Topic One: Introducing SAFe for Product Owners and Product Management 

The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a proven, codified, and publicly available framework for applying Lean-Agile practices at enterprise scale. The framework synchronizes alignment, collaboration, and delivery for multiple Agile teams. Scaling Agile begins with the pivotal roles of the Product Owner and Product Management. In this section, students will be introduced to the core principles of SAFe and how they empower Product Owners and Product Managers to drive value within their organizations. 

Key aspects include: 

• Understanding the SAFe principles and how they integrate into the broader company environment. 
• Recognizing the role of Product Owners and Product Managers in aligning product development with business goals. 
• Exploring the importance of these roles in fostering Lean-Agile transformation across the enterprise. 

Topic Two: The Lean-Agile Mindset 

The Lean-Agile Mindset is foundational to success in implementing SAFe. It combines the principles of Lean and Agile, focusing on delivering the highest value in the shortest sustainable lead time while maintaining high quality. This topic delves into how Product Owners and Product Managers can cultivate this mindset to enhance their effectiveness. 

Discussion points include: 

• Adopting and applying Lean principles to maximize value and minimize waste. 
• Embracing Agile practices to enhance flexibility and responsiveness. 
• Fostering an environment of continuous improvement and learning within the team and the broader organization. 

Topic Three: Value Streams 

Value Streams are the fundamental concept in SAFe that describe the series of steps that an organization uses to implement Solutions that provide a continuous flow of value to a customer. This topic educates Product Owners and Product Managers on identifying, defining, and optimizing Value Streams to improve outcomes in product development. 

Focus areas cover: 

• Mapping the flow of value through various processes and identifying bottlenecks, redundancies, and non-value-added activities. 
• Leveraging Value Stream Mapping to create a visual representation of the process, products, and flows essential to value delivery. 
• Strategies for streamlining Value Streams to improve cycle times, reduce costs, and enhance quality. 

Topic Four: Responsibilities of Product Owners and Product Management 

This section clearly defines the specific responsibilities of Product Owners and Product Managers within a SAFe enterprise. Understanding these roles is crucial for managing backlogs, interfacing with stakeholders, and delivering products that meet customer needs and business objectives. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Defining and prioritizing backlog items to ensure alignment with strategic goals. 
• Balancing internal and external stakeholder needs. 
• Working closely with Agile Release Trains (ARTs) to ensure a steady delivery of value. 
• Utilizing metrics and feedback to guide development processes and decisions. 

Comprehensive Summary 

In this lesson on "Exploring Product Owner and Product Management Roles and Responsibilities," students will gain a deep understanding of the critical roles that Product Owners and Product Managers play in a SAFe environment. The session begins with an introduction to SAFe specifically tailored for Product Owners and Product Managers, highlighting how the framework facilitates their work in large enterprises by aligning business goals with Lean-Agile practices. 

The lesson progresses by embedding the Lean-Agile Mindset, which is vital for Product Owners and Product Managers to internalize to drive successful outcomes. By adopting Lean principles and Agile practices, they can enhance their decision-making processes and boost team performance and morale. 

Following this, the discussion on Value Streams will equip participants with the skills necessary to visualize and optimize the flow of value through their processes. This knowledge is crucial for identifying inefficiencies and ensuring that every step in the product development cycle adds value to the customer. 

Finally, a detailed exploration of the specific responsibilities of Product Owners and Product Managers within a SAFe-enabled enterprise provides practical guidance on managing product backlogs, balancing stakeholder demands, and delivering high-quality products efficiently and predictably. 

Upon completion of this lesson, participants will be well-prepared to take on Product Owner and Product Management roles within SAFe environments, equipped with the knowledge and skills to drive effective Agile transformations. This training is essential for anyone looking to enhance their expertise in SAFe practices and excel in leadership positions in product development and management. By focusing on these critical areas, the course ensures that participants are ready to meet the challenges of today's fast-paced, value-driven product delivery environments. 

Program Increment (PI) Planning is a cornerstone of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), essential for aligning team actions with business goals. This comprehensive session is tailored to prepare participants for effective PI Planning, ensuring that they can contribute to and lead successful planning sessions. Here, we break down the key components of PI Planning, the creation and execution of the Solution Vision, the importance of Solution and PI Roadmaps, the development of customer-centric features, and the management of the ART Backlog and Kanban. 

Topic One: PI Planning 

PI Planning is a critical event in the SAFe calendar where all team members come together to discuss the objectives and outline the work for the next Program Increment. This session focuses on: 

• Understanding the structure and objectives of PI Planning: Participants will learn how to navigate through the two-day event effectively. 
• Key roles and their responsibilities during PI Planning: Clarification of what is expected from Product Managers, Product Owners, Scrum Masters, and other stakeholders. 
• Best practices for successful PI Planning: Including tips on how to encourage collaboration, ensure alignment, and address potential roadblocks. 
• Utilizing PI Planning tools and software: Guidance on the digital tools that can enhance remote or distributed PI Planning sessions. 

Topic Two: The Solution Vision 

Solution Vision defines the future state of a solution that fulfills the needs of customers and stakeholders. This topic covers: 

• Creating and communicating a compelling Solution Vision: Strategies to articulate a clear and actionable vision. 
• Alignment of the Solution Vision with enterprise goals: Ensuring the vision supports broader company objectives. 
• Engaging stakeholders with the Solution Vision: Techniques for presenting the vision to stakeholders to gain their support and buy-in. 

Topic Three: Solution and PI Roadmaps 

Solution and PI Roadmaps are strategic artifacts that visualize the timeline of the deliverables over upcoming Program Increments. This discussion will delve into: 

• Developing effective roadmaps: Steps for creating detailed and realistic roadmaps that guide iterative development. 
• Balancing flexibility and predictability in roadmaps: How to manage changes in market or technology while keeping the roadmap relevant. 
• Integrating feedback into roadmap planning: Incorporating insights from previous PIs to refine and adjust the roadmaps. 

Topic Four: Customer-centric Features 

This section emphasizes the importance of designing features that directly address customer needs, enhancing the value delivered by the solution. Participants will explore: 

• Understanding customer needs and expectations: Methods for gathering and analyzing customer feedback. 
• Prioritizing features based on customer value: How to use value streams and customer journeys to prioritize development tasks. 
• Design thinking in feature development: Applying design thinking principles to ensure features are both valuable and viable. 

Topic Five: ART Backlog and Kanban 

Managing the Agile Release Train (ART) Backlog and implementing Kanban practices are crucial for maintaining the flow of work throughout the PI. This topic includes: 

• Best practices for ART Backlog management: Techniques for grooming and prioritizing the backlog to ensure smooth execution across all teams. 
• Kanban for managing workflow: Utilizing Kanban to manage day-to-day tasks and visualize work progress. 
• Metrics and monitoring: Key performance indicators to monitor the health of the ART and ensure continuous improvement. 

Summary 

This session on "Preparing for PI Planning" equips participants with the comprehensive knowledge and skills needed to effectively participate in and facilitate one of SAFe's most critical events. From understanding the nuances of PI Planning and developing a strong Solution Vision to creating detailed roadmaps and designing customer-centric features, participants will gain invaluable insights into driving the success of their Agile Release Trains. 

Participants will also learn how to manage the ART backlog effectively using Kanban, ensuring all activities align with the organization's overall goals. With a focus on practical strategies and real-world applications, this training prepares individuals to tackle PI Planning confidently and lead their teams to deliver outstanding results.

By the end of this session, attendees will be thoroughly prepared for PI Planning, equipped with the tools and understanding necessary to maximize productivity and alignment across teams. This training is essential for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of SAFe practices, enhance their leadership skills in Agile environments, and drive meaningful change within their organization.

Effective Program Increment (PI) Planning is pivotal for successfully implementing the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). This critical process aligns teams on shared goals and establishes a clear roadmap for the upcoming increment. This detailed session, part of the Scaled Agile Inc POPM Certification, focuses on "Leading PI Planning," equipping participants with the skills necessary to communicate the vision, establish PI objectives, manage dependencies, and address risks efficiently. Here, we expand on each topic to provide a comprehensive understanding and actionable strategies. 

Topic One: Communicate the Vision 

A clearly communicated vision sets the stage for a successful PI Planning session. It ensures that every team member is aligned with the overarching goals and understands their role in achieving them. 

Key aspects include: 

• Articulating the business context: Explain why the vision matters, linking it to customer needs and market opportunities. 
• Engaging storytelling: Use compelling narratives to make the vision memorable and motivating. 
• Visual aids: Employ diagrams, videos, and live demonstrations to clarify complex concepts and foster a deeper understanding. 
• Feedback mechanisms: Establish channels for immediate feedback to ensure the vision is understood and embraced across all teams. 

Topic Two: Establish PI Objectives 

PI objectives are specific, actionable outcomes that teams commit to achieving during the PI. They are critical for measuring progress and ensuring alignment across various teams. 

Discussion points include: 

• SMART criteria: Objectives should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. 
• Collaborative development: Involve all team members in setting objectives to ensure buy-in and accountability. 
• Alignment with strategic goals: Ensure that PI objectives contribute directly to the business’s long-term goals. 
• Visibility: Maintain transparency by making objectives visible to all stakeholders throughout the PI. 

Topic Three: Manage Dependencies 

Managing dependencies between teams is crucial for seamless execution and timely delivery of increments. Effective dependency management prevents bottlenecks and ensures that teams can work independently while contributing to the overall success of the project. 

Focus areas cover: 

• Identification of dependencies: Use tools and techniques to identify and document dependencies early in the planning process. 
• Coordination meetings: Regular synchronization meetings to discuss and resolve dependencies. 
• Visual mapping: Utilize dependency boards or digital tools to track and visualize dependencies. 
• Cross-team communication: Foster open lines of communication to anticipate and address dependencies proactively. 

Topic Four: Manage Risks 

Risk management is essential to anticipate potential issues and mitigate their impact on the project. Effective risk management ensures that the project stays on track and can adapt to unforeseen challenges. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Risk identification: Conduct thorough risk assessments during the early stages of PI Planning. 
• Prioritization and response: Classify risks by their likelihood and potential impact, and develop strategies for mitigation. 
• Regular reviews: Incorporate risk review sessions to monitor risks throughout the PI and adjust strategies as necessary. 
• Cultivating a risk-aware culture: Encourage teams to openly discuss risks and potential mitigation strategies without stigma. 

Summary 

This comprehensive session on "Leading PI Planning" is an essential component of the Scaled Agile Inc POPM Certification, designed to prepare participants to effectively guide their teams through one of the most critical activities in SAFe. Participants will learn how to communicate the vision powerfully and ensure that it resonates and aligns with the team's goals. They will also gain expertise in establishing clear, achievable PI objectives that are directly linked to strategic outcomes. 

Furthermore, the training will delve into advanced techniques for managing dependencies and risks, areas that are often challenging but critical for maintaining the flow and integrity of Agile Release Trains (ARTs). By mastering these skills, participants will be able to lead PI Planning sessions that not only foster alignment and enthusiasm among team members but also set the stage for successful program increments. 

This detailed exploration of each topic ensures that participants are not just prepared to manage the logistical aspects of PI Planning but are also equipped to inspire and lead their teams effectively. This training is crucial for anyone seeking to enhance their leadership abilities within a SAFe environment and aims to attract professionals eager to secure their SAFe POPM certification and excel in their roles as leaders in enterprise-scale Agile transformations. 

Executing iterations effectively is central to the success of any Agile team. In the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), mastering iteration execution ensures that Product Owners and Product Managers can optimize product value within predictable timeframes. This detailed lesson from the SAFe POPM Certification training focuses on the critical aspects of executing iterations: managing stories and story maps, iteration planning, utilizing team Kanban, refining the backlog, conducting iteration reviews and retrospectives, and integrating DevOps and release-on-demand strategies. 

Topic One: Stories and Story Maps 

User stories and story maps are foundational tools in Agile methodologies, helping teams understand customer requirements and plan releases more effectively. 

• User Stories: Learn how to write concise, clear user stories that encapsulate customer needs and the desired functionality. 
• Acceptance Criteria: Define precise criteria for each story to ensure clarity on when a story is considered complete. 
• Story Mapping: Develop comprehensive story maps that provide a visual representation of the customer journey and the scope of an iteration or release. 
• User Feedback: Incorporate feedback mechanisms to refine stories and ensure they meet user expectations. 

Topic Two: Iteration Planning 

Iteration planning is a crucial activity that sets the stage for the execution phase, ensuring that team efforts are aligned with the project goals. 

• Objective Setting: Define what the team aims to achieve during the iteration, setting clear and measurable objectives. 
• Task Breakdown: Break down stories into tasks and assign them to team members, ensuring a balanced workload. 
• Dependency Identification: Identify and plan for dependencies early to prevent delays in task execution. 
• Capacity Planning: Assess team capacity for the iteration to set realistic goals that match available resources. 

Topic Three: The Team Kanban 

Kanban is a powerful tool for managing the flow of work within an Agile team, promoting transparency and efficiency. 

• Visual Management: Use Kanban boards to visualize work progress, from "To Do" to "Done." 
• Work-in-Progress (WIP) Limits: Implement WIP limits to prevent overloading team members and to ensure focus on task completion. 
• Flow Optimization: Continuously monitor the Kanban board to optimize the flow of work and quickly address bottlenecks. 
• Continuous Delivery: Facilitate a culture of continuous delivery, enhancing the responsiveness of the team to changing requirements. 

Topic Four: Backlog Refinement 

Effective backlog management is essential for maintaining focus on high-priority tasks that deliver value to the customer. 

• Prioritization Techniques: Apply techniques such as WSJF (Weighted Shortest Job First) to prioritize backlog items based on value, risk, and effort. 
• Grooming Sessions: Regularly schedule grooming sessions to refine backlog items, ensuring they are clear and ready for execution. 
• Stakeholder Involvement: Engage stakeholders in the refinement process to ensure their perspectives and needs are adequately represented. 
• Backlog Health: Maintain a healthy backlog by regularly adding, updating, or removing items as necessary. 

Topic Five: Iteration Review and Iteration Retrospective 

Iteration reviews and retrospectives are crucial for continuous improvement and team collaboration. 

• Iteration Review: Conduct reviews to showcase the work completed during the iteration to stakeholders, gathering feedback to inform future work. 
• Iteration Retrospective: Facilitate retrospectives to reflect on what went well, what didn't, and what could be improved, fostering a team culture of continuous improvement. 
• Actionable Improvements: Identify and commit to actionable improvements to enhance team performance and product quality in subsequent iterations. 
• Celebrating Success: Recognize and celebrate successes to boost team morale and encourage positive behaviors. 

Topic Six: DevOps and Release on Demand 

Integrating DevOps practices and mastering release-on-demand capabilities are critical for accelerating time-to-market and improving product quality. 

• Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Implement CI/CD pipelines to automate the build, test, and deployment processes, reducing manual errors and speeding up release cycles. 
• Release Strategy: Develop strategies for releasing features on demand, ensuring the product can adapt quickly to market changes or customer feedback. 
• Monitoring and Feedback: Utilize monitoring tools to track performance post-release and incorporate user feedback to guide future development cycles. 
• Collaboration Between Teams: Enhance collaboration between development, QA, and operations teams to ensure smooth and rapid releases. 

Summary 

This comprehensive lesson on "Executing Iterations" within the SAFe POPM Certification training equips participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage and lead Agile teams through successful iteration cycles. From the initial planning and story mapping to the final reviews, retrospectives, and DevOps integration, each topic is designed to provide a deep understanding of the iterative process. Participants will learn to optimize workflows, manage backlogs efficiently, and enhance product value through strategic release practices. 

The training aims to prepare individuals for pivotal roles in SAFe environments, ensuring they are capable of navigating complex project landscapes and leading teams to deliver high-quality products consistently. By mastering these essential aspects of SAFe, participants will be well-prepared to drive Agile transformations and achieve organizational success in competitive markets. This lesson is crucial for anyone looking to advance their career in Agile product management or ownership, providing them with the tools to implement SAFe practices effectively and deliver exceptional results. 

Executing the Program Increment (PI) effectively is crucial in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) to ensure alignment with strategic goals and to foster continuous improvement. This essential part of the SAFe POPM Certification training delves into the key activities involved in executing the PI, including the PO Sync, the System Demo, the Innovation and Planning Iteration, and the Inspect and Adapt workshop. Each of these components plays a vital role in the iterative success of Agile teams and helps to optimize the delivery of value throughout the enterprise. 

Topic One: PO Sync 

The PO Sync is a critical event in SAFe where Product Owners synchronize their work and alignment with the broader product goals. 

• Purpose and Frequency: Understand the objectives of regular PO Sync meetings, which ensure all Product Owners are aligned in terms of vision, backlog management, and delivery schedules. 
• Agenda Items: Learn how to effectively structure PO Sync meetings to cover progress updates, discuss impediments, and refine backlogs. 
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: Explore strategies for involving stakeholders in these meetings to gather insights and feedback that inform product development. 
• Outcome Optimization: Maximize the outcomes of PO Sync by establishing clear communication channels and decision-making processes. 

Topic Two: The System Demo 

The System Demo is an integral SAFe event that showcases the results of the current PI to stakeholders and collects feedback that can influence future iterations. 

• Demonstration Preparation: Learn how to prepare for a System Demo, including the selection of features to be showcased and the setup of the environment. 
• Engaging Key Stakeholders: Techniques for effectively presenting to stakeholders to gain their support and actionable feedback. 
• Feedback Integration: Methods for capturing and integrating feedback into the program backlog and upcoming PIs. 
• Continuous Improvement: Utilize the System Demo as a tool for continuous improvement by aligning the development efforts with business needs and customer expectations. 

Topic Three: The Innovation and Planning Iteration 

The Innovation and Planning (IP) Iteration provides a regular, dedicated timeframe for teams to innovate, reflect, and plan without the pressure of delivering increment features. 

• Innovation Time: Emphasize the importance of allocating time for creative thinking and exploration of new ideas or technologies that could add value to the product. 
• Capacity Planning: Discuss the role of IP Iteration in capacity planning for the next PI, ensuring teams have adequate time for quality improvement and maintenance tasks. 
• Retrospectives and Problem-Solving: Explore how to use this time effectively for conducting retrospectives and proactive problem-solving sessions. 
• Strategic Planning: Guidance on how to align innovation activities with strategic goals to ensure relevance and impact. 

Topic Four: Inspect and Adapt 

The Inspect and Adapt (I&A) workshop is a cornerstone of the SAFe framework, aimed at identifying potential improvements at the end of each PI. 

• Workshop Structure: Overview of the structure and objectives of the I&A workshop, including the quantitative and qualitative assessment of PI performance. 
• Root Cause Analysis: Techniques for conducting effective root cause analyses during the workshop to uncover the underlying causes of issues. 
• Action Plans: How to develop actionable improvement plans that can realistically be implemented in subsequent PIs. 
• Team and Stakeholder Engagement: Strategies for engaging teams and stakeholders in the process to foster a culture of transparency and continuous improvement. 

Summary 

This comprehensive lesson on "Executing the PI" within the SAFe POPM Certification training equips participants with the essential skills and knowledge to navigate four pivotal components of the PI cycle effectively. Participants will learn how to synchronize efforts through regular PO Sync meetings, showcase iterative progress via compelling System Demos, foster innovation during the IP Iteration, and drive continuous improvement through the Inspect and Adapt workshop. 

By mastering these elements, participants will be able to lead and contribute to the successful execution of Program Increments, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and optimal delivery of value. This training is critical for anyone looking to enhance their proficiency in Agile and Lean practices within a SAFe environment, preparing them to face the challenges of product management and ownership in complex enterprise settings. Through engaging methodologies and practical insights, this lesson empowers professionals to lead their teams and projects toward high performance and significant outcomes in rapidly evolving markets. 

The "Practicing SAFe" session in the SAFe POPM Certification training is designed to ensure participants are well-versed in effectively applying Scaled Agile Framework principles and practices in their organizations. This module focuses on understanding the essential tools and resources provided by SAFe, navigating the path towards certification, and leveraging the SAFe Community Platform. This detailed guide is crafted to help participants maximize their learning and practical application of SAFe, positioning them for success in the Agile world. 

Topic One: SAFe Tools and Resources 

In this topic, participants will explore the comprehensive suite of tools and resources available to support their SAFe journey. These tools are designed to aid in the implementation and sustainment of SAFe practices within their organizations. 

• SAFe Implementation Roadmap: Learn about the step-by-step guidance provided by the SAFe Implementation Roadmap, which details the key milestones and critical success factors. 
• SAFe Metrics: Understanding the metrics that can be used to measure the success and efficiency of SAFe practices, including Lean-Agile metrics such as lead time, throughput, and productivity. 
• Templates and Artifacts: Gain access to a variety of templates and artifacts that support SAFe ceremonies and processes, including PI Planning, Iteration Reviews, and more. 
• Digital Tools: Overview of digital tools recommended by SAFe, including JIRA, Rally, and VersionOne, which facilitate Agile project management and help maintain visibility and transparency across teams. 

Topic Two: Path towards Certification

Navigating the path towards SAFe certification can be a strategic career move for professionals involved in product ownership or product management. This topic provides detailed guidance on earning and maintaining SAFe POPM certification. 

• Certification Requirements: Discuss the prerequisites and eligibility criteria for SAFe POPM certification, ensuring participants meet the necessary qualifications. 
• Examination Preparation: Tips and strategies for preparing for the SAFe POPM certification exam, including study guides and practice tests. 
• Continuing Education: Explore the opportunities for continuing education and professional development to maintain certification validity and relevance. 
• Career Benefits: Understand the career benefits of SAFe certification, including enhanced job opportunities, professional credibility, and increased earning potential. 

Topic Three: SAFe Community Platform

The SAFe Community Platform is an invaluable resource for anyone practicing SAFe, providing a hub for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning. 

• Community Engagement: Learn how to engage with the global SAFe community, including forums, special interest groups, and local user groups. 
• Resource Library: Access a vast library of resources, including articles, case studies, webinars, and white papers that can help deepen understanding of SAFe practices. 
• Learning Paths: Explore various learning paths on the platform, tailored to different roles within SAFe, such as Scrum Masters, Agile Coaches, and Product Owners. 
• Event Calendar: Stay updated with SAFe events, including webinars, workshops, and conferences, that can provide networking opportunities and further learning. 

Summary

The "Practicing SAFe" session is an essential component of the SAFe POPM Certification training, designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective SAFe implementation. By delving into the various SAFe tools and resources, participants can enhance their understanding and efficiency in applying SAFe methodologies within their teams and organizations. The detailed exploration of the certification path provides a roadmap for professional development and recognition in the field. Furthermore, the SAFe Community Platform offers an ongoing support system for collaboration and continuous learning, ensuring that SAFe practitioners remain at the forefront of Agile practices. 

This comprehensive approach not only prepares participants for successful certification but also enables them to drive significant improvements in product development processes and outcomes. As a result, those looking to advance their careers in Agile project management or product ownership will find this training instrumental in achieving their goals and contributing effectively to their organizations' Agile transformations. This lesson is designed to be easily found by potential participants using search engines, ensuring that all those interested in advancing their SAFe knowledge can access and benefit from this robust training.