In the context of an ART, what roles do stakeholders play?

In the context of an Agile Release Train (ART) within the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), stakeholders play a crucial role by providing input, feedback, and requirements. This interaction is vital because stakeholders often represent the interests of the end-users or customers, and their insights help guide the development process. By conveying their expectations and preferences, stakeholders ensure that the final product aligns more closely with the needs of its intended audience.

Their involvement is not just limited to the initial stages; it continues throughout the project lifecycle. Regular feedback loops, such as during Program Increment (PI) planning and iterative review sessions, allow stakeholders to assess progress and adjust requirements based on changing needs or new information. This collaborative approach fosters a more adaptive and customer-focused development environment, ultimately leading to higher satisfaction with the end product.

The other roles mentioned, such as defining budgets and timelines, project execution, and conducting performance reviews, typically fall under the responsibilities of specific team members or management roles within the ART, rather than stakeholders. Stakeholders primarily serve as advisors and input providers rather than taking on managerial or execution responsibilities.