Business Analyst Blog with tips, techniques and resources for every BA.
When an organization makes the decision to implement a BI tool, the BA may be called on to support the selection of the tool. It can be quite tempting to start this process by examining software solutions.
Read MoreWouldn’t you be at an advantage if you were able to change the minds, opinions and actions of people who can make or break your project?
Read MoreBefore using the observation technique to elicit requirements, it’s important to be aware of the inherent risks associated with using the technique so that when it is used, it is done with the knowledge of the potential pitfalls.
Read MoreOur team recently completed a project that involved documenting As-is processes. The objective was to create a central repository of processes to guide process improvement discussions. Though businesses embark on process mapping exercises for different reasons, the benefits are worthwhile, if successfully completed. To achieve success with building your process repository, there are some key success factors you should be aware of:
Read MoreThese methods form only one aspect of BPM and allow us to examine organizational processes and make improvements to them. This article touches on the major process improvement methods and when you may consider applying them.
Read MoreBusiness Process Modelling is a technique, one that comes with standards that are understandable to stakeholders if presented in the right form but this is not always the case. The problem with drawing process models is that they can quickly become unwieldy over time, hard to maintain and difficult to understand, thereby defeating their main purpose which is to convey meaning.
Read MoreNumerous studies, including those by Oracle and American Express, indicate that consumers are willing to spend more, following an excellent customer service experience. For the simple fact that call centers handle customer interactions, it’s no surprise that they contain a mine of information that Business Analysts can tap into. Guest post by James Lawther.
Read MoreFor organisations just delving into BPM and new BPM teams, one of the first steps is usually to design a strategy of how business processes will be managed. This strategy provides a road map for launching and implementing business process improvement projects.
Read MoreNo matter which approach you adopt, process selection should be guided by this basic principle: Only about 20% of organisational processes have the potential to deliver unique competitive advantage (Pareto’s Principle). If you can identify these processes, half the battle is won.
Read MoreAll successful companies are constantly benchmarking their competition. They have to know what they have to match up with day-in and day-out if their company is going to be successful - James Dunn
Read MoreCompanies undertake process improvement efforts for numerous reasons. If a company is vying to attract investors for example, it must have its ducks in a row. Process information flying around in memos and emails can easily lead to chaos and a general lack of understanding of how things are supposed to work. To work effectively, employees should have a complete view of the effects of their actions and inactions on process outcomes.
Read MoreBeing a Business Analyst comes with many challenges. It’s important to be aware of these challenges so that when they do come up, you understand how to respond to them.
Read MoreTemplates form a key part of producing Business Analysis work deliverables. Having a template to work with does not automatically imply a silver bullet to all business problems but it can help you plan your work effectively and hit the ground running.
Read MoreRequirements elicitation sessions typically start with the question, “How do things work?”. By gaining an understanding of what works and what the business rules are, analysts are better positioned to identify the business rules from which requirements may be drawn.
Read MoreAs for the future, your task is not to foresee it, but to enable it - Antoine de Saint Exupery.Read More
Getting up to speed in a new domain shoud not be so difficut if one has access to the right training materials and resources. Explore this list of free courses to get started.
Read MoreA number of themes stood out in ESI’s Top 10 Business Analysis Trends for 2015, a report prepared annually by ESI executives & subject matter experts.
This post discusses the BA trends in the ESI report in the form of “themes” and suggests ways Business Analysts can prepare themselves to take up the evolving BA role in 2015 and beyond.
Read MoreReady to get started in 2015 with this list of free courses?
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Read MoreERP projects are notorious for failure. Research has placed ERP failure rates as high as 60% (See Article by John Cummings). BAs are expected to reduce the risk of failure by eliciting requirements that are accurate, within scope, technically feasible...the list goes on. Poor requirements elicitation can easily lead to a failed effort – a very expensive and public one.
Read MoreA Business Analyst is expected to methodically juggle multiple activities and refine his analysis skills simultaneously.
To help you understand more about the spheres into which the job of a business analyst can expand, I have divided them along the following verticals and also explained the typical responsibilities to be carried out in each vertical. Guest Post By Robin, The Business Analyst Job Description.
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.
