Knowledge of Lean Budgets
Ability to implement DevOps practices
Understanding of how to manage the flow of value through the CDP
Ability to prioritize backlog items based on business value
Knowledge of how to plan for a Program Increment
⭐
LEVEL 4

Advanced

Understanding of the SAFe implementation roadmap
Ability to identify value streams and Agile Release Trains (ARTs)
Knowledge of how to establish a Lean-Agile Center of Excellence (LACE)
Ability to train leaders and teams in SAFe
Knowledge of Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) practices
Understanding of automated testing and deployment tools
Ability to manage environments and configurations
Understanding of how to release software on demand
Understanding of team dynamics and performance
Ability to facilitate effective retrospectives
Knowledge of coaching techniques for continuous improvement
Ability to resolve conflicts and remove impediments
Knowledge of portfolio Kanban and Epic Owners
Understanding of Lean budgeting and Guardrails
Ability to prioritize and sequence epics
Understanding of how to track epic progress and outcomes
Understanding of Solution Train Engineer (STE) role
Ability to coordinate dependencies across ARTs
Knowledge of how to facilitate Pre- and Post-PI Planning
Understanding of how to manage risks and dependencies at scale
🏆
LEVEL 5

Expert

Understanding of adult learning principles
Ability to design and deliver effective training sessions
Knowledge of various SAFe roles and their responsibilities
Ability to provide constructive feedback and coaching
Knowledge of different scaling frameworks and their applicability
Ability to identify and manage dependencies across multiple teams
Understanding of how to align strategy and execution at scale
Ability to facilitate large-scale planning events
Understanding of Lean-Agile metrics and how to use them for improvement
Ability to facilitate retrospectives at team and program levels
Knowledge of problem-solving techniques and tools
Ability to create a culture of continuous improvement
Knowledge of financial management principles in an Agile context
Ability to align budgeting practices with Agile delivery
Understanding of how to set up and manage guardrails
Ability to communicate and negotiate budget constraints with stakeholders
Understanding of Lean-Agile leadership principles
Ability to influence and inspire change at all levels of the organization
Knowledge of how to manage change resistance
Ability to align organizational structure with Agile practices

Skill Overview

  • Expert3 years experience
  • Micro-skills84
  • Roles requiring skill73

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