A. Scrum Master
B. Business Owner
C. Agile Coach
D. Release Train Engineer
The correct answer is
D. Release Train Engineer (RTE)
Explanation
The Release Train Engineer (RTE) serves as the servant leader for the Agile Release Train (ART) in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). The RTE is a key role responsible for guiding the ART to success by facilitating program-level processes and execution, escalating impediments, managing risk, and driving continuous improvement.
Why the Release Train Engineer (RTE) is Correct?
The Release Train Engineer is specifically designed to serve as the servant leader for the Agile Release Train (ART) within the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). The RTE’s primary responsibility is to ensure that the ART operates smoothly and efficiently. This involves coordinating between different teams, facilitating ART events like the Program Increment (PI) planning, and helping resolve impediments that may affect the train’s progress. The RTE role is akin to a Scrum Master but at the program level, ensuring the alignment of teams to the program’s objectives and SAFe principles, thereby optimizing the flow of value.
Why Not the Others?
- Scrum Master: While a Scrum Master also serves as a servant leader, their focus is primarily at the team level within the context of Scrum. They help remove impediments, facilitate team events, and ensure that the team adheres to Scrum practices. However, their scope does not extend to the coordination and facilitation of the entire Agile Release Train, which involves multiple teams.
- Business Owner: Business Owners are key stakeholders in SAFe who have a financial or business interest in the outcome of the solution being developed. They provide guidance to teams, ensure alignment with business goals, and participate in key ART events like PI planning. However, their role is not to serve as a servant leader for the ART but rather to ensure that the train’s outputs align with business needs.
- Agile Coach: An Agile Coach helps individuals and teams adopt and improve Agile methods and practices, including those outside the scope of SAFe. While they play a crucial role in the transformation and continuous improvement of Agile practices across the organization, their role is broader and more consultative than that of the RTE. The Agile Coach is not responsible for the day-to-day operation or leadership of the Agile Release Train.
In summary, the RTE is the specific role designed as the servant leader for the Agile Release Train in SAFe, focusing on the coordination, facilitation, and smooth operation of the ART, distinguishing it from the roles of Scrum Master, Business Owner, and Agile Coach.
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