Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Release Train Engineer Practice Test

Which artifact helps articulate the communications and expectations between a team and its stakeholders?

1. Program Increment (PI) Objectives

2. Iteration Goals

3. Team Backlog

4. Value Stream Map

The correct answer is: Program Increment (PI) Objectives

The Program Increment (PI) Objectives are designed to clearly outline the goals and deliverables for a specific PI, which typically spans several iterations. They serve as a communication tool that articulates how the team intends to meet the expectations of stakeholders throughout the course of the PI. By outlining these objectives, teams provide visibility into what they plan to achieve and how it aligns with broader program or organizational goals. In this context, PI Objectives help to foster alignment and understanding between the team and its stakeholders. They not only communicate what the team aims to deliver but also help stakeholders manage their expectations regarding the outcomes of the work during the PI. This alignment is crucial for ensuring that all parties have a common understanding of the deliverables, increasing transparency and trust. While the other options also play important roles in Agile practices, they do not serve the same function in terms of outlining communications and expectations with stakeholders. Iteration Goals are more focused on short-term objectives within a single iteration, the Team Backlog is primarily a tool for prioritizing and managing work items, and the Value Stream Map helps visualize processes but doesn’t articulate specific communications or stakeholder expectations. Thus, PI Objectives are the most appropriate artifact for articulating these essential communications and expectations.