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New Post 10/23/2009 2:23 PM
User is offline D81
2 posts
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Another New BA Question 
Modified By D81  on 10/23/2009 3:25:31 PM)

 I begin a role as a Business Analysis next month and this will be my first formal BA position. I have in the past been involved more on the business side, working on projects and BA assignments informally.

I want to prepare as much as I can, so when I enter the team I know what I should be doing; where to look for things etc etc

The role will be looking closely at current procedures and developing new processes for improvement. Main responsibility will be information gathering; documentation and workshops.

This forum has already provided some good tips. What else should I be aware of? What tools should I have in place to begin my work? Or do I just wait for the first week to get an idea of what will be required...

Any tips?

 

 

 
New Post 10/23/2009 9:02 PM
User is offline Adrian M.
765 posts
3rd Level Poster




Re: Another New BA Question 

The Business Analyst role is one of the most diverse jobs one could have.  It is really hard to figure out in advance what type of projects, tasks, issues you will face.

So the best thing that you can do is have a solid foundation of transferable skills such as communication, facilitation, problem solving, note taking, etc.

In addition, use this time to make a strategic plan on how you will be continuously improving your skills and value as a business analyst.  Since you've don't have prior experience as a BA nor have you had any formal business analysis training I would suggest you take at least on fundamental course in business analysis covering a broad range of topics such as: requirements elicitation/management, business process modeling, data modeling/analysis, solution assessment and validation.  Basically, a course which will tell you how much you don't know.

The reality is that no one business analyst is proficient in all aspects of business analysis since there are so many aspects which can very greatly by project type, team, industry, toolset, etc.  So try to learn to be a generalizing specialist.  That means, build a broad foundation and then pick areas of interest and dive deeper by learning from courses, books, webinars, etc.

Also - consider joining your local IIBA chapter where you can network with other business analysts.

Best of luck in your new position!

- Adrian


Adrian Marchis
Business Analyst Community Blog - Post your thoughts!
 
New Post 10/24/2009 1:50 AM
User is offline D81
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Re: Another New BA Question 

Thanks for the response Adrian.

The level of diversity is what makes it difficult to know what to expect. I am assuming I will pick up a lot of information and my own requirements/gaps during week 1 in the role.

Your strategic plan idea is a great one and I will endeavour to create one.

A BA fundamental course does seem like the best solution, but given the time and cost (at least now) could you suggest any other alternatives? A course may also cover a lot of the stuff I may already know.

I have found plenty of great on line resources, including this one, and have done a lot of reading. Is there a foundation/fundamental BA bible you could recommend? This may be a good starting point to tick off what I do and do not know.

 

 
New Post 10/24/2009 3:40 AM
User is offline Adrian M.
765 posts
3rd Level Poster




Re: Another New BA Question 

Probably the closest you'll get to a business analysis BIBLE is the BABOK (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge) published by the IIBA.

- Adrian


Adrian Marchis
Business Analyst Community Blog - Post your thoughts!
 
New Post 11/4/2009 10:28 AM
User is offline Brad
9 posts
10th Level Poster


Re: Another New BA Question 

I agree with Adrian that the "BIBLE" for BAs is the BABOK v2.0.  They have a very detailed list of resources in the bibliography to further your knowledge on a particular Knowledge Area or Technique.

I feel your pain on both the time and cost aspects of the courses out there.  I am in the process of creating courses right now on my site, and I would like to remedy much of the time and cost pain.  Do you feel you would be better served by selecting shorter, more specific topics instead of the all-or-nothing approach most courses offer?  Also, if you could pic specific course topics, what would they be?

Thanks,

Brad Botz

Prime Proficiency


Brad Botz Prime Proficiency - BA Training and Information www.primeproficiency.com
 
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