Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Lean Portfolio Management Practice Exam

What aids in prioritizing work within a Lean Portfolio Management environment?

1. Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF)

2. Agile Release Planning

3. Retrospectives

4. Daily Stand-ups

The correct answer is: Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF)

In a Lean Portfolio Management environment, the Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF) is a key method for prioritizing work effectively. WSJF helps organizations determine which initiatives or features to focus on based on their potential value and relative effort. This method calculates a score for each piece of work by dividing the cost of delay (the value it brings) by the job size (the effort required to complete it). By using this approach, teams can make data-driven decisions to optimize the flow of value through the portfolio, ensuring that the most impactful work is prioritized. Other methods, while beneficial in their own right, serve different purposes within the framework. Agile Release Planning is primarily focused on aligning teams around upcoming work and timelines rather than on prioritizing at the portfolio level. Retrospectives are used for reflection and continuous improvement of team processes but do not directly facilitate prioritization decisions. Daily Stand-ups help teams synchronize their efforts on a daily basis but do not contribute to the overarching prioritization of initiatives within the portfolio. Thus, WSJF stands out as the most effective tool for prioritizing work in a Lean Portfolio Management context.