Business Analyst Blog with tips, techniques and resources for every BA.
Here's a list of the most popular 2015 posts, as determined by BAL readers. This list is based on the number of page views received by each post.
A special thanks goes to all BAL readers for making 2015 worthwhile.
Here it goes:
Read MoreTo learn and earn CDUs at no cost, here’s a list of websites that offer free webinars (in no particular order):
Read MoreThis post presents a high-level comparison of the three certifications (CBAP, CCBA and PMI-PBA) to provide a starting point for deciding which path is best for you. Here's a snapshot of the application requirements for each certification:
Read MoreWhat do you want to achieve or avoid? The answers to this question are objectives. How will you go about achieving your desired results? The answer to this you can call strategy ― William E. Rothschild
Read MoreProcesses should be designed with the customer in mind. Business Analysts involved in process improvement projects usually have to focus on the “moments of truth” by analyzing all the points in the process where there’s interaction with the customer. Designing processes with the customer in mind means focusing on the touch points with the customer. Guest Post By Daphne Lefran
Read MoreWriting effective test cases is a key task in software projects. Defects that trickle into the production environment can lead to a massive and public project failure so it is extremely important that test cases are well thought out, comprehensive and feasible. Good test cases can save a lot of time and reduce hesitation.
Read MoreOf all the soft skills necessary to become a successful BA professional, listening is certainly one of the most important. Professionals that have the capacity to listen to others will always be one step ahead as they will be looked upon as a source of inspiration and strength by others.
Read MoreAs a followup to the post, Why Should Business Analysts Use BPMN?, Here’s an interesting piece from BPM Tips that shares and consolidates perspectives from 19 Business Analysis Professionals on “Why, when and how should business analysts use BPMN?”.
Enjoy the read.
Read MoreTo get an understanding of what Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) is, it is certainly helpful to look at it from the angle of what it is not.
Read MoreThough you may catch yourself asking these types of questions from time to time, it’s important to be aware of them so that you can learn to consciously avoid them with some practice.
Read MoreThere 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.
Read MoreTo 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 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.
