Business Analyst Blog with tips, techniques and resources for every BA.
To avoid project failure, it is extremely important to plan for elicitation events effectively so that any anticipated difficulties can be nipped in the bud. For quick tips on how to increase the chances of your requirements elicitation event (Brainstorming sessions, workshop sessions, etc) through effective planning and visualisation, get a copy of BAL's ebook.
Read MoreWhat Are Process Reference Models?
It’s easier to describe them by saying what they are not:
They are NOT a step-by-step set of instructions that dictate how your processes should work. They only serve as a guide for making process decisions and will need to be modified to suit the requirements of your business
Read More“We started the project 3 months ago but it never really went anywhere”
“We just don’t have the resource to do it”
“SMT couldn’t see the point in making the changes we suggested”
Sound familiar? Guest Post By Hannah Lincoln, ITAS
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreWho’s the one person in your team you simply can’t afford to lose? It’s okay - every business has one: some expert, savant, or otherwise indispensable worker who holds projects together like glue. People like these are called Subject Matter Experts. They are those from whom we elicit those requirements that are not always explicitly stated. These people are incredible assets—until they are no longer with the business…and then they become a liability. Guest Post By Edgar Wilson.
Read MoreBPO and BPR are two separate approaches to achieving process improvement and they need to be understood within the context of improving business processes in order to identify which approach is best for your business.
Read MoreProofs of Concept (POCs) and Pilots are 2 separate approaches for reducing risk when implementing a new system (technology or process) in an organization. Though critical to the implementation of successful systems, not all projects include them by default.
Read MoreWhen 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 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.
