Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Advanced Scrum Master Practice Exam

Which practice is essential for sustaining agility in a Kanban system?

1. Frequent long-term planning sessions

2. Rigorous adherence to timelines

3. Continuous delivery and feedback

4. Minimizing team collaboration to reduce distractions

The correct answer is: Continuous delivery and feedback

The practice that is essential for sustaining agility in a Kanban system is continuous delivery and feedback. In a Kanban system, the primary goal is to optimize the flow of work and make it visible throughout the process. Continuous delivery allows teams to release small batches of work frequently, which not only enhances responsiveness to changing requirements but also fosters close interaction with stakeholders. This feedback loop enables teams to gather insights, validate assumptions, and make iterative improvements to both the product and the processes involved in delivering it. By incorporating continuous feedback, teams can dynamically adjust their workflows, address challenges promptly, and ultimately increase overall value delivered to customers. In contrast, frequent long-term planning sessions would likely hinder the adaptability that Kanban promotes, as it encourages flexibility rather than rigid, predetermined plans. Rigorous adherence to timelines might create pressure that is counterproductive to the Kanban principle of focusing on flow. Furthermore, minimizing team collaboration to reduce distractions contradicts the collaborative nature of Kanban, where communication and collaboration are vital for achieving smooth workflow and resolving bottlenecks. Hence, continuous delivery and feedback stand out as the foundational practice for sustaining agility in a Kanban system.