Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Advanced Scrum Master Practice Exam

When should decentralized decision-making be applied in system design?

1. When teams are not fully trained

2. When Agile Teams are empowered, self-organized, and design can emerge

3. When the project is at a high risk of failure

4. When decisions require consensus from all team members

The correct answer is: When Agile Teams are empowered, self-organized, and design can emerge

Decentralized decision-making should be applied in system design when Agile Teams are empowered and self-organized, allowing design to emerge organically through collaboration and iterative processes. This approach leverages the diverse skill sets and perspectives of team members, which fosters innovation and responsiveness to user feedback. When teams are empowered, they have the autonomy to make decisions that can lead to faster problem-solving and adaptation to changing requirements. This empowerment is a fundamental principle of Agile methodologies, which encourage teams to take ownership of their work and to collaborate closely to achieve a common goal without excessive overhead or micromanagement. In scenarios where the other contexts presented in the question are relevant, such as needing fully trained teams or achieving consensus from all members, the potential for quick and effective decision-making would be hindered. These situations could slow down progress and inhibit the agile nature of the design process, while the environment created through empowerment encourages exploration and rapid iterations. Hence, the focus on empowered, self-organizing teams is crucial in realizing the full potential of decentralized decision-making in system design.