Which statement about dependencies between value streams is true?

• A. They must always exist and require coordination
• B. Ideally, no
• C. They should be avoided only for large enterprises
• D. They are determined by the portfolio budget

Answer: (B)

Minimizing cross-value-stream dependencies is the goal. In SAFe, value streams are designed to operate with as much autonomy as possible to enable faster decision-making and flow. Dependencies between value streams add coordination overhead, increase delivery risk, and slow down progress, so the ideal state is no dependencies. When some dependencies can't be avoided, they should be made explicit and managed with lightweight, well-defined interfaces, stable contracts, and planned integration points aligned with PI Planning and ART/Solution Train execution.

The other statements aren’t correct because dependencies aren’t something you should rely on or avoid only in large enterprises, and they aren’t determined by portfolio budget. They arise from how value streams interact and share capabilities, and the aim is to reduce them regardless of organization size or funding structure.