Common problems The need for business analysis is not recognised The business is accustomed to going straight to the solution and speaking directly with developers. There are no clear job descriptions and roles for business analysts There are no senior representatives supporting the use of business analysis and promoting it Lack of Business Analysis capability No set training… Read More »
Introduction The purpose of this article is to provide some introductory guidance on the concept of a multi-level approach to process mapping and where relevant include details on the type of notation that can be used to depict a process flow at different levels. Often as a business analyst you are assigned to a project which involves changes… Read More »
Decide whether being a business analyst would suit you. The type of qualities required are: Communication skills E.g. You need to be able to contact people that you haven’t met before and at different levels of authority and have meetings with them or run workshops. Likeability E.g. You need to be able to get people to want to… Read More »
Introduction As described in the article A comprehensive guide to the major Business Analyst deliverables a BRD contains a catalogue for all of the business requirements, a priority for each and a justification. The purpose of it is to: Gain a consensus and understanding of all of the business requirements in scope for the project Understand which of… Read More »
The previous two articles focused on business analysis activities and documentation. This article sets out the skillsets a business analyst must have as a result. Below sets out 10 of the main skills. Each heading is then broken down into measures to either enable self evaluation if you are a business analyst or the level of skills to… Read More »
All business analysis activities should result in an artifact being produced. These artifacts will vary depending upon the methodology and techniques being used. In addition, there are several instances where similar documents may be known as different names. Variations have therefore also been included. The table below lists each type of document common to business analysis and a… Read More »
Introduction This article is to help create an awareness of how Business Analysts can be used throughout the project life-cycle. If you are new to the business analyst field it may be useful to read my article The value of business analysis for firms first. It also provides a foundation for this article which starts looking at the more specific… Read More »
Purpose of article: To explain the reason for business process modelling and provide guidance on techniques for doing it. Purpose of process modelling: Required to understand the business processes that need to happen to make improvements for a new process or discover inefficiencies. For example if there is a “as is” process showing many hand offs or duplication… Read More »
The techniques in this article use a NLP technique called the Milton model, which can be used to identify intentions when interviewing stakeholders. When to use: Opportunities and benefits unclear or not yet defined To uncover justifications behind requirements Writing a business case or Vision document If stakeholders go straight into the solution and need a technique to… Read More »
When to write a RFP. RFP stands for Request for proposal. It is written when goods or services are required from an outside supplier where no products or expertise are currently available to meet the needs of the project within the company. Benefits of a RFP. An RFP specifies the needs and allows other companies to bid for… Read More »