Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Program Consultant Practice Test

Which activity is included when planning for a Program Increment?

1. Identifying risks and dependencies

2. Conducting employee performance evaluations

3. Setting long-term strategic goals

4. Standardizing team structures

The correct answer is: Identifying risks and dependencies

The activity of identifying risks and dependencies is essential when planning for a Program Increment (PI) in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). During PI planning, teams take the opportunity to collaboratively assess and highlight potential risks that could impede the progress of their planned work. This process involves discussing dependencies with other teams, ensuring that all aspects of the work are aligned, and that potential blockers or issues are identified early. By doing so, teams can create a more realistic and achievable plan, allocate resources effectively, and mitigate risks before they affect the outcome of the program. This approach fosters better collaboration and alignment across teams, enhancing the overall success of the PI. It encourages open communication and transparency, which are key principles of the SAFe methodology, supporting the goal of delivering value to the customer efficiently. The identification of risks and dependencies helps ensure that everyone is aware of what is needed from one another, enabling teams to coordinate their efforts. In contrast, the other activities mentioned—conducting employee performance evaluations, setting long-term strategic goals, and standardizing team structures—while they may be relevant in broader organizational contexts, do not directly pertain to the specific operational work and collaboration that occurs in the context of PI planning.