ANSWER

The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), a leading framework for business agility, is based on a set of principles, mostly derived from the lean-agile discipline.  These principles include: 

Take an Economic View

• Identify the economic trade-offs and make decisions based on economic principles.
• Consider the full value stream and its operation within the approved budget

Apply Systems Thinking

• Optimize the whole system, rather than focusing on individual components.
• Consider the interactions and dependencies among various components of the entire system.

Assume Variability; Preserve Options

• Embrace uncertainty and variability, and maintain the ability to make decisions at the last responsible moment.
• Identify multiple requirements and design options for a longer period in the development cycle.

Build Incrementally with Fast, Integrated Learning Cycles

• Build in small, incremental steps with feedback loops to allow for continuous learning and improvement.
• Integrate completed code and test frequently to ensure quality.

Base Milestones on Objective Evaluation of Working Systems

• Base milestones on the achievement of business value and objective evaluation of working systems.
• Evaluate progress often, throughout the development life cycle.

Make Value Flow Without Interruptions

• Visualize and limit WIP (work in progress).
• Reduce batch sizes and manage queue lengths.
• Minimize handoffs and dependencies.

Apply Cadence, Synchronize with Cross-Domain Planning

• Aligning development cadence across multiple teams.
• Provide regular opportunities for cross-domain planning.

Unlock the Intrinsic Motivation of Knowledge Workers

• Encourage a culture of innovation, collaboration, and ownership.
• Support the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers with autonomy, mastery, and purpose.

Decentralize Decision-Making

• Push decision-making to the lowest level possible, while ensuring role clarity.
• Allow teams and individuals to make decisions in their areas of expertise.

Organize around Value

• Form align teams and align them to value streams.
• Establish technology portfolios and development value streams.