This course layout is designed to cover fundamental and advanced concepts for SAFe Product Owners, catering to both beginners and those looking to enhance their existing skills.The course also covers how to collaborate with Agile teams to forecast work and how to integrate a customer-centric mindset to deliver products customers want. Upon completion of the course, you will be able to earn a SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager certification 

Course Curriculum

Module 1: Introduction to SAFe Framework

1. Overview of SAFe
• Understanding the principles and values of SAFe
• Key elements and benefits of the SAFe framework
2. Roles and Responsibilities in SAFe
• Overview of roles, including Product Owner, Scrum Master, Release Train Engineer (RTE), and System Architect
• Responsibilities and expectations of a SAFe Product Owner

Module 2: Foundations of Agile and Scrum

1. Agile Principles and Values Review
• Reinforcing the Agile mindset
• Alignment of SAFe with Agile values
2. Scrum Framework Recap
• Quick review of Scrum roles, events, and artifacts
• Integration of Scrum within the SAFe framework

Module 3: Lean and Agile Principles in SAFe

1. Lean-Agile Mindset
• Principles of Lean thinking in SAFe
• Reducing waste and optimizing value delivery
2. Agile Release Trains (ARTs) and Value Stream
• Understanding the concept of ARTs
• Role of the Product Owner in defining and managing value streams

Module 4: SAFe Product Owner Role and Responsibilities

1. Role of a SAFe Product Owner
• Ownership of the product backlog and prioritization
• Collaboration with stakeholders and development teams
2. Defining Features and Stories
• Techniques for breaking down features into user stories
• Prioritizing and managing the product backlog

Module 5: SAFe Events and Ceremonies

1. PI (Program Increment) Planning
• Role of the Product Owner in PI planning
• Coordinating with stakeholders and teams for alignment
2. Inspect and Adapt (I&A)
• Purpose and execution of the I&A workshop
• Continuous improvement in SAFe from a Product Owner perspective

Module 6: Agile Release Train Execution

1. Executing and Delivering Value
• Collaboration with development teams for value delivery
• Ensuring successful PI execution and delivery of features
2. Building a Lean-Agile Mindset
• Strategies for instilling a Lean-Agile mindset in the product development process
• Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement

Module 7: Agile Product and Solution Management

1. Overview of Product and Solution Management in SAFe
• Collaborating with other roles in the SAFe framework
• Balancing strategy and execution
2. Lean Portfolio Management
• Introduction to Lean Portfolio Management in SAFe
• Aligning strategy and execution at the portfolio level

Module 8: Lean Budgeting and Agile Contracts

1. Lean Budgeting Principles
• Understanding lean budgeting in SAFe
• Collaborating on budgeting and forecasting
2. Agile Contracts
• Principles and practices of Agile contracts
• Collaboration with vendors and contract negotiation

Module 9: Coaching and Facilitation Techniques

1. Collaboration and Communication
• Techniques for effective collaboration with stakeholders
• Communication strategies for a Product Owner
2. Coaching Skills for SAFe Product Owners
• Advanced coaching techniques
• Facilitating organizational change from a Product Owner perspective

Module 10: Exam Preparation and Certification

1. Preparing for SAFe Product Owner Certification
• Overview of the certification process
• Mock exams and practice questions

Additional Considerations:

• Mentorship and Support
• Provide mentorship sessions and support for students throughout the course.
• Hands-On Workshops and Simulations
• Incorporate practical exercises, workshops, and simulations to reinforce learning.
• Guest Speakers and Industry Insights
• Invite experienced SAFe practitioners or SAFe Program Consultants (SPCs) for guest lectures and insights into industry practices.