Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Release Train Engineer Practice Test

What role does Lean Portfolio Management play in SAFe?

1. It fosters alignment between strategy and execution

2. It focuses solely on team performance

3. It eliminates the need for other competencies

4. It enhances team velocity only

The correct answer is: It fosters alignment between strategy and execution

Lean Portfolio Management plays a crucial role in SAFe by fostering alignment between strategy and execution. This alignment is essential for organizations to ensure that their strategic goals are effectively translated into actionable work that delivers value. In the context of SAFe, Lean Portfolio Management entails setting the vision and direction for the portfolio, prioritizing initiatives based on business value, and managing the flow of work across various teams and Agile Release Trains. This ensures that resources are allocated effectively and that the work being done directly supports the organization’s overall strategic objectives. The ability to align strategy with execution helps in making informed funding and investment decisions, which optimally directs efforts towards the most valuable initiatives. This alignment also strengthens communication and collaboration between teams, stakeholders, and leadership, facilitating a more agile response to changing market needs and conditions. Other options do not accurately reflect the core function of Lean Portfolio Management. For instance, focusing solely on team performance omits the broader strategic perspective that Lean Portfolio Management provides. Eliminating the need for other competencies undermines the complexity of managing a portfolio that requires cross-functional collaboration and various competencies. Lastly, enhancing team velocity only does not capture the fundamental purpose of ensuring strategic alignment and overall portfolio effectiveness.