I love this line: A fool with a tool is still a fool! (It's even the title of a whitepaper.)
However let's assume that tools include frameworks, models and techniques that we can use with pen and paper.
Sarika, in the initiation phase you are focusing on the big picture things and setting up a framework for the rest of the project to follow. This will include identifying the project stakeholders (who will later help you with detialed articulation of requriements.) In this phase many projects also pick the type of solution they will implement. This is at a very strategic level and addresses things such as
- Will we use It to addres this issue?
- Will we buy in a system or build one?
- Which departments and business processes will need to be changed to accomodate this project?
- What sort of budget and benefits mix are you talking about?
One of the key things you would be involved in is supporting the PM is answering these questions.
Key deliverables might include;
- Stakeholder list/matrix
- Solution architecture
- Business case
- Top level business processes
In the analysis phases you usually focus on eliciting, analysing and socialising requirements. You also often get an early look at the solution design (more detailed than the soluton architecture) and can offer opinion on how well the solution addresses the client requirements. you should also be starting to think aboutbusiness impelementation and change management. This includes things such as trainin and communications to users.
Typical deliverables are mainly
- Requirements specifications
- 2nd level business process design
- Draft implementation/change management plan
Perry has referred you to the BABOK. As a beginner Business Analyst it is a MUST READ. It doesn't have all the solutions, but it does provide an effective model for managing requirements through the development process. (Go get it at www.theiiba.org)
A last comment from me; Planning your requirements management process from project inception to busness implementation makes for much better projects. Once you have read the BABOK's early chapters you should have some ideas around how to do this.
As alwasy we'd love it if you come back and let us know how you go (and of course ask more questions as you come up withy new ones.)
Craig Brown
Better Projects
Modern Analyst Core Member