I’ve been planning my analysis approach recently and have been recommending the use of visual models to support the business analysis effort. It seemed like a good time to revisit this subject to explain what they are and why they will make a sigificant difference to the quality of your work. What I mean […] Read more »
Managing unpredictability in the world of the BA
When I speak to inexperienced or aspiring business analysts I worry that they are hoping to find a simple process that any business analyst can follow which works in any situation. In my experience there are many approaches that you can adopt but there is no one universal approach that works in all situations. That’s […] Read more »
How to bring a project to back on course (if it has started badly)
In my last post, I explored things that are critical for success when starting on a new project. As a reminder, you need to be asking the following questions: What is the business need? How does this meet the business strategy? Does the project have funding? So what do you do if the business need […] Read more »
When should you start a project (and when should you kill it)?
When should a project start? Just because you have been asked to be involved in a project when it is starting out, you shouldn’t necessarily assume it is a good idea. For a variety of reasons, projects can be initiated either when the concept still needs some more development or, in the worst case, it […] Read more »
The responsibilities of the Business Analyst (a non-technical and short list)
I was reflecting on how impenetrable the role of the BA can be to a newbie when I was designing the Break through into Business Analysis programme last year. We used to have no single definition so it was open season for anyone to decide what the BA should do (that hasn’t gone away completely!). […] Read more »
Business Analyst Job Description: Verticals in which a Business Analyst works
With the increase in the complexity of organizations, their expanse and their product offerings, there had been a considerable increase in the challenges faced by these organizations. A business analyst, with his analytical, problem solving and elicitation skills helps organizations achieve their strategic goals and objectives and is a vital component to their overall success. […] Read more »
Using your business analyst skills to give something back…
I was speaking to Pete Cohen (an Agile BA, passionate coach and active community member) a few months back about mentoring and my reason for getting involved. One of my drivers to get involved in a new project is to see real value in what I am doing. Creating a platform for mentors to meet […] Read more »
The next (Agile) business analyst mentor steps up…
I’ve had a number of takers for Ana’s kind offer of mentoring. I’d now like to share with you another mentor who has quite a different set of interests to Ana. I’ve know Pete Cohen for over 4 years through partaking in my various initiatives – his open style, passion and commitment has been constant […] Read more »
Are you successful in managing stakeholders?
We can’t live with them, we can’t live without them. Stakeholders exist internally and externally and often have competing priorities and needs. Our best moments often arise from exceeding a stakeholder’s expectations. Unfortunately, our worst moments are also often due to managing a stakeholder poorly. If you feel the need to learn more about managing […] Read more »
Become a Brilliant BA is reopening! But now it is invite only…
My community coaching service, Become a Brilliant BA, has been closed to new students over the summer while I considered the future direction. One of my concerns was how to ensure quality mentoring so that enthusiastic mentees would benefit from the guidance from mentors. It is critical to encourage mentees who act on the guidance […] Read more »