Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Scrum Master Practice Test

According to SAFe, what is the recommended first step of Iteration Planning?

1. Reviewing team goals

2. Establishing capacity

3. Setting priorities

4. Assigning tasks

The correct answer is: Establishing capacity

The recommended first step of Iteration Planning in SAFe is to establish capacity. This step is essential as it involves determining how much work the team can realistically commit to during the iteration based on the team’s availability and any potential vacation days, meetings, or other factors that may influence the team's capacity. By understanding capacity upfront, the team can make more informed decisions about what work to pull into the iteration and ensures that the team does not overcommit, leading to potential burnout or unfinished work. Establishing capacity helps set the groundwork for effective planning, allowing the team to align their work with their actual capabilities and to forecast more accurately. Once the capacity is understood, teams can then move on to setting priorities, reviewing goals, and assigning tasks with a clear understanding of the workload they can manage. This order ensures that the planning is realistic and achievable, fostering a productive iteration.