In SAFe, Dunbar's number provides guidance for:

Question

Options

• AThe number of members on a self-managing, self-organizing ART.
• BThe maximum number of tasks in a Program Increment for optimal predictability.
• CThe number of Stories created during PI Planning to enable commitment.
• DThe percent utilization that enables a sustainable pace.

• A
  91% (32)
• B
  3% (1)
• D
  6% (2)

Explanation

Option A is correct because Dunbar's number (~150 people) defines the cognitive limit for stable, trust-based social relationships - making it the theoretical ceiling for an ART, which SAFe sizes at 50–125 people. Within this range, people can self-organize and self-manage without needing heavy formal management structures, since everyone can know each other well enough to collaborate effectively.

B is wrong because PI task limits are driven by team capacity and iteration planning math, not social relationship theory. C is wrong because Story counts during PI Planning are determined by team velocity and capacity, not a headcount ceiling. D is wrong because the ~80% utilization guideline for sustainable pace comes from queueing theory (Little's Law), not Dunbar's research.

Memory tip: Dunbar's number is always about how many people you can know - so on the exam, whenever you see it, think "group size limit." ART is the only SAFe construct explicitly sized around human relationship capacity.

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