What Business Analysts Can Learn From Technical Writers

What Business Analysts Can Learn From Technical Writers

Most of my time, especially at the tail end of software development projects, is spent preparing user guides for end users. I try to be creative by including screenshots and business process models so that readers can completely understand what the automated processes are about, and how the supporting business applications work. As a BA, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to prepare user guides for end users. 

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The Business Analyst’s Transferrable Skills

The Business Analyst’s Transferrable Skills

Transferrable skills are a core set of skills and abilities, which can be applied to other jobs and industries. Though most examples you will see are related to soft skills like communication, listening, leadership, etc, transferrable skills extend beyond these and it’s extremely important to identify them when thinking of a career change or advancement.

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How Should BAs Relate With Other Project Stakeholders?

How Should BAs Relate With Other Project Stakeholders?

According to Stephen Ward & Chris Chapman in their piece, Stakeholders and uncertainty management in projects, “Stakeholders are a major source of uncertainty on projects and this uncertainty stems from whom these stakeholders are, their motives, and how they can influence a project.”

It is this uncertainty that constitutes risks to the project. BAs should relate with other project stakeholders to overcome this uncertainty by improving their ability to convince stakeholders to see things their way, thereby influencing the course of the project.

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5 Things Business Analysts Should Learn From UX Designers

5 Things Business Analysts Should Learn From UX Designers

BAs can learn a lot from UXers, that much is certain. But perhaps the most valuable thing the two disciplines can learn from each other is working together. Both roles have the same ultimate aim—to produce a product that has business value and meets users’ needs. The approaches may differ but are far from conflicting: BAs create value by delivering good features and functions, UXers by delivering good experiences. Guest Post by Cassandra Naji

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Interested In Improving Your Technical Skills? Here's A List Of Technology Websites To Explore

Interested In Improving Your Technical Skills? Here's A List Of Technology Websites To Explore

This post is a compilation of websites with resources that can boost your technical skills, and help you become better at work. If yours is one of those organizations that have cut back on training programs; you've been assigned to a new project or perhaps it's just out of your pure interest in the world of techies, you’ll certainly find these websites useful.

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3 Quick Tips For Better Listening

3 Quick Tips For Better Listening

Listening is one of the most powerful skills every BA should strive to develop. I once mentored a BA who had a serious listening problem. It wasn’t that he couldn’t pay attention at all. He could but it required a lot of effort. In many instances during the course of a conversation, his mind would stray. 

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The Importance Of Asking The "Right" Questions

The Importance Of Asking The "Right" Questions

There is something superficial about today's culture, however: The masses of information available out there and the culture in most organizations can place significant pressure on professionals to project and exude knowledge. Consequently, admitting that one does not know can quickly become a source of stigma, especially in situations where one is “expected” to know.

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Organising ERP Projects: The Role of Business Analysts

Organising ERP Projects: The Role of Business Analysts

The role of the BA may not always be clear or emphasised especially when key stakeholders and consultants are also on a project. This article discusses the role of BAs in an ERP project and how they can be organised to add value. How BAs are organised during ERP Projects can make a huge difference.

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