SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager POPM (6.0) Questions and Answers
Which of the following statements is one of the five Lean Thinking principles?
Options:
Decentralize decision-making
Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
Identify the Value Stream for each product
Deliver working software frequently
Answer:
CExplanation:
Identifying the Value Stream for each product is one of the five Lean Thinking principles proposed by Womack and Jones in 1996. A value stream is the sequence of activities that deliver value to the customer, from the initial request to the final delivery1. Identifying the value stream for each product helps to eliminate waste, optimize flow, and increase customer satisfaction2.
References:
•The Five Principles of Lean - Project Management Institute
•Value Streams - Scaled Agile Framework
Why do Agile Teams use Iteration Goals?
Options:
To summarize the business outcomes an Agile Team intends to achieve during the PI
To ensure the team accomplishes the committed Stories for each Iteration
To align the team members and the Product Owner to a common purpose
To hold the team accountable to their PI Objectives
Answer:
CExplanation:
Iteration Goals are a high-level summary of the business and technical goals that an Agile Team agrees to accomplish in an Iteration. They are vital to coordinating an Agile Release Train (ART) as a self-organizing, self-managing team of teams1. Iteration Goals help the team and the Product Owner to reach agreement on the business value they intend to deliver, align their work to their team PI objectives, and ground everyone on their shared purpose2.
References:
•Iteration Goals - Scaled Agile Framework
•What Is The Purpose Of Iteration Goals? - GoRetro
In the first step of SAFe's Continuous Delivery Pipeline, Product Owners and Product Managers do what activity?
Options:
Ensure the Architecture team has sufficient capacity
Negotiate Supplier contracts
Prioritize the Team Backlog
Hypothesize what would create value for Customers
Answer:
DExplanation:
Hypothesizing what would create value for customers is the main activity of Product Owners and Product Managers in the first step of SAFe’s Continuous Delivery Pipeline, which is Continuous Exploration (CE)12. In CE, they use design thinking to understand the market problem or customer need and the solution required to meet that need12. They start with a hypothesis of something that will provide value to customers, such as a new feature, capability, or enhancement12. They then validate or invalidate their hypothesis through experimentation, feedback, and learning12.
Some additional information that might be helpful for you are:
•The other options (A, B, and C) are not the main activity of Product Owners and Product Managers in the first step of SAFe’s Continuous Delivery Pipeline, but rather activities that may occur in other steps or roles.
•Ensuring the Architecture team has sufficient capacity is an activity that may occur in the second step of SAFe’s Continuous Delivery Pipeline, which is Continuous Integration (CI)12. In CI, the Architecture team works with the Development teams to ensure the technical quality and integrity of the solution12.
•Negotiating Supplier contracts is an activity that may occur in the fourth step of SAFe’s Continuous Delivery Pipeline, which is Release on Demand12. In Release on Demand, the Solution Management team works with the Suppliers to coordinate the release of the solution components that are provided by them12.
•Prioritizing the Team Backlog is an activity that occurs in the Program Increment (PI) Planning event, which is part of the Agile Product Delivery competency3. In PI Planning, the Product Owner works with the Development team and other stakeholders to define, prioritize, and estimate the work items for the upcoming PI3.
What is one strategy for managing complex critical path challenges?
Options:
Adjust work between teams or split Features and Stories
Distribute work to other teams
Sequence work to eliminate same Iteration dependencies
Allocate work between teams based on forecasted capacity
Answer:
AExplanation:
One strategy for managing complex critical path challenges is to adjust work between teams or split Features and Stories. Complex critical path challenges are situations where the delivery of value depends on the completion of multiple interdependent tasks by different teams1. These challenges can cause delays, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies in the value stream. To overcome these challenges, one option is to adjust work between teams or split Features and Stories, so that the dependencies are minimized or eliminated2. This can help improve the flow of work, reduce the risk of integration issues, and increase the flexibility and responsiveness of the teams3.
References:
•Accelerating Flow with SAFe - Scaled Agile Framework
•Managing Dependencies - Scaled Agile Framework
What system delivers a product or service to a Customer?
Options:
Kanban System
Operational Value Stream
Development Value Stream
Dual Operating System
Answer:
BExplanation:
An Operational Value Stream (OVS) is the sequence of activities needed to deliver a product or service to a customer1. Examples include manufacturing a product, fulfilling an order, admitting and treating a medical patient, providing a loan, or delivering a professional service1. An OVS is the system that delivers value to the customer and generates revenue for the enterprise2. In SAFe®, OVSs are the primary focus of the Customer Centricity competency, which aims to understand and meet the needs and expectations of the customer3.
Some additional information that might be helpful for you are:
•The other options (A, C, and D) are not systems that deliver a product or service to a customer, but rather systems or concepts that support or enable the delivery of value.
•A Kanban System is a method of visualizing and managing the flow of work in a value stream4. A Kanban System can be applied to any type of value stream, whether operational or developmental, to improve efficiency, quality, and predictability4.
•A Development Value Stream (DVS) is the sequence of activities needed to convert a business hypothesis into a digitally-enabled solution that delivers customer value. A DVS is the system that develops and supports the solutions used by the OVSs. In SAFe®, DVSs are the primary focus of the Agile Product Delivery competency, which aims to continuously explore, integrate, deploy, and release value.
•A Dual Operating System is a concept proposed by John Kotter that describes the need for organizations to balance the traditional hierarchical structure with a more agile and networked structure. A Dual Operating System enables organizations to exploit their existing capabilities while exploring new opportunities for innovation and growth. In SAFe®, a Dual Operating System is achieved by applying the Lean-Agile Leadership competency, which fosters a culture of learning and empowerment.
What is included in the Inspect and Adapt agenda?
Options:
ART Backlog refinement
System Demo
Quantitative and qualitative measurement
Management review and confidence vote
Answer:
CExplanation:
The Inspect and Adapt (I&A) agenda in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a significant event at the end of each Program Increment (PI), focusing on continuous improvement and adjustment in Agile processes. It comprises three main parts:
1.PI System Demo: This is the first part of the I&A event, intended to showcase all the features developed by the Agile Release Train (ART) over the course of the PI. It typically includes a broader audience and is more formal than regular system demos. Business Owners collaborate with each Agile team to score the actual business value achieved for their Team PI Objectives.
2.Quantitative and Qualitative Measurement: This part involves the collective review of quantitative and qualitative metrics agreed upon by the teams. This review is aimed at discussing data and trends to measure the team's performance. Important metrics like the programpredictability measure are also analyzed, with each team's planned vs. actual business value contributing to this measure.
3.Retrospective and Problem-Solving Workshop: This structured session allows teams to reflect on their performance, identify areas of improvement, and create action plans. It includes identifying improvements, conducting root cause analysis using tools like the "5 Whys" or fishbone diagrams, brainstorming solutions, prioritizing actions, and creating detailed action plans for implementation.
The I&A event promotes continuous improvement, enhanced agility, increased transparency, higher quality outcomes, better decision-making, improved employee engagement, and alignment with organizational goals. It's essential for both Agile Release Trains and Solution Trains to effectively inspect and adapt their processes for optimal performance and continuous improvement.
References:
•Scaled Agile Framework: Inspect and Adapt.
•Dee Project Manager: SAFe Inspect and Adapt: Supercharge Agile Excellence.
Why is the problem-solving workshop more effective than traditional lessons learned documents?
Options:
Collaboration over documentation is a key recommendation of the Agile Manifesto
It makes improvements actionable through backlog items for the next PI
It involves a small group of leaders
Workshops are more engaging than document writing
Answer:
BExplanation:
The problem-solving workshop is more effective than traditional lessons learned documents because it makes improvements actionable through backlog items for the next Program Increment (PI). A problem-solving workshop is a structured approach to identify and solve problems that affect the performance and quality of the Agile Release Train (ART) or Solution Train1. Unlike traditional lessons learned documents, which are often passive and rarely implemented, a problem-solving workshop results in a set of improvement backlog items that are prioritized and planned for the next PI2. This way, the teams can implement the improvements and measure their impact on the value delivery3.
References:
•Inspect and Adapt - Scaled Agile Framework
•Why is the problem-solving workshop more effective than traditional …
•Problem-solving workshop: Step-by-Step - Agilephoria
Which statement describes a mitigated ART PI Risk?
Options:
The risk has been addressed and is no longer a concern
Someone has taken the responsibility of the risk
There is a strategy to adjust the plan as necessary
Nothing more can be done, so if a risk occurs, release may be compromised
Answer:
CExplanation:
A mitigated ART PI Risk is one that has an agreed-upon plan for alleviation, which may involve changing the scope, schedule, or resources of the PI. This reduces the impact or likelihood of the risk, but does not eliminate it completely
Which Product Owner responsibility supports the team with value delivery?
Options:
Understanding market forces
Supporting the Architectural Runway
Testing benefit hypotheses
Fostering Built-in Quality
Answer:
DExplanation:
Fostering Built-in Quality is a Product Owner responsibility that supports the team with value delivery. Built-in Quality is one of the four core values of SAFe® and it means that every aspect of the solution is continuously verified for quality1. The Product Owner fosters Built-in Quality in the following ways:
•Collaborating with the Development team and other stakeholders to define clear and testable acceptance criteria for each work item2.
•Participating in team events such as Iteration Planning, Backlog Refinement, and Iteration Review to provide feedback and guidance on the quality of the work2.
•Reviewing and approving the work items that meet the Definition of Done and the acceptance criteria2.
•Encouraging the team to apply Agile testing practices such as Test-First, Test-Driven Development, and Behavior-Driven Development3.
•Supporting the team’s continuous integration and continuous delivery practices to ensure fast and frequent feedback on the quality of the solution3.
Some additional information that might be helpful for you are:
•The other options (A, B, and C) are not Product Owner responsibilities that support the team with value delivery, but rather responsibilities that belong to other roles or activities.
•Understanding market forces is a responsibility of Product Management, who is accountable for the market and business aspects of the solution4.
•Supporting the Architectural Runway is a responsibility of System Architects/Engineers, who provide technical guidance and enablement to the teams.
•Testing benefit hypotheses is an activity that occurs in the Continuous Exploration step of the Continuous Delivery Pipeline, where Product Owners and Product Managers collaborate to validate their assumptions about the customer and the solution.
What is one question that helps Product Management create a Vision?
Options:
How many Features have been released to the Customer?
What Features must be de-scoped?
What problem(s) will the Solution solve?
Which themes are on the Roadmap?
Answer:
CExplanation:
One of the questions that helps Product Management create a Vision is what problem(s) will the Solution solve for the customers and stakeholders. The Vision is a description of the future state of the Solution under development, and it reflects the needs and expectations of the customers and stakeholders1. The Vision also provides the context and purpose for the features and capabilities of the Solution2. Therefore, Product Management needs to understand the problem(s) that the Solution aims to address, and how it will deliver value and benefits to the customers and stakeholders3.
References:
•Vision - Scaled Agile Framework
•Solution Vision - Scaled Agile Framework
•What is a Product Vision Statement? | Definition and Overview
What unit of time is used on Solution Roadmaps?
Options:
Iterations
Years
PIs
Days
Answer:
CExplanation:
Program Increments (PIs) are the unit of time used on Solution Roadmaps, which are visual tools that forecast and communicate the planned deliverables, milestones, and investments over a time horizon12. PIs are fixed-length timeboxes, typically 8 to 12 weeks long, that provide a regular and predictable planning cadence for the Agile Release Trains (ARTs) and Solution Trains3. PIs are used on Solution Roadmaps to:
•Align the solution delivery with the PI objectives, which are the SMART goals that define the expected outcomes and benefits for each ART and Solution Train in a PI3.
•Coordinate the dependencies and interfaces between the ARTs and Solution Trains that contribute to the solution3.
•Provide a near-term forecast of the features and capabilities that will be delivered in the next two to three PIs12.
•Incorporate feedback and learning from the previous PIs and adjust the scope and priority of the work items as needed12.
Some additional information that might be helpful for you are:
•The other options (A, B, and D) are not the unit of time used on Solution Roadmaps, but rather units of time that may be used for other purposes or in other contexts.
•Iterations are fixed-length timeboxes, typically one or two weeks long, that provide a regular and predictable development cadence for the Agile Teams4. Iterations are used to plan, execute, and demo the work items in the Team Backlog4.
•Years are a unit of time that may be used to provide a high-level overview of the roadmap, outlining major milestones, goals, and initiatives that are planned over multiple years2. Years are not used to plan or forecast the solution delivery in detail, as they are too long and uncertain for Agile planning2.
•Days are a unit of time that may be used to estimate the effort or duration of a work item or a task5. Days are not used to schedule or forecast the solution delivery on the roadmap, as they are too granular and variable for Agile planning5.
In a 12-week PI, how often does the Innovation and Planning (IP) Iteration occur?
Options:
Every quarter
Once per year
Every two PIs
Every two Iterations
Answer:
AExplanation:
The Innovation and Planning (IP) Iteration is a unique, dedicated iteration that occurs every Program Increment (PI). A PI is a timebox of 8 to 12 weeks, during which an Agile Release Train (ART) delivers incremental value in the form of working, tested software and systems. Therefore, in a 12-week PI, the IP Iteration occurs every quarter
Communicating and refining the Vision to the Agile Release Train during PI Planning supports which SAFe Core Value?
Options:
Relentless Improvement
Alignment
Respect for People
Transparency
Answer:
BExplanation:
Communicating and refining the Vision to the Agile Release Train (ART) during PI Planning supports the SAFe Core Value of Alignment. Alignment is one of the four core values of SAFe thatguides the behaviors and actions of the people who work under the framework1. Alignment means that everyone understands the strategic direction, the value streams, and the solution intent, and how their role and work contribute to them2. PI Planning is a crucial event in SAFe where all the teams within the ART come together to plan their work for the upcoming Program Increment (PI)3. During PI Planning, the Product Management presents the Vision, which describes the future state of the solution and its features4. The Vision helps align the teams and stakeholders to a shared mission and goal, and provides the context and purpose for the PI objectives.
References:
•SAFe Core Values - Scaled Agile Framework
•Alignment - Scaled Agile Framework
•PI Planning - Scaled Agile Framework
•Vision - Scaled Agile Framework