Page 14 - The MIL Connection: Fall 2024

Leveling UP: Reaching higher through continuing education

Join us in recognizing MIL team members who are growing their knowledge and skills through continuing education.

Leading SAFe: The journey outweighs the destination There are several workshops, classes, and credentials available
MIL execs and managers came to together in Charleton, SC with flexibility to pursue a prescribed or more tailored
on July 23rd to attend a 2-day training and half-day consulting approach to our endeavor. The MIL team is excited to pursue
session on “Leading SAFe.” SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) this proven approach to business agility and is looking
is a set of organization and workflow patterns designed to forward to a broad interest across the company in all aspects
aid in scaling agile practices to best meet an organization’s of SAFe. Please feel to reach out to John Degni or Jon Jones
needs. Long associated with the software development for more information. They would love to share what they’ve
industry, SAFe’s primary focus is on helping organizations learned so far and hear your perspective.
achieve business agility, a crucial component in today’s rapidly Grab a buddy and study!
changing, competitive economy. SAFe’s customer-centric
approach is designed to add measurable business value to We are pleased to announce the creation of an MIL study
each decision impacting the bottom line. It’s a collaborative group for MIL staffers interested in preparing for the
approach that not only assures organization level buy-in, Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management
but also helps to ensure that projects and products are viable Professional (PMP) certification exam. The PMP Study
and valuable to a company and worthy to its customers. Group will provide a collaborative, peer-driven environment
In short, it’s an innovative way to work that values results to assist employees prepare for the PMP exam. The study
and individuals and encourages leaders to take pride and group sessions will help participants reach the suggested
ownership. 80-100 study hours needed to pass the exam. Each cohort will
The Leading SAFe class was conducted by a senior consultant meet once a week in a one-hour “lunch-and-learn,” virtual
environment (Microsoft Teams), for 8 weeks. Sessions will be
from CPrime, a highly recognized partner with SAFe. Prior facilitated by Dr. Rebecca Helms and other guests and focus
to class, attendees reviewed workbooks and training videos on key topics, quick reviews, practice questions, and essential
that provided background for the curriculum and introduced concepts. Each group will require active participation and
some of the core concepts. Training was conducted in-person contribution as a significant amount of content will focus on
and featured lectures, exercises, and group activities. The areas that comprise 80 percent of the exam. The first eight-
training sessions were supported by MIL’s State Department week cohort began October 9th. The study group will cover
clients who also hope to adapt a leaner approach to their own areas such as:
business operations.
SAFe offers a variety of certifications including “SAFe Agilist.” » PMP exam introduction and framework overview
SAFe Agilist is one of the broadest certifications and all » Project integration management
students who complete the Leading SAFe class are encouraged » Project scope management
to take the included exam and certify within 30 days. To » Project schedule management
date, the Charleston team has seven students that have been
certified as a “SAFe Agilist” with a few more currently in » Project cost management
progress. A second class planned for late fall/ early winter » Project quality and resource management
2025 will be offered to another dozen or so students who will
be encouraged to certify. » Project communication and risk management
After the training concluded, MIL participated in a half-day » Project procurement and stakeholder management
workshop focused on the roadmap for becoming a Lean Agile For more information, reach out to Rebecca Helms.
Center of Excellence, a distinction likely to attract future
customers and partners to MIL.

14 | the MIL connection | fall 2024