Category Archives: Business Analysis

Using NLP to remove ambiguity from requirements

By | 22/04/2016

Below are a number of sentences extracted from requirements documents. The techniques in this article use a NLP technique called the Meta model which can be used to identify ambiguity and where information is missing. For an introduction to what NLP is please read the introduction in the following article – How NLP can be used to improve… Read More »

Using NLP to explain ambiguity from gathering and documenting requirements

By | 22/04/2016

The techniques in this article use a NLP technique called the Meta model which can be used to identify ambiguity and where information is missing. For an introduction to what NLP is please read the introduction in the following article – How NLP can be used to improve communication with stakeholders The Meta model was originally presented in… Read More »

Gathering Non Functional requirements and who to involve (Part 2)

By | 09/04/2016

This is part 2 of a previous article with the purpose of providing guidelines for gathering non-functional requirements (NFR’s).  Part 1 explained What are Non Functional requirements, why they are so important and common mishaps. See brainstorming diagram below.  This shows the different categories of non-functional requirements that need to be gathered and types of questions to ask. To… Read More »

What are Non Functional requirements, why they are important and common mishaps (part 1)

By | 06/04/2016

It is really important that non-functional requirements are gathered early on and aren’t missed out.  They are potentially more important than functional requirements. A non-functional requirement is a quality, constraint or behaviour that the system being built must meet. The consequences of missing these out are that the system being developed may not be adequate, has cost more… Read More »

The Importance of Diagrams in Business Analysis

By | 03/04/2016

Diagrams are essential to provide a clear, unambiguous picture.  They can be put together in meetings, can make discussions easier than lots of text and are quicker and easier to do iterations and re-work. It is very easy to be tempted to start writing a document.  However it will save time holding off until the diagrams are agreed.… Read More »

Tips for obtaining sign off of documentation

By | 30/03/2016

Organise walkthrough sessions You are far more likely to get sign off if you organise walk through sessions.  It will also provide a chance to ensure understanding and to make amendments promptly to avoid delays.  If the stakeholder is confident they don’t need a walk through that is fine but they should be offered one. Use a feedback… Read More »

Improve communication with stakeholders using NLP

By | 27/03/2016

What is NLP? Neuro refers to how the mind and body interact Linguistic refers to the insights into a persons thinking that can be obtained by careful attention to their use of language Programming refers, not to the activity of programming but to the study of the thinking and behaviour patterns or programmes which people use in their daily lives The… Read More »

How to ensure you get what you want out of a meeting

By | 27/03/2016

Potential problems when running workshops Stakeholders : not turning up not participating taking over and pursuing a different agenda not agreeing with each other Outcome of workshop: Not getting what was needed from it Running out of time Best practice tips If you run workshops already the chances are you may have come across many of above. Over… Read More »