An Enterprise has just adopted the SAFe Implementation Roadmap and is in the process of training executives, managers, and leaders. What is their next step?

A. Perform process mapping on the current state

B. Identify Value Streams and Agile Release Trains to start alignment of the organization

C. Train the leaders in Portfolio and Product Management to solve problems before fixing symptoms

D. Train Lean-Agile change agents to push out the roadmap and build consensus

The Correct Answer is

B. Identify Value Streams and Agile Release Trains (ARTs) to start alignment of the organization

Explanation

After training executives, managers, and leaders in the principles and practices of SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), the next step in the SAFe Implementation Roadmap is to:

• Identify Value Streams and Agile Release Trains (ARTs) to start alignment of the organization.

This step is crucial for transitioning towards a Lean-Agile way of working. Identifying value streams involves understanding the flow of value from the initial concept to the delivery of a product or service to the customer. Once value streams are identified, the organization can then organize around these streams by forming Agile Release Trains, which are teams of Agile teams that work together to deliver value.

This step helps ensure that the organization aligns its efforts and resources around delivering customer value more effectively and efficiently. It also sets the stage for the next steps in the implementation roadmap, which include preparing for ART launches and then actually launching the ARTs.

Here’s a brief overview of why the other options are not the next step:

• Perform process mapping on the current state: While understanding the current state is important, the SAFe Implementation Roadmap specifically emphasizes identifying value streams and ARTs after the initial training phase. Process mapping might be part of understanding the current state but comes as a preparatory activity rather than a defined next step in the roadmap.


• Train the leaders in Portfolio and Product Management to solve problems before fixing symptoms: Training in portfolio and product management is important, but according to the SAFe Implementation Roadmap, this is not the immediate next step after the initial training. The focus initially is on organizing around value.


• Train Lean-Agile change agents to push out the roadmap and build consensus: Training Lean-Agile change agents is an essential part of the SAFe adoption process, and while building consensus is critical, the specific next step post-training leaders is to identify value streams and ARTs. Training change agents and building consensus is more of an ongoing activity throughout the SAFe adoption rather than a single step after initial training.

Identifying value streams and ARTs directly supports the goal of aligning the organization around delivering value efficiently, which is a core principle of SAFe.

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