What is a benefit of an Agile Release Train that has both cadence and synchronization?

A. The Agile Release Train is able to control the injection on new work

B. Dependencies are identified across the Agile Release Train

C. The entire system is iterating

D. Teams participate in the portfolio backlog refinement

Correct Answer is

C. The entire system is iterating

Explanation

A benefit of an Agile Release Train (ART) that has both cadence and synchronization is that dependencies are identified across the Agile Release Train.

Here’s how each option relates to the benefits of cadence and synchronization in an ART:

• The Agile Release Train is able to control the injection of new work: While controlling the injection of new work is important for managing flow and ensuring teams aren’t overloaded, it’s more of a function of effective backlog management and governance rather than a direct benefit of cadence and synchronization. Cadence and synchronization help manage the flow of work but in a broader sense of aligning teams and dependencies.


• Dependencies are identified across the Agile Release Train: This is a key benefit of having both cadence (a fixed, predictable schedule for iterations) and synchronization (alignment across teams and increments). When teams operate on a common schedule and align their planning and delivery efforts, it becomes much easier to identify and manage dependencies among teams and components within the ART. This enables better coordination, reduces delays caused by unforeseen dependencies, and enhances overall efficiency and predictability.


• The entire system is iterating: While it’s true that cadence and synchronization ensure that the entire system (or ART) operates in a coordinated and iterative manner, this is more of a characteristic or feature of the ART rather than a specific benefit like dependency management. It’s the mechanism that allows for benefits like dependency identification to occur.


• Teams participate in the portfolio backlog refinement: Participation in portfolio backlog refinement is important for ensuring that teams are aligned with the larger organizational goals and are working on the most valuable and strategic initiatives. However, this participation is not a direct benefit of cadence and synchronization within an ART. Cadence and synchronization facilitate smoother execution and alignment within the ART, but portfolio backlog refinement involves broader strategic alignment that extends beyond the mechanics of cadence and synchronization.

Therefore, the identification and management of dependencies across teams and components are direct benefits of implementing both cadence and synchronization in an Agile Release Train, ensuring that the various parts of the ART work together smoothly and efficiently towards common objectives.

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