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New Post 4/28/2008 2:27 PM
User is offline anonymous
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tools 

Hello Everyone

I am getting ready to be a Business Analyst.

Can anyone tell me what all tools a Business Analyst need to know in both Initiation and Analysis Phase.

Thanks

sarika

 
New Post 4/28/2008 2:39 PM
User is offline Adrian M.
765 posts
3rd Level Poster




Re: tools 

Hi Sarika,

What tools are you referring to?  Are you wondering about software applications such as MS Visio?

- Adrian


Adrian Marchis
Business Analyst Community Blog - Post your thoughts!
 
New Post 4/28/2008 4:22 PM
User is offline Perry McLeod
70 posts
8th Level Poster




Re: tools 

My advice, as you are just getting started, would be to stop focusing on the tools and turn your attention towards the knowledge areas and core competencies of the BABOK. Once you have that foundation you will be able to use the tools effectively.

To be honest I have been trained in Rational, EA, UML, EssUP and myriad others and I have to say, as a seasoned professional and pending CBAP, the best tools that you can have, aside from your mind of course, is a pencil and a piece of paper. If you can't do it on a piece of paper then you can't do it in a system or any other place.

all you need to be a BA is a pencil, paper and a stakeholder/user. Focus on the core elements of the profession - that's my 2 cents worth.

 
New Post 4/28/2008 4:59 PM
User is offline Adrian M.
765 posts
3rd Level Poster




Re: tools 

I agree with Perry 100%!!!  I used this same analogy many times: if you can't do analysis with a pen & pencil then you're in trouble!

- Adrian


Adrian Marchis
Business Analyst Community Blog - Post your thoughts!
 
New Post 4/29/2008 5:57 AM
User is offline Craig Brown
560 posts
www.betterprojects.net
4th Level Poster




Re: tools 
Modified By ModernAnalyst.com  on 4/29/2008 10:16:30 AM)

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

 
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