Agile Business Analysis Strategy and Initiative Horizons 4

Question 1

When should an agile business analyst recommend stopping a Horizon 3 initiative based on experiment outcomes?

Accepted Answer

When predefined pivot/persevere criteria indicate the hypothesis is invalidated and alternatives outperform it

Answer

Predefined pivot/persevere criteria—based on validated learning—provide an objective basis for stopping or redirecting experimental initiatives.

Question 2

A portfolio Kanban system is used to visualize initiative flow. Which column state signals that an initiative needs a funding decision before it can proceed?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing

Answer

The 'Analyzing' state in a Portfolio Kanban typically holds epics under review for business case approval and funding before they enter active development.

Question 3

Which agile planning artifact BEST captures the strategic themes guiding initiative selection for the next 1–3 years?

Accepted Answer

Strategic themes or enterprise roadmap

Answer

Strategic themes or an enterprise roadmap articulate directional priorities that guide which initiatives are funded over a multi-year horizon.

Question 4

An organization applies WSJF (Weighted Shortest Job First) to prioritize initiatives. If two initiatives have the same Cost of Delay, which should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

The one with the shorter duration (job size)

Answer

WSJF = Cost of Delay / Duration, so equal CoD means the shorter-duration initiative yields a higher WSJF score and should go first.

Question 5

A business analyst must assess the strategic risk of a proposed initiative. Which risk category is MOST relevant at the portfolio level?

Accepted Answer

Strategic alignment and opportunity cost risk

Answer

At the portfolio level, strategic alignment and opportunity cost—choosing one initiative over another—are the most consequential risks to manage.

Agile Business Analysis Practice Test

Agile Business Analysis Practice Test

Agile Business Analysis Strategy and Initiative Horizons 4