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Why We Experiment As we conceptualize our significant development initiatives (Epics), there is a compelling need to determine the viability of these amazing ideas early on. SAFe advocates that we should experiment as we consider these ideas. Experimentation in SAFe:...

What Is Lean Budgeting? Today’s organizations need the ability to adapt their portfolio budget in response to changes in the market, new information, and other disruptions.  However, traditional project-based funding simply does not allow for this kind of flexibility....

What is a Solution? As we consider leveraging SAFe®, there is a strong need to evolve how we work and execute. This entails moving away from a project (Waterfall) mindset and segueing towards a product/solution mindset.  In SAFe, a solution is a product, good, and/or...

What’s an Epic? Those of you familiar with SAFe® have probably heard the term “Epic.” A Portfolio Epic describes a significant development initiative that usually spans multiple value streams and Program Increments (PIs). Because of their large scope, Portfolio Epics...

Within SAFe, how we work can be structured around Value Streams.  Value Streams are a sequence of steps that an organization uses to implement solutions that provide value to customers.  In SAFe, there are Development Value Streams and Operational Value Streams. ...

As we, as Leaders, consider undergoing an Agile Transformation, the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) advocates that it is important that Leaders embrace a new mindset.  This mindset is rooted in Lean-Agile thinking and it is called the “Lean-Agile Mindset.”  A mindset is...

One key area that informs SAFe (the Scaled Agile Framework) is system thinking.  System Thinking takes a wholistic approach towards Solutions Development.  System thinking advocates that all aspects of a system:  its environment, its design, its deployment, and its...

Introduction: In today's rapidly changing economy, securing a job interview can be a daunting task.  This is especially true when it comes to Agile roles, where organizations seek professionals with a unique skill set and mindset.  However, by adopting a strategic...

Introduction: In the world of process optimization and lean thinking, the SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) methodology has gained popularity as a comprehensive approach to achieving organizational agility. Within the SAFe framework, value streams and value streamlets...

Introduction: In the fast-paced realm of IT Agile methodologies, navigating obstacles and maintaining workflow efficiency are essential for successful project delivery. Two commonly used terms that often intertwine are "impediments" and "blockers." Although they may...

Agile methodologies, which originated in software development, have increasingly been applied to hardware engineering in recent years. While Agile was initially designed for software projects, the principles and practices can be adapted and applied to hardware...

Oftentimes in Agile, we speak for the need of Change Agents to be Servant-Leaders.  When we refer to a Change Agent, the Change Agent can perhaps be a Scrum Master, Agile Coach, Architect, and/or Executive.  When we speak to Servant Leadership, it is first best to...