POPM PI Execution Practice Question
A Product Manager is reviewing the progress of the Agile Release Train midway through a Program Increment. The ART is at risk of missing a key PI Objective due to a dependency on a supplier outside the ART. Which two actions should the Product Manager take to address this risk? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is thinking that bypassing the ART or pushing overtime can solve a dependency issue, rather than using the ART's established mechanisms for escalation and re-prioritization.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Collaborate with the Release Train Engineer to escalate the dependency at the ART sync meeting.
The Product Manager should collaborate with the RTE to escalate the dependency at the ART sync and re-prioritize the team's backlog to focus on independent features. These actions increase transparency, allow the ART to collectively address the risk, and maintain progress on other objectives. They align with SAFe's principles of systems thinking and decentralized decision-making.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Collaborate with the Release Train Engineer to escalate the dependency at the ART sync meeting.
Why this is correct
This is correct because the ART sync meeting is the appropriate forum to raise and address cross-team dependencies and impediments. By collaborating with the RTE, the Product Manager ensures that the issue is visible and that the ART can collectively decide on mitigation actions, such as adjusting scope or re-sequencing work.
- ✗
Directly contact the supplier to negotiate a new delivery date without involving the ART.
Why it's wrong here
Contacting the supplier directly without involving the ART is not advisable because it bypasses established communication channels and may lead to misalignment. The Product Manager should work through the RTE and the ART to ensure a coordinated approach. Unilateral action can create confusion and undermine the ART's ability to manage dependencies collectively.
- ✓
Re-prioritize the team's backlog to focus on features that do not depend on the supplier.
Why this is correct
This is correct because re-prioritizing the backlog to focus on independent features helps mitigate the risk and maintain progress toward other PI objectives. It allows the team to continue delivering value while the dependency is resolved. The Product Manager should work with the Product Owner to adjust priorities accordingly, ensuring alignment with overall ART goals.
- ✗
Ignore the dependency and hope the supplier delivers on time to avoid disrupting the PI.
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring the dependency is irresponsible and increases the risk of missing the PI Objective. The Product Manager must proactively manage risks and dependencies. Hoping for the best without taking action is not a valid strategy in SAFe, which emphasizes transparency and relentless improvement. Early identification and mitigation are critical.
- ✗
Instruct the team to work overtime to compensate for the delay caused by the supplier.
Why it's wrong here
Instructing overtime is not a sustainable solution and can lead to burnout and decreased quality. It also does not address the root cause of the dependency. SAFe promotes sustainable pace and addressing systemic issues. The Product Manager should focus on removing the impediment through collaboration and re-planning, rather than pushing the team to work extra hours.
Visual reference
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Scaled Agile exam blueprint
This POPM practice question is part of Courseiva's free Scaled Agile certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the POPM exam.