Short 4.1-4.3

Question 1

Name the 3 agile scaling frameworks

Answer 1

• Large-scale Scrum
• Scaled Agile Framework
• Spotify Model

Question 2

Explain the 3 agile scaling frameworks

Answer 2

Large Scale Scrum:
- non-prescriptive
- radical agile –> difficult to introduce to large firms

Scaled Agile Framework:
- big picture
- soft introduction
- very prescriptive

Spotify Model
- very agile
- limited detail on “how”

Question 3

Risks associated with agile frameworks

Answer 3

• used as a silber bullet
• may limit the ability to discover other ideas
• prescriptive frameworks may solve a problem that is not the actual problem of the organization

Question 4

Recommendations for adopting scaling agile frameworks

Answer 4

• common vocab
• continuous training to all staff
• conduct an organization readiness assessment to find barriers

Question 5

Name fields of tension between agile methods and architecture

Answer 5

Agile Methods:
- bottom-up
- short-term oriented
- local and project-specific optimum

Architecture:
- top-down
- long-term
- global and company-wide optimum

Question 6

Challenges of EA in large-scale agile development

Answer 6

• Balancing short and long-term planning
• Balancing architecture improvement and business value
• Dealing with loss of decision making power
• Dealing with not understanding of EA by agile teams
• Dealing with acceptance issues

Question 7

Responsibilities of EA in large-scale agile development

Answer 7

• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop architectural roadmap
• collaborate with agile teams
• facilitate architectural decision-making process of agile teams

Question 8

Challenges in working methodology of EA

Answer 8

• personal communication with agile teams over conversations based on documents
• creating simplest architecture upfront instead of big design
• leaving ivory-tower –> close collaboration

Question 9

Expectations of agile teams regarding EA

Answer 9

• foster common understanding for architecture
• alignment of business and IT
• entrusting more architecture responsibility to agile teams

Question 10

Tactics for better collaboration between EA and agile teams

Answer 10

Influence agile teams based on nudging
- show agile teams the benefits of complying with EAM measure
- use visuals and gamification approaches
- avoid financial rewards or punishment for non-compliance
Be a supportive EA
- provide technical guidance
- start with simple architecture upfront
- accept loss of decision-making power