4 Steps to Getting a Head Start on Requirements Elicitation

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4 Steps to Getting a Head Start on Requirements Elicitation

Consider this scenario: You’ve been charged with introducing a new Information System to support the work of inexperienced stakeholders. Some are inexperienced on the job while others know very little about the technology, opportunities and constraints related to the new information system. In this scenario, techniques such as interviews and workshops (events-based elicitation techniques) may not yield sufficient results. What is the way forward?

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Problem Solving: Unveiling the Multiple Faces of the PIECES Framework

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Problem Solving: Unveiling the Multiple Faces of the PIECES Framework

In a quest to prevent solving the wrong problem, numerous techniques like the cause and effect diagram and 5 Whys have been introduced. One problem solving tool that shouldn’t go without a mention is the PIECES framework. What makes it so unique is that it can be applied to analysis at multiple levels to deliver different results, depending on how you apply it.

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Why Non-Functional Requirements Matter

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Why Non-Functional Requirements Matter

I’d always thought that if the ICT Department delivered a system that satisfied all the functional requirements of users, one could call it a successful system. I thought that if the system worked exactly the way stakeholders said they wanted it to work, everyone could call it a day. You can imagine my reaction when I came across an article that challenged this view. 

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Getting Requirements Right: 5 Mistakes to Avoid

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Getting Requirements Right: 5 Mistakes to Avoid

There’s no one formula for getting requirements right. Projects are different and come with various challenges, opportunities and methodologies to contend with. Having an idea of what mistakes to avoid can improve the quality and accuracy of your requirements. This post is a continuation of 5-Step Plan to Eliciting Accurate Requirements, and it points out the missteps to avoid when eliciting requirements.

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Resolving A Messy Situation: Soft Systems Methodology

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Resolving A Messy Situation: Soft Systems Methodology

It is not in all cases that a project is launched from a clearly defined problem statement and plan of action. In some cases, the situation requires careful study aimed at resolving conflicting views on the causes of a problematic situation. Soft Systems Methodology when applied, can make all the difference. 

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The 5 - Step Plan to Eliciting Accurate Requirements

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The 5 - Step Plan to Eliciting Accurate Requirements

In the real world, business analysts often have to go the extra mile to elicit requirements, regardless of the circumstances. Despite the difficulty of identifying these elusive requirements, business analysts are expected to rise up to the challenge - every single time. This post outlines 5 steps that can be taken to improve the accuracy of requirements.

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The Project Manager and Business Analyst Collaboration

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The Project Manager and Business Analyst Collaboration

The BA and PM roles are complementary and support each other. To hire one without the other introduces the risk of losing the benefits that come with having these two specialists support each other to deliver a solution of the right quality, at the right time and within the available budget.

 

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Common Problems Faced by Business Analysts and Possible Solutions

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Common Problems Faced by Business Analysts and Possible Solutions

Business Analysts are communicators and facilitators brought on projects to elicit requirements by sifting through masses of information and relating these requirements to the technical team. This role is extremely vital but comes with unique difficulties that every BA should know about and endeavour to rise above. Being aware of the pitfalls that come with the profession will prepare you to tackle them if and when they arise.

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Organizing Brainstorming Sessions: Before, During & After

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Organizing Brainstorming Sessions: Before, During & After

I once attended a supposed brainstorming session in which only 3 of the 8 participants got round to contributing to the discussion. They had prepared a list of recommendations based on their findings and all they did was reel out their discoveries. A meeting should not be incorrectly tagged as a brainstorming session if it's not going to be conducted as such.

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A Guide to Passing the CBAP Exam

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A Guide to Passing the CBAP Exam

IIBA's Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) Certification is one of the most recognized certifications for Senior Business Analysts. The exam is based on the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK®) Guide, which contains accepted practices in Business Analysis. Preparing to take your CBAP exam may seem like a herculean task; it can be quite daunting but it doesn’t have to be. Through this post, I’ll share the tips that helped me pass the CBAP exam. We all have different approaches to learning but here are some key points that can help you prepare for your CBAP Exam.

 

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Critical Thinking in Business Analysis: Why it Counts

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Critical Thinking in Business Analysis: Why it Counts

One day after a lecture, I walked up to my Professor, Dr. Tony Cornford to autograph a copy of his book which I had just purchased. He signed on it and here are his words: “Don’t believe everything.” I didn’t really think much of it until I stumbled on the book again after 3 years. And then it struck me.

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A Call to Every BA: 8 Mistakes to Avoid in Writing Requirements Specification Documents

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A Call to Every BA: 8 Mistakes to Avoid in Writing Requirements Specification Documents

As a first step in rising up to the call of producing high quality requirements and turning the tide of ICT projects, this post points out the tricky nature of requirements and mistakes that can be avoided when compiling requirements specification documents.

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Why Are Software Projects So Difficult?

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Why Are Software Projects So Difficult?

Using the analogy of werewolves, the monsters of folklore who transform from the familiar to the horrific, Brooks describes software projects. The familiar software project can easily be transformed into a monster of missed schedules, overrun budgets and defective software. Unlike werewolves that can be laid to rest with a silver bullet, software projects are a different ball game.

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Transition Requirements: The Requirements Gathering “Underdog”

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Transition Requirements: The Requirements Gathering “Underdog”

In gathering requirements, analysts tend to focus more on functional and non-functional requirements. This is largely because in the end, that’s how we get paid – by delivering systems that work the way stakeholders want them to. In the midst of tight deadlines and limited resources, it’s easy to delay gathering transition requirements until all solution requirements have been gathered. In extreme cases, leaving transition requirements until you’ve got “everything else covered” could easily lead to disaster.

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The Learning BA: 3 Effective Ways to Generate Ideas that Work

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The Learning BA: 3 Effective Ways to Generate Ideas that Work

As Business Analysts, we are referred to as “knowledge workers” because we “think for a living”. The more knowledge and experience we have, the more our perceptions evolve. Our perceptions are important because they determine the decisions we make. In order to increase our ability to generate effective ideas and make decisions that work, we must continue learning in the face of dynamic projects.

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Effective Questioning: What Every Business Analyst Should Know

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Effective Questioning: What Every Business Analyst Should Know

Asking questions effectively doesn’t always come naturally. For most, it’s a skill that needs to be perfected. Stakeholder interviews are effective platforms for posing questions on issues and expectations. They also provide an opportunity for business analysts to seek clarification on existing requirements. What do you need to know to get the right results?

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