Project Estimation Techniques Business Analysts Should Know About   

Project Estimation Techniques Business Analysts Should Know About   

In developing a business case or a feasibility study, many activities are associated with inherent uncertainties and therefore, estimating the resources required to complete such project activities can be a challenging task for the business analyst.

Great project estimation commonly involves applying one or more techniques in arriving at time and cost estimations, some of which are discussed in this article.

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The Business Analyst & The Vision Statement

The Business Analyst & The Vision Statement

Projects and product development exercises typically start by defining a vision of what is needed. The business analyst plays a central role in articulating the product vision statement, a common deliverable more popularly known as the "elevator pitch". 

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Introduction To Expert Judgment

Introduction To Expert Judgment

Expert judgment is a technique of decision-making that relies on knowledge from experts within a specific knowledge area, discipline or industry.  For example, the opinions of experts can be sought on software projects when estimating the duration of activities or planning; what BA methodology to follow for specific types of projects; or what programming language to use. For the business analyst, it’s worthwhile bringing in experts when faced with situations that involve:

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Techniques For Prioritising Requirements

Techniques For Prioritising Requirements

Requirements prioritization is one of the key tasks that business analysts should assist stakeholders to complete. Priorities serve as a guide to determining which requirements should be fulfilled first and how scarce resources should be allocated. The prioritisation exercise should be done with key stakeholders who have the authority to make decisions on eliminating or including business requirements based on their relevance. 

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Methods of Financial Analysis

Methods of Financial Analysis

Conducting a review of how a business is performing can prove daunting, since it requires an organised collection and evaluation of financial information. Financial analysis may be defined as the process of highlighting the financial strengths and flaws of a business by studying both the balance sheet and income statement elements.

Financial statements produce a summary of data from which important analysis and interpretation can be made.

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Mintzberg’s 5Ps of strategy technique

Mintzberg’s 5Ps of strategy technique

The strategic management discipline relies on different definitions of strategy for researchers and practitioners. Henry Mintzberg, an expert in the management discipline, developed five different meanings of strategy (5Ps) to help others in the application of strategy. According to Mintzberg, the different approaches to strategy are:

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