This volume in the Business Analysis Professional Development Series by leading expert and keynote speaker Jamie Champagne is the second edition of our number #1 best seller. It is an instructional text that will help relatively new analysts, and those expected to do business analysis work in addition to their main role, build their skill sets, master the essentials, and advance their careers. Since the content is aligned with the consensus-based business analysis standards of both the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), as articulated in their respective guides and bodies of knowledge, this book continues to be an excellent reference for the PMI-PBA, ECBA, CCBA, and CBAP certification exams.
Seven Steps to Mastering Business Analysis, 2nd Edition, presents detailed explanations of business analysis concepts, terms, tasks, and techniques, and includes examples to help readers understand how to apply them to real-world situations. It also delineates the key activities that are core to the BA role and the diverse range of activities analysts perform based on their career competency level, ranging from problem solving and identification of business opportunities, to complex systems thinking and solution development, to strategic planning and change management. Even for those not interested in certification, this guide is a must-have reference for BA generalists, specialists, and hybrids at every career level and industry segment or perspective.
Key Features
- Helps new and experienced BAs, as well as project managers, systems analysts, product managers and many others doing analysis work, master the skill sets essential to successful business analysis
- Supplies a clear definition of the business analysis role and insights on how to approach analysis work to help deliver successful solutions
- Brings needed attention to the significant value those performing the BA role are delivering to all areas of organizations today in the form of change efforts and in project-based work focused on elicitation, analysis, validation, problem solving, and solution delivery
- Articulates numerous techniques and approaches for learning the business you are working in and gaining an understanding of the technology environment regardless of your background
- Walks readers through the business case process for gaining support and initiating projects and change efforts
- Details techniques for successful requirements elicitation, analysis, and validation and how to successfully plan your approach to delivering high-quality business analysis deliverables
- Explains the current frameworks used for change and project-based work and offers suggestions on how to select the best approach/technique from the various analysis work methodologies
- Discusses why and how organizations approach change efforts through projects and the added value analysts can provide in helping project-based work be successful beyond the scope of the project
- Shows BAs how to work with stakeholders, approach them and identify what they need, build successful working relationships, and communicate and present deliverables
- Provides guidance relevant to BAs at every career level on how to plan, measure, and continuously improve your business analysis work and skill sets
- Examines the ideal traits, professional attributes, and skills of those most likely to be successful in the role to help aspiring BAs determine if it is a good fit for them and those hiring or managing BAs
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Your First Step – Understand Business Analysis, The Role, and Work Involved
What is Business Analysis?
Who Makes a Great Business Analyst?
Chapter 2: Your Second Step – Know Your Audience
With Whom Does the Business Analyst Work?
Working with Dispersed Teams
Chapter 3: Your Third Step – Know Your Project
Why Has the Organization Decided to Fund this Project?
Strategic Planning
Chapter 4: Your Fourth Step – Know Your Business Environment
Seeing Things from the Business Perspective
How a BA Learns the Business and Customers: Elicitation Techniques
Chapter 5: Your Fifth Step – Know Your Technical Environment
Why Does a Business Analyst Need to Understand the Technical Environment?
What Does a Business Analyst Need to Know about Technology?
Chapter 6: Your Sixth Step – Know Your Analysis Techniques
Beginning Your Requirements Analysis
Analysis Techniques and Presentation Formats
Chapter 7: Your Seventh Step – Increase Your Value
Build Your Foundation
Value Your Time
Build Your Relationships and Communication Skills
Sharpen Your Analysis Skills
Start Adding Value
Index
