Introduction to SAFe: Navigating Scaled Agile Framework from Coursera

Embark on a journey through the intricate landscape of the Scaled Agile Framework with the "Introduction to SAFe: Navigating Scaled Agile Framework" course, designed to provide participants with a holistic understanding of large-scale agile methodologies.

In the first module, "Foundations of SAFe and Lean Principles," participants will delve into SAFe's strategy for execution and continuous value delivery, coupled with an introduction to Lean methodologies for enhanced agility and innovation.

The second module, "Methodologies and Quality Practices," dives into Agile methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban, emphasizing the roles of Scrum Master and Product Owner while highlighting the significance of quality practices in Agile success.

Concluding with the third module, "Agile Release Train and Team Dynamics," learners will explore the core of Agile Release Trains, understanding their role in orchestrating teams and delivering value. This module also touches upon the principles of fostering cohesive team dynamics and aligning Agile teams with customer needs.

By the course's end, participants will be equipped with the practical knowledge to navigate and implement the principles of the Scaled Agile Framework in real-world scenarios.

Note: This is a Course 1 of 3 Course series. This is a beginner to advance level course, intended for learners with a background in Business and Product Development.

What's inside

Syllabus

Foundations of SAFe and Lean Principles

Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and Lean Principles—a comprehensive and dynamic approach to managing and delivering large-scale software and systems in an agile and efficient manner. In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, organizations are continually seeking ways to enhance their agility, improve collaboration, and deliver value to customers at an accelerated pace. The Foundations of SAFe and Lean Principles course is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate this complex terrain, enabling you to orchestrate seamless, efficient, and customer-centric processes within your organization.

Methodologies and Quality Practices

Embark on a comprehensive journey through Agile methodologies, encompassing Scrum, Kanban, and Quality Practices, to empower efficient project management and ensure exceptional deliverables.

Agile Release Train and Team Dynamics

Dive into the dynamic realm of Agile Release Train and Team Dynamics, where the orchestration of cross-functional teams and the seamless flow of value converge to fuel successful, customer-centric project delivery in the Agile landscape.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Aligns well with the goals of learners who want to expand their knowledge and skills in business and product development

Helps learners gain a holistic understanding of large-scale agile methodologies

Provides practical knowledge to navigate and implement Scaled Agile Framework principles

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in scaled agile methodologies

The third course in a three-course series, encouraging a comprehensive study of SAFe

Assumes some background knowledge in business and product development

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to SAFe: Navigating Scaled Agile Framework with these activities:

SAFe Framework Resources Compilation

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Organize and review relevant materials on the SAFe framework to deepen your knowledge and understanding

Browse courses on Scaled Agile Framework

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Gather articles, whitepapers, and videos on the SAFe framework
Create a structured document or digital repository to organize the materials
Periodically review the compilation to reinforce your understanding of SAFe concepts

Kanban Board Management Tutorial

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Master the fundamentals of Kanban board management, enabling effective task visualization and workflow optimization

Browse courses on Kanban

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Find a reputable tutorial on Kanban board management
Follow the tutorial step-by-step to set up and manage a Kanban board
Apply the techniques learned to improve your personal or team workflows

Review 'SAFe in the Trenches'

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Deepen your understanding of SAFe's principles and practices by reviewing a book written by one of the creators of the framework

View SAFe 4.5 Reference Guide on Amazon

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Read Chapter 1: The SAFe Mindset
Complete the chapter's review exercises to test your comprehension
Take notes on key concepts and principles introduced in the chapter

Five other activities

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Agile Transformation Case Study Discussion

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Engage in discussions with peers to analyze real-world agile transformation case studies, sharing insights and lessons learned

Browse courses on Agile

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Identify a relevant case study on agile transformation
Prepare a brief presentation summarizing the case study
Lead a discussion with peers, exploring the challenges, successes, and implications of the transformation

Scaled Agile Framework Simulation

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Participate in a simulated SAFe implementation to apply your knowledge and skills in a practical environment

Browse courses on Scaled Agile Framework

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Join a simulated SAFe implementation team
Follow the SAFe process to plan, execute, and deliver a project
Work with team members to overcome challenges and achieve project goals

Agile Retrospective Facilitator Guide

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Develop a comprehensive guide to facilitate effective agile retrospectives, ensuring continuous improvement and team growth

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Gather best practices and techniques for retrospective facilitation
Organize the guide into sections covering planning, execution, and follow-up
Include templates, checklists, and examples to make the guide practical and actionable

Agile Product Backlog Refinement

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Lead a team in refining a product backlog, ensuring clarity, prioritization, and alignment with customer needs

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Gather requirements and user stories from stakeholders
Organize the backlog items into a prioritized list
Estimate the effort and dependencies of each backlog item
Groom the backlog regularly to remove outdated or irrelevant items

SAFe for Leaders Workshop

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Attend a workshop specifically designed for leaders to gain a comprehensive understanding of SAFe implementation and its impact on organizational agility

Browse courses on Scaled Agile Framework

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Identify a reputable SAFe for Leaders workshop
Register and attend the workshop
Actively participate in the workshop discussions and exercises
Develop an action plan for implementing SAFe within your organization

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to SAFe: Navigating Scaled Agile Framework will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Release Train Engineer

Release Train Engineers are responsible for planning and executing the release of software systems. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which can be helpful for Release Train Engineers who need to understand how to implement agile methodologies at scale.

See salaries and explore the career path for Release Train Engineer

Scrum Master

Scrum Masters are responsible for facilitating Scrum teams and helping them to adopt agile methodologies. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which can be helpful for Scrum Masters who need to understand how to implement agile methodologies at scale.

See salaries and explore the career path for Scrum Master

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the success of a product throughout its lifecycle. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which can be helpful for Product Managers who need to understand how to implement agile methodologies at scale.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Managers are responsible for managing the overall portfolio of an organization. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which can be helpful for Portfolio Managers who need to understand how to implement agile methodologies at scale.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which can be helpful for Project Managers who need to understand how to implement agile methodologies at scale.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Program Manager

Program Managers are responsible for managing the overall success of a program. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which can be helpful for Program Managers who need to understand how to implement agile methodologies at scale.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for understanding the business needs of an organization and translating them into technical requirements. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which can be helpful for Business Analysts who need to understand how to implement agile methodologies at scale.

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Consultant

Consultants help organizations to improve their performance. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which can be helpful for Consultants who need to understand how to implement agile methodologies at scale.

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Agile Coach

The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a popular framework for implementing agile methodologies at scale. Agile Coaches help organizations adopt and implement SAFe. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of SAFe, which can be helpful for aspiring Agile Coaches.

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Trainer

Trainers help others to learn new skills and knowledge. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which can be helpful for Trainers who need to understand how to implement agile methodologies at scale.

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Enterprise Architect

Enterprise Architects are responsible for designing and implementing the overall architecture of an organization. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which can be helpful for Enterprise Architects who need to understand how to implement agile methodologies at scale.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts are responsible for testing software systems to ensure that they meet the requirements of the business. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which can be helpful for Quality Assurance Analysts who need to understand how to implement agile methodologies at scale.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which can be helpful for Software Engineers who need to understand how to implement agile methodologies at scale.

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Teacher

Teachers help others to learn new skills and knowledge. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which can be helpful for Teachers who need to understand how to implement agile methodologies at scale.

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Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which can be helpful for Writers who need to understand how to implement agile methodologies at scale.

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