Scaled Agile Framework is widely used in organizations. In this video, I want to answer the question, ‘What is Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)?’
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Scaled Agile Framework
Scaled Agile Framework is an agile framework for agile development and management at an enterprise scale. It gives organizations a structured approach for scaling their agile practice.
Four Configurations of Scaled Agile Framework
SAFe offers four configurations at different scales:
- Essential SAFe
The level of a single team, project, or program - Large Solution SAFe
Multi-project or multi-program level, without portfolio management tools - Portfolio SAFe
Adds in concerns for governance, strategy, and value - Full SAFe
Integrates the three levels together in a single framework
SAFe is a Body of Knowledge
The framework is a body of knowledge that includes guidance on:
- Planning
- Roles and responsibilities
- Work management
- Practices and Values
What Scaled Agile Framework Offers
Scaled Agile provides training and certifications that cover all areas and knowledge levels, and specific contexts like DevOps and Government.
SAFe provides tools and processes for alignment, collaboration, and delivery across large numbers of agile teams. It was formed by drawing upon:
- Agile software development methods
- Lean product development
- Systems thinking.
The Ten principles of Scaled Agile Framework
Like many modern articulations of project management, SAFe has a set of principles – 10 since the recent introduction of SAFe 5:
- Take an economic view
- Apply systems thinking
- Assume variability; preserve options
- Build incrementally with fast, integrated learning cycles
- Base milestones on an objective evaluation of working systems
- Visualize and limit Work in Process (WIP), reduce batch sizes, and manage queue lengths
- Apply cadence, synchronize with cross-domain planning
- Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers
- Decentralize decision making
- Organize around value
How Does Scaled Agile Framework Compare with Other Methods
It is, perhaps, the largest agile framework (in terms of adoption), with the other big players being:
- Scrum of Scrums (SoS)
- Large Scale Scrum (LeSS)
- Disciplined Agile (about which we have a video – however, DA offers a toolkit, rather than a full implementation framework, as the others do)
SAFe is also the most complex of the four. Therefore, it is perhaps the one best suited for enterprise-wide deployment at scale.
Based on many of the processes of Scrum, SAFe is fairly prescriptive – with Disciplined Agile being at the other end of the scale. Implementation of SAFe requires a considerable investment in learning, infrastructure, and support.
Recommended Videos
Carefully curated video recommendations for you, starting with other methods, in which we answer the question, ‘What is…
- Disciplined Agile (DA)?
- PMI-ACP? The Agile Certified Professional
- PRINCE2 Agile? …and Does it Make Sense?
- Scrum?
- Kanban? | Video
- Scrumban?
Other helpful videos:
- Introduction to Agile Scrum Project Management – with Alexis Allen | Video
- How to do a Basic Agile Project | Video
Recommended articles
- What is Agile and Why is it Important to Project Managers?
- Agile Certification: Your Guide to the Large Array of Agile Qualifications
- Agile Principles: The 12 Keys to Adaptive Project Management
What Kit does a Project Manager Need?
I asked Project Managers in a couple of forums what material things you need to have, to do your job as a Project Manager. They responded magnificently. I compiled their answers into a Kit list. I added my own.
Check out the Kit a Project Manager needs
Note that the links are affiliated.
Learn Still More
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For more of our videos in themed collections, join our Free Academy of Project Management.
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