Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Skill Overview

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    Category: Technical > 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

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

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

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

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

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

Tech Experts

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StackFactor Team
We pride ourselves on utilizing a team of seasoned experts who diligently curate roles, skills, and learning paths by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and conducting extensive research. Our cutting-edge approach ensures that we not only identify the most relevant opportunities for growth and development but also tailor them to the unique needs and aspirations of each individual. This synergy between human expertise and advanced technology allows us to deliver an exceptional, personalized experience that empowers everybody to thrive in their professional journeys.
  • Expert
    3 years work experience
  • Achievement Ownership
    Yes
  • Micro-skills
    84
  • Roles requiring skill
    71
  • Customizable
    Yes
  • Last Update
    Fri May 31 2024
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