Challenge yourself by keeping up with practical business analysis techniques you can apply on the job.
Surveys are the preferred elicitation technique when faced with a large number of stakeholders or when stakeholders are geographically dispersed and you need to gather the same information from them. Surveys can also be used to gather requirements anonymously. A practical application is as follows: using it to gather information on stakeholders’ reactions to existing systems or proposed requirements.
Read MoreRequirements Traceability refers to the degree to which it is possible to link a requirement to other requirements, the objectives from which it emanated, the test cases used to verify its implementation as well as the solution components created as a result.
Read MoreThis article discusses the elements of business process modelling with BPMN 2.0 and also sheds some light on the benefits of business process modelling.
Read MoreThe Value Stream represents all the activities that are necessary to bring a product/service from its raw material state to a final product. Understanding the value stream is essential because it defines exactly where to focus process improvement efforts.
Read MoreThe Six Thinking Hats Technique was introduced by Edward de Bono as a lateral thinking approach. It is particularly useful in assessing the ideas gleaned from brainstorming activities. It facilitates critical thinking and creativity by ensuring that participants are better able to see the different perspectives to an issue before arriving at a conclusion.
Read MoreThe main idea behind the Rule of three is that concepts presented in threes are easy to remember. An interesting benefit that comes from applying the rule of three is that others will remember what you have to say and so will you.
Read MoreBusinesses in today’s world are often faced with complex situations that require an assessment of their position and identification of innovative ways to stay ahead. With the correct strategy in place, the potential of a business can be improved. SWOT Analysis is one technique that can be used to identify that strategy. It can be applied to solving both personal and business problems.
Read MoreConventional techniques like observation and interviews typically take significant time to organize. Joint Requirements Planning techniques on the other hand, have the added advantage of saving time because they involve bringing system owners, analysts, users, designers and builders together to identify problems, define requirements and analyse within a Joint Application Development framework. These workshops can run for 3-5 days with the analyst playing the role of a facilitator.
Read MoreAcceptance Criteria Definition involves specifying the requirements that must be met for a solution to be considered acceptable to stakeholders. It entails defining the data (inputs and outputs), quality attributes and system functionalities that are necessary for the user to accept the system.
Read MoreInterface analysis can also help in determining requirements for interoperability and exposing interfacing stakeholders early on in the project. The last thing you want is to discover at the eleventh hour that there is an application from which the new system will require data.
Read MoreThe purpose of the risk analysis technique is to identify all the uncertainties that may have an impact on your initiative. Risks can come up whether or not you decide to take action in a specific direction. For instance, there could be risks associated with doing nothing.
Read MoreRead MoreA time-bound project is one that is constrained by hard deadlines where the date of delivery is as important as the delivery itself. If the project delivers after the deadline, it loses most of its value. Examples of projects with hard deadlines are exhibitions and government regulations - Eduardo Miranda, Program Director, Ericsson Research Canada
This post is a response to one of my readers who wanted to know how to compare different software options. In her case, she wanted to compare bug-tracking tools and recommend an option to her team members. Since this is a situation that most analysts would face at one point or the other, I decided to share this technique for comparing software, which you may find useful.
Read MoreFocus groups offer a means of gathering information that is subjective by seeking answers to open-ended questions. Instead of distributing basic questionnaires that deliver data requiring further analysis, focus groups allow organizers to share their perspectives in a non-threatening, collaborative and interactive environment.
Read MoreThough commonly used, interviews are not ideal for every situation. The challenge usually lies in organising and conducting the interview session effectively. Good human relation skills are needed to ensure that the analyst can deal with different kinds of people.
Read MoreQuestionnaires can be very useful in gathering opinions and information from multiple sources. The analyst may choose to distribute questionnaires using a web or paper-based form. Using a questionnaire can go a long way in gauging user perceptions and gaining insight into pertinent issues. If questions are asked using the most appropriate medium, results can be achieved easily.
Read MoreSSM is presented in a series of 7 steps though it’s not meant to be followed in a linear fashion. Stages may be skipped, refined, iterated or followed depending on the peculiarities of the situation. The analyst moves from the real world of gathering information about the situation (elicitation), to the model world of systems thinking (analysis) and back to the real world to verify the requirements (verification).
Read MoreThe document analysis technique is one of the most effective ways of kick-starting the requirements elicitation phase. It is the art of studying relevant business, system and project documentation with the objective of understanding the business, the project background, identifying requirements and opportunities for improvement.
Read MoreMost people are used to observing events in their personal and professional lives. In some cases, we come to conclusions based on the events we observe. The observation technique is an effective means of deciphering how a user does their job by conducting an assessment of their work environment. This technique can be used to verify requirements and deliver instant requirements worthy of consideration.
Read MoreIn an environment devoid of clear rules or guidance on what business actions are allowed or not allowed, employees would make decisions on the fly. Decisions would be made without consulting company policies/guidelines, leading to complete chaos. Business rules are the conditions or constraints that define how the business operates and should be analysed alongside business requirements.
Read MoreThis business analyst blog contains practical insights into business analysis, software testing and business process management. I will be sharing business analyst tips, CBAP Certification tips, lessons learnt and insights into all the things I've learnt during my BA career.
