Transform your organization and lead a successful Lean-Agile transformation with our advanced SAFe Agilist training. This course is designed for leaders and change agents who are ready to drive business results by applying the principles and practices of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). You'll learn how to align large organizations around a common vision, enable effective collaboration across multiple teams, and deliver value at scale. We focus on the practical application of SAFe principles, giving you the tools to create an environment where teams can thrive and innovation can flourish. This training is your key to becoming a pivotal force in your company's Agile journey and achieving sustainable enterprise agility.

This program goes beyond theory, providing an immersive experience where you will learn to lead with a Lean-Agile mindset. We will explore the critical roles, events, and artifacts of SAFe and show you how to implement them effectively. You'll gain a deep understanding of how to build and manage Agile Release Trains (ARTs) and empower teams to collaborate seamlessly. Our expert instructors will guide you through hands-on exercises, real-world case studies, and advanced strategies for overcoming common implementation challenges. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to lead with confidence, foster a culture of continuous delivery, and drive significant business outcomes for your organization.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Executives and Leaders
• Managers and Directors
• CIOs and VPs
• Product and Portfolio Managers
• Program and Project Managers
• Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches
• Team Leads and Release Train Engineers
• Enterprise, Solution, and System Architects
• Anyone responsible for a Lean-Agile transformation
• Change agents leading the adoption of SAFe

Objectives:

• Understand the core principles of Lean and Agile development
• Master the SAFe principles and practices
• Learn how to launch and support Agile Release Trains (ARTs)
• Effectively lead a Lean-Agile transformation at scale
• Understand how to apply the SAFe Lean-Agile mindset
• Learn the roles and responsibilities within a SAFe enterprise
• Gain skills in executing and releasing value through ARTs
• Understand the importance of continuous integration and delivery
• Build a solid foundation for a long-term career in enterprise agility
• Prepare for the SAFe Agilist (SA) certification exam

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introducing the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)

• The seven core competencies of the Lean Enterprise
• The four configurations of SAFe
• Understanding the SAFe House of Lean
• The role of the SAFe Agilist in a transformation
• Key terminology and concepts in SAFe

Module 2: Embracing a Lean-Agile Mindset

• The foundations of Lean thinking
• The core values and principles of the Agile Manifesto
• Adopting a growth mindset
• Applying Lean-Agile principles to your work
• The importance of servant leadership

Module 3: Understanding SAFe Principles

• The nine immutable SAFe principles
• Applying systems thinking to large-scale development
• Taking an economic view in decision-making
• Building with quality and flow
• Unlocking intrinsic motivation in knowledge workers

Module 4: Experiencing Program Increment (PI) Planning

• The purpose and agenda of PI Planning
• Roles and responsibilities during PI Planning
• Executing the PI Planning event
• The role of the Business Owner
• Gaining commitment to the plan

Module 5: Executing and Releasing Value Through the ART

• The Agile Release Train (ART)
• Synchronizing teams and coordinating dependencies
• The purpose of Inspect and Adapt (I&A)
• Continuous delivery pipeline and DevOps
• The role of the Release Train Engineer (RTE)

Module 6: Building an Agile Portfolio

• Understanding Lean Portfolio Management (LPM)
• Connecting the portfolio to the enterprise strategy
• The role of the Portfolio Kanban system
• Prioritizing initiatives with Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF)
• The role of Lean-Agile leaders in the portfolio

Module 7: Leading the Lean-Agile Transformation

• Creating a sense of urgency for the change
• Forming a guiding coalition for the transformation
• Developing a vision for the transformation
• Communicating the vision and the change story
• Empowering a broad base of people to act

Module 8: Organizing around Value

• Understanding the concept of value streams
• Identifying and mapping operational and development value streams
• Organizing people around the value stream
• The role of the Value Stream Engineer
• Optimizing the flow of value

Module 9: SAFe and Enterprise Solutions

• The SAFe for Lean Enterprise configuration
• The role of the Solution Train Engineer
• Understanding the Solution and Supplier Kanban
• The purpose of Pre-PI Planning
• The role of the Solution Management

Module 10: The Role of the Lean-Agile Leader

• Leading by example and living the principles
• Providing purpose, mission, and motivation
• Supporting people and their development
• Fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement
• The Lean-Agile leader's responsibilities

Module 11: SAFe with Kanban

• The fundamentals of Kanban and its principles
• Applying Kanban to teams and value streams
• Visualizing work and managing flow
• The role of Kanban in the SAFe framework
• Using Kanban to improve predictability

Module 12: Leading with a Lean-Agile Portfolio

• Creating strategic themes and guardrails
• Funding value streams, not projects
• The importance of Lean budgets
• Connecting portfolio strategy to execution
• The role of the Portfolio Sync and Strategic Review

Module 13: SAFe Metrics and Measurement

• Measuring business agility and outcomes
• Using flow metrics to improve performance
• The importance of value stream mapping
• Measuring progress at the team and program levels
• Creating a continuous improvement roadmap

Module 14: Overcoming Implementation Challenges

• Addressing common impediments to SAFe adoption
• Dealing with resistance to change
• Strategies for engaging leadership and stakeholders
• Fostering a culture of psychological safety
• Building a sustainable SAFe implementation

Module 15: SAFe Role-Based Training

• Understanding the responsibilities of different SAFe roles
• The role of the Product Manager and Product Owner
• The Scrum Master's role in a SAFe environment
• The role of the System Architect
• Cross-functional collaboration in SAFe

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.