INCOSE Crossroads of America: Examination of the SAFe® (Scaled Agile Framework®)
Meeting Title: Examination of the SAFe® (Scaled Agile Framework®) Through the Theoretical Framework of Stafford Beer's Viable System Model (VSM)
Date: Tuesday,12 March 2024
Time: 18:10 - 19:10 US Eastern Time
Venue: Online via Zoom
Registration: https://incose-org.zoom.us/j/81967814077?pwd=OEyQxhUUIOWfVmo6tgp2TMgMqi1B1p.1
Abstract
This paper presents a novel examination of the SAFe® (Scaled Agile Framework®) through the theoretical framework of Stafford Beer's Viable System Model (VSM). By applying the principles of VSM, renowned for its systemic and cybernetic approach to organizational management, we offer a unique perspective on the structural and functional aspects of SAFe® in its various configurations: Essential, Large Solution, Portfolio, and Full. The study employs functional modeling to delineate the congruencies and divergences between VSM and SAFe®, aiming to illuminate how VSM's systemic insights can enhance the implementation and efficacy of SAFe® practices. This interdisciplinary approach not only contributes to a deeper understanding of SAFe's® capabilities and limitations but also demonstrates the practical applicability of VSM in contemporary agile environments. The findings propose actionable insights for organizations seeking to optimize their agile practices through a more structured, systemic lens, thus bridging a crucial gap in agile and systems thinking literature. This paper is poised to benefit practitioners and theorists alike, offering a fresh perspective in the agile systems domain.