Managing ART and Solution Train Backlogs

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Questions and Answers

What is a key activity during the analyzing stage of epics?

Conduct user acceptance testing for features

Determine the sales forecast of the product

Refine size estimates and WSJF relative to other epics (correct)

Finalize the product marketing strategy

What is the purpose of Minimum Marketable Features (MMF) in the analysis phase?

To reduce the costs associated with product development

To enhance the marketing campaigns for future products

To increase market demand for a new product

To identify the essential features needed for market release (correct)

Which of the following best describes the role of Epic Owners?

To oversee the marketing efforts for the product line

To review financial budgets for the project

To help define, explore, and implement epics (correct)

To conduct user training and support

How should capacity allocation be managed according to the content?

It should be reviewed and adjusted periodically during backlog refinement (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is WSJF in the context of prioritizing work?

Weighted Shortest Job First (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the objectives of continuous investment in enablers?

To ensure technology obsolescence is avoided (B) Signup and view all the answers

During which phase might Product and Solution Management work with Architects?

To apply capacity allocation decisions for upcoming work (A) Signup and view all the answers

What should happen after approved epics are split into features?

They are moved to the ART or Solution Train Kanban funnel for prioritization based on WSJF (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of Product Management regarding the ART Backlog?

To develop and maintain the backlog (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of system is the ART Backlog based on?

Kanban system (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Nonfunctional Requirements (NFRs) in the context of the ART Backlog?

They are constraints that affect the solution’s design and performance. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for the Solution Train Backlog?

Solution Management (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which input source is NOT mentioned as contributing to the ART and Solution Train backlogs?

End-user feedback (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of managing the ART Backlog?

To ensure continuous flow of value to customers (B) Signup and view all the answers

What approach do Product and Solution Management take to refine their backlogs?

Continuous, flow-based approach (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what way are Nonfunctional Requirements (NFRs) typically documented?

In acceptance criteria or as part of the definition of done (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key activities involved in refining backlogs for PI Planning?

Discovering new features and capabilities (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which technique helps clarify features and capabilities during backlog refinement?

Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Funnel' state in the ART Kanban system primarily capture?

All big ideas to be explored (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which state follows after analyzing new ideas in the ART Kanban flow?

Ready (D) Signup and view all the answers

What key process occurs during the PO Sync in backlog management?

Identifying new backlog items and revising existing ones (A) Signup and view all the answers

In which state are features integrated and tested in a staging environment?

Validating On Staging (C) Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does the ART and Solution Train Kanban system serve?

To facilitate the flow of features and capabilities (D) Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a 'Done' status for a feature in the backlog management process?

The feature has been released and evaluated (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which component is considered a prerequisite for successful PI Planning?

A well-maintained backlog (A) Signup and view all the answers

What action is taken during the Reviewing state of the Epic Kanban?

The epics are prioritized for exploration (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which option defines the primary focus of the 'Validating On Staging' state?

Testing features before deployment (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of financial approvals in managing ART and Solution Train initiatives?

They safeguard against budget overruns (C) Signup and view all the answers

How are epics that exceed the portfolio threshold typically handled?

They need to move to the Portfolio Kanban for review (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

ART and Solution Train Backlogs

The ART Backlog is a Kanban system for managing features and enablers to improve a solution.
Solution Train Backlog also captures features, capabilities, and Nonfunctional Requirements (NFRs).
Product Management is responsible for the ART Backlog, while Solution Management handles the Solution Train Backlog.
Both are managed using Kanban to ensure ongoing value for customers.
Backlogs are developed and maintained by Product and Solution Management, collaborating with stakeholders like customers, business owners, and architects.

Prioritizing Backlogs

Refinement involves discovering new features/capabilities, reviewing backlog items, identifying enablers, using BDD or workshops to clarify, and prioritizing with Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF).
WSJF prioritization is collaborative, involving Business Owners, System Architects, POs, and stakeholders.
Backlog refinement often happens during PO Sync meetings.
Aging or irrelevant items are removed.

Kanban System Details

The Kanban system facilitates the flow of features through the Continuous Delivery Pipeline.
Typical states include Funnel, Analyzing, Ready, Implementing, Validating (on Staging), Deploying (to Production), Releasing, and Done.
WIP (Work In Progress) limits apply to different states (e.g., Analyzing).
Validating and Deploying have 'In Progress' and 'Ready' sub-states.

ART and Solution Train Epics

Large initiatives that span multiple PI's are managed in a separate Epic Kanban system.
Epics are analyzed, size estimates and WSJF are refined, solution alternatives are considered.
They are split into features or capabilities and moved to the ART or Solution Train Kanban system.
There is also a portfolio epic threshold set by Lean Portfolio Management (LPM), requiring review and approval.

Balancing Value and Capacity

Trains need to balance backlog with enabler investment to avoid velocity reduction and technology obsolescence.
Enablers support future PI's.
Capacity allocation (by ART) for activities (e.g., features, enablers) can be reviewed and adjusted.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of ART and Solution Train Backlogs, focusing on their roles, management, and prioritization techniques. Learn how Product and Solution Management collaborate with stakeholders to refine and prioritize backlog items using methods like Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF). Test your understanding of these agile management practices.