SAFe-APM SAFe Agile Product Manager (APM 5.1) Questions and Answers

An up-sell feature is a feature that encourages customers to buy a more expensive or advanced version of a product or service, or to add additional products or services to their purchase. An up-sell feature can increase the revenue and profit per customer, and enhance the customer value proposition. An add-on feature is a type of up-sell feature that adds functionality or benefits to the existing product or service, and usually requires an extra payment or subscription. For example, a cloud storage service may offer an add-on feature of extra storage space or enhanced security for a higher fee.

References:

• Feature Categories: This article from the Scaled Agile Framework explains the concept and purpose of feature categories, and how they can help product teams prioritize and communicate the value of features. It also describes the four main feature categories: new business, up-sell, operational efficiency, and retainment.
• Product Roadmap: Examples, Types and Key Features: This article from AltexSoft provides a comprehensive guide on product roadmaps, including their key features, common types, and examples. It also provides some tips and best practices on roadmap creation and communication.

A value exchange pivot is a type of pivot that changes the way customers pay for the product or service, or the way the business generates revenue from the product or service. A value exchange pivot would indicate that customers want to pay in a different way, because it reflects a change in the customer preferences, behavior, or expectations regarding the payment method, frequency, or amount. For example, a business may pivot from a one-time purchase model to a subscription model, or from a fixed-price model to a pay-per-use model, based on the customer feedback and data.

References:

• Pivot: This article from the Scaled Agile Framework defines the concept and purpose of pivot, and how it helps to validate or invalidate the assumptions and hypotheses of a product or service using experiments and feedback.
• The 10 Types of Startup Pivots: This article from Forbes provides an overview of the 10 types of startup pivots, and how they can help entrepreneurs adapt and innovate in response to the market and customer needs. It also provides some examples of successful pivots by well-known companies.

According to the SAFe® Agile Product Management APM (6.0) documents and learning resources, market segment value is the total value of a specific market segment for agiven solution. It is calculated by multiplying the number of potential customers in the segment by the average revenue per customer and the expected market share. The expected market share depends on several factors, such as the value proposition, the competitive advantage, and the number of existing competitors. Therefore, the number of existing competitors is a factor that must be included when building a model of market segment value.

References:

• Agile Product Management - Scaled Agile Framework
• Customer Centricity - Scaled Agile Framework
• 5.4 Essential Factors in Effective Market Segmentation

Gemba is a Japanese term that means “the real place” or “the place where value is created”. In the context of the CDP, Gemba refers to the practice of going to the source of customer needs and feedback, and observing and learning from them. Gemba is an integral part of Continuous Exploration (CE), which is the first aspect of the CDP that drives innovation and fosters alignment on what should be built. CE involves applying Customer Centricity and Design Thinking to understand and create alignment on new development opportunities, and validating them with customers using hypothesis-driven experiments.

References:

• Continuous Exploration: This article from the Scaled Agile Framework explains the purpose, process, and benefits of CE, and how it uses Gemba, design thinking, and lean startup methods to explore the market and customer needs, and define a vision, roadmap, and set of features for a solution.
• Gemba Walk: How to Drive Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing with Connected Work: This article from Parsable describes how Gemba walks can help manufacturing leaders and teams identify and solve problems, improve processes, and increase customer value. It also provides some tips and best practices for conducting effective Gemba walks using connected worker technology.

According to the Scaled Agile Framework, the Portfolio Backlog contains the highest-level portfolio epics, which are large, cross-cutting initiatives that require analysis, approval, and funding by the Lean Portfolio Management (LPM) team1. The ART Backlog contains the features, which are services provided by the system that fulfill stakeholder needs2. Features are derived from epics and are typically implemented by one Agile Release Train (ART) within one Program Increment (PI)3. Therefore, Request 1, which is an incremental innovation that can be done by one ART in one PI, should be added to the ART Backlog as a Feature. Request 2, which is a major opportunity impacting multiple stages of the Value Stream and requiring the participation of two ARTs over multiple PIs, should be added to the Portfolio Backlog as an Epic.

References:

• Portfolio Backlog: This article from the Scaled Agile Framework explains the purpose, structure, and content of the Portfolio Backlog, and how it is managed by the LPM team using the Portfolio Kanban system.
• Features: This article from the Scaled Agile Framework defines the concept of features, their attributes, and their relationship with epics and stories.
• ART Backlog: This article from the Scaled Agile Framework describes the role, composition, and management of the ART Backlog, and how it supports the PI Planning process.

The ART Sync is a weekly event that brings together the representatives of the teams and stakeholders of an Agile Release Train (ART) to review the progress and status of the current Program Increment (PI). The ART Sync tracks the progress of the ART toward meeting the PI Objectives by using various metrics and indicators, such as the PI burnup chart, the team and ART predictability measures, the feature completion report, and the dependencies and risks status. The ART Sync also provides an opportunity to identify and resolve any impediments, issues, or blockers that may affect the PI delivery.

References:

• ART Sync: This article from the Scaled Agile Framework explains the purpose, agenda, and participants of the ART Sync, and how it supports the alignment, collaboration, and execution of the ART.
• PI Objectives: This article from the Scaled Agile Framework defines the concept and attributes of PI Objectives, and how they can be used to align and measure the outcomes of an ART or Solution Train.

Segment 1 is the better choice for the next 12 months, because it aligns with the company’s growth strategy to sell to larger organizations, and it offers a higher potential value and lower competitive intensity than segment 2. Segment 1 consists of very large companies that have a need for the new application, but are dissatisfied with the current solutions offered by the large enterprise application vendors. This indicates a market opportunity for the company to provide a better integrated and more satisfying solution that can meet the needs and expectations of these customers. Segment 2, on the other hand, consists of small businesses that are already well-served by the company and its competitors, and may not have a strong demand or willingness to pay for the new application. Therefore, segment 2 offers a lower value and higher competitive intensity than segment 1.

References:

• Market Segmentation: Definition, Types, Benefits, & Best Practices: This article from Qualtrics XM provides an overview of market segmentation, and discusses the benefits and best practices of market segmentation for businesses. It also provides some examples and tips on how to segment markets effectively.
• Market Segmentation: Definition, Example, Types, Benefits - Investopedia: This article from Investopedia explains the concept and purpose of market segmentation, and describes the four primary types of market segmentation: demographic, geographic, psychographic, and behavioral.
• Market Segmentation: Definition, Criteria and Other Details: This article from Your Article Library provides a comprehensive guide on market segmentation, including its definition, criteria, process, levels, and bases. It also discusses the advantages and limitations of market segmentation.

A journey map is a research technique that is used to develop personas. A journey map is a visual representation of the steps, interactions, and emotions of a user as they go through a process or a service. A journey map can help develop personas by identifying the pain points, opportunities, and gaps in the current state, and by generating ideas for improving the user experience and value proposition in the future state. A journey map can also help communicate the user needs and expectations to the stakeholders and align them on a common vision and goal.

References:

• Journey Maps - Scaled Agile Framework
• Journey Mapping 101 | Nielsen Norman Group
• Journey Mapping: The Ultimate Guide | Miro
• Journey Mapping: How to Create One and Why It’s Important

A PI roadmap is a visual tool that illustrates the commitments and forecasts of an Agile Release Train (ART) or Solution Train for the planned and upcoming Program Increments (PIs). One of the activities to create an ARTs PI Roadmap is to provide a list of agreed objectives, which are the SMART goals that summarize the business and technical outcomes that the ART or Solution Train intends to achieve in a PI. The objectives are derived from the features and enablers that are planned and prioritized in the PI Planning event, and they are aligned with the vision, roadmap, and strategic themes of the portfolio. The objectives are used to communicate and track the progress and value delivery of the ART or Solution Train, and to enable alignment and dependency management across multiple ARTs or Solution Trains.

References:

• PI Roadmap: This article from the Scaled Agile Framework explains the concept and purpose of the PI Roadmap, and how it can be used to visualize and communicate the near-term deliverables and milestones of an ART or Solution Train.
• PI Objectives: This article from the Scaled Agile Framework defines the concept and attributes of PI Objectives, and how they can be used to align and measure the outcomes of an ART or Solution Train.

The value of a market segment is determined by the potential revenue and profit that can be generated from selling products or services to that segment. One of the key factors that influences the value of a market segment is the amount customers are willing to pay for products or services, which reflects their perceived value and price sensitivity. Customers who are willing to pay more for products or services that meet their needs and preferences are more valuable than customers who are willing to pay less or switch to cheaper alternatives. Therefore, understanding the customer’s willingness to pay is essential for setting optimal prices and maximizing the value of a market segment.

References:

• Market Segmentation: Definition, Example, Types, Benefits: This article from Investopedia explains the concept and purpose of market segmentation, and describes the four primary types of market segmentation: demographic, geographic, psychographic, and behavioral.
• Value-based Market Segmentation – Divide Markets into Value Categories: This article from Marketing Insider provides a detailed guide on how to conduct a value-based market segmentation, which is based on the actual value perceived and delivered to customers. It also discusses the benefits and challenges of value-based market segmentation, and provides some examples and best practices.
• Market Segmentation: Definition, Types, Benefits, & Best Practices: This article from Qualtrics XM provides an overview of market segmentation, and discusses the benefits and best practices of market segmentation for businesses. It also provides some examples and tips on how to segment markets effectively.

Using personas and empathy maps together is a result of applying design thinking, which is a customer-centric development process that creates desirable products that are profitable and sustainable over their lifecycle. Personas are fictional characters that represent archetypal users of a product or service, while empathy maps are visual tools that capture the thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and needs of the users. Using personas and empathy maps together can help to improve product design by:

• Understanding the problem and the context from the user’s perspective
• Generating ideas and solutions that address the user’s pain points and goals
• Testing and validating the assumptions and hypotheses behind the product
• Aligning the stakeholders on the scope, value, and quality of the product

References:

• Design Thinking - Scaled Agile Framework
• Personas - Scaled Agile Framework
• Empathy Map vs Persona: What’s the Difference and Why You … - Userpilot

Retainment is the category of a new feature that aims to keep existing customers loyal and satisfied with the product or service, and prevent them from switching to competitors or alternatives. Retainment features can include loyalty programs, referral incentives, customer feedback mechanisms, personalized offers, and improved customer service. Retainment features can help the business reduce customer churn, increase customer lifetime value, and enhance customer advocacy.

References:

• Feature Categories: This article from the Scaled Agile Framework explains the concept and purpose of feature categories, and how they can help product teams prioritize and communicate the value of features. It also describes the four main feature categories: new business, up-sell, operational efficiency, and retainment.
• How to Stop Losing Customers: 6 Proven Ways | Pressfarm: This article from Pressfarm provides some practical tips and examples of how to stop losing customers and increase customer retention, such as staying connected, offering excellent customer experience, and providing value-added services.

The Golden Circle is a framework developed by Simon Sinek that suggests that the most effective way to communicate a product or service to prospective customers is to start with the “why” - the core purpose, belief, or cause that drives an organization or individual. By explaining the “why” before the “how” (the strategies and methods) and the “what” (the products, services, or offerings), the communicator can inspire and connect with the customers on a deeper level, and differentiate themselves from the competitors who focus on the features or benefits of their products or services.

References:

• Frameworks for Setting Company Priorities: The Golden Circle: This article from Geckoboard explains how the Golden Circle can help organizations align their actions and strategies with their purpose and values, and communicate them effectively to their customers and stakeholders.
• How to Use the Golden Circle in Business: This article from ActiveCampaign provides a detailed guide on how to apply the Golden Circle to various aspects of business, such as marketing, sales, customer service, and leadership.
• Golden Circle: A different approach for a unique value proposition: This article from ThePowerMBA illustrates how the Golden Circle can help businesses create a unique value proposition that resonates with their customers and stands out from the crowd.

A secondary persona is a type of persona that represents another user of the primary interface who can be accommodated as long as the targeted persona’s experience is not compromised. A secondary persona is not the main focus of the product design, but still has some needs and expectations that should be considered. A secondary persona can help to identify additional features, functionalities, or scenarios that can enhance the product value and usability, without sacrificing the primary persona’s satisfaction.

References:

• Design Thinking - Scaled Agile Framework
• Personas - Scaled Agile Framework
• When dealing with a complex product, a secondary persona could be best defined as what?

Product strategy is the high-level plan that defines the vision, goals, and direction of a product. Product strategy guides the development and delivery of a product that meets the needs and expectations of the customers and the business. Product strategy is primarily driven by the research activity of understanding Customers and values. This activity involves identifying and segmenting the target market, analyzing the customer needs, problems, and opportunities, defining the value proposition and the benefit hypothesis, and validating the assumptions and hypotheses with customer feedback. Understanding Customers and values helps to align the product strategy with the customer-centric mindset and the business outcomes.

References:

• Customer Centricity - Scaled Agile Framework
• Product and Solution Management - Scaled Agile Framework
• Using Market Research To Drive Business Strategy | PlanBeyond