Business Analysis Fundamentals

An Examination of the Fundamental Skills that Lead to Success as a Business Analyst

Business Analysis represents a critical factor for project success.  Disconnects can exist between the producers of the solution and the business users who need the functionality that the project will provide.  The Business Analyst (BA) is the conduit between these two worlds, bridging the communication gap with their unique grasp of both sides of the project.

This two-day course is designed around the seven knowledge areas identified by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA®): Business Analysis Planning & Monitoring, Elicitation, Requirements Management & Communication, Enterprise Analysis, Requirements Analysis, Solution Assessment & Validation, and Underlying Competencies. This course will introduce you to the complex world of the Business Analyst, and will include a step-by-step tour of an actual IT project from the perspective of a Business Analyst.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This course will benefit business analysts, project managers, executives, functional managers and programmers interested in expanding their effectiveness, and any other individuals involved in project work.

COURSE FEATURES

Through instruction, dialog, real-world examples and exercises drawing from the experience of our instructors, upon completion of this course you will:
• Understand the philosophy, methods and terminology of  Business Analysis
• Be able to describe the seven knowledge areas of the IIBA’s Body of Knowledge
• Understand the BA’s focus on requirements elicitation, facilitation, analysis and communication
• Understand where the BA’s activities fit into the project lifecycle
• Understand the depth of knowledge needed to be a BA

COURSE OUTLINE

Introduction to Business Analysis
• What is Business Analysis?
• What does a Business Analyst do?
• Business vs. Solution Team
• The IIBA

BA Underlying Competencies
• Facilitation & Communication
• Leadership
• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Logic, Reason & Problem Solving
• Business Knowledge

Project Management Overview
• What is Project Management?
• Where does the Business Analyst fit in?

Requirements Engineering Lifecycle
• Requirements Engineering
• The Software Development Lifecycle

A Day in the Life of a Business Analyst
• The Food Kiosk Project
• Business Analysis Project Activities

Duration:        2 days 
Time:             8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.* 
Earn:             14 PDUs, 14 CDUs, 1.4 CEUs**

*The University of Houston-Clear Lake holds class from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

**The University of Pittsburgh does not offer CEUs.                                               

KNOWLEDGE AREAS ADDRESSED

IIBA Knowledge Areas Addressed:
• Business Analysis Planning & Monitoring
• Elicitation
• Requirements Management & Communication
• Enterprise Analysis
• Requirements Analysis
• Solution Assessment & Validation
• Underlying Competencies

PMI® Knowledge Areas Addressed:
• Project Integration Management
• Project Scope Management
• Project Quality Management
• Project Communication Management