https://modernanalyst.com RSS feeds for Business Analyst Community & Resources | Modern Analyst 60 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5903/Importance-of-Leveraging-Tools-as-a-Business-System-Analyst.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5903 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5903&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5903/Importance-of-Leveraging-Tools-as-a-Business-System-Analyst.aspx This article covers examples of how tools are becoming extremely important in today’s world for Business Systems Analysts; continuous learning and exploration of various tools are becoming indispensable to work efficiently and contribute towards the team success.  As more and more new technologies/tools arrive in the market, from a BSA perspective being able to appropriately understand and use them will not only emphasize the value of the BSA role, but also the force the change in mindset to align more towards the Agile way which is the common forte nowadays. adrian Mon, 16 Aug 2021 03:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5903 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5438/Why-Modeling-Is-an-Essential-Business-Analysis-Technique.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5438 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5438&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5438/Why-Modeling-Is-an-Essential-Business-Analysis-Technique.aspx Visual analysis models provide a powerful set of tools that let business analysts depict system information at various levels of abstraction. These models serve as an aid to understanding, as well as an aid to communicating. Alas, I fear that modeling is somewhat of a neglected practice. I believe modeling is an essential skill every BA should master. Here’s why. Transform VA Sun, 22 Mar 2020 14:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5438 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3706/Capturing-the-Essence-of-Concepts-Guidelines-for-Building-World-Class-Business-Glossaries.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=3706 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3706&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3706/Capturing-the-Essence-of-Concepts-Guidelines-for-Building-World-Class-Business-Glossaries.aspx There are various schools of thought about how to define terms, some arising from professional terminologists and academia. But those approaches are often relatively arcane and not well-suited to everyday business practice. Definitions with subtle IT or ‘data’ bias are an anathema to effective communication with business partners. Good business definitions are oriented to what words mean when used by real business people talking directly about real business things. Transform VA Mon, 27 Mar 2017 01:20:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3706 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3656/Deep-Dive-Models-in-Agile-Series-Business-Data-Diagram.aspx#Comments 2 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=3656 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3656&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3656/Deep-Dive-Models-in-Agile-Series-Business-Data-Diagram.aspx Business Data Diagrams are one of those MUST HAVE models for any product that is dealing with data. The exercise of creating the model itself creates a powerful, shared understanding of the underlying data constructs as users understand it. Instrumental in helping to identify additional, more detailed models that might be needed, the BDD can also help you get to a complete set of user stories around users interacting with the data following the create, use, edit, delete, move and copy actions. Transform VA Sun, 29 Jan 2017 17:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3656 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2010/End-to-End-UML-Class-Diagram.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=2010 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2010&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2010/End-to-End-UML-Class-Diagram.aspx The UML Class Diagram, sometimes known as the Static Structure Diagram, shows the dependencies and persistent associations between object classes. speeditonline Sun, 19 Oct 2014 21:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2010 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1252/Complete-Business-Systems-Analysis-Model-UML-Example.aspx#Comments 5 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=1252 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1252&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1252/Complete-Business-Systems-Analysis-Model-UML-Example.aspx This is a complete example of a Business/Systems Analysis Model using UML and including: Use Cases, Activity Diagrams, Context Diagram, and more. baldrick Thu, 21 Aug 2014 13:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1252 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2269/Powerful-Business-Modeling-With-No-Magics-Cameo-Business-Modeler.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=2269 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2269&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2269/Powerful-Business-Modeling-With-No-Magics-Cameo-Business-Modeler.aspx CBM Analyst is a simple and inexpensive way to implement business modeling. Business analysts may also choose to upgrade their business modeling solution to No Magic’s Cameo Business Modeler Plugin. The No Magic professional services team is ready to assist you in building and deploying a consistent business modeling solution. Transform VA Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2269 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2181/Building-the-Security-Model-with-Use-Case-and-Class-Models.aspx#Comments 2 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=2181 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2181&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2181/Building-the-Security-Model-with-Use-Case-and-Class-Models.aspx In writing a business requirements document (BRD), the business analyst needs to document who can access the solution (assuming software) and what data can be created, updated, read, and deleted (CRUD). In other words, a security model that a security analyst can build access profiles with the appropriate privileges.  This article provides the business analyst a method for documenting a security model in the BRD based on information extracted from Use Case and Class models Transform VA Mon, 11 Jun 2012 05:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2181 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2145/BA-ABCs-C-is-for-Class-Diagram.aspx#Comments 10 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=2145 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2145&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2145/BA-ABCs-C-is-for-Class-Diagram.aspx Today’s letter is “C” – for Class Diagrams. Business Analysts use Class Diagrams to help them discover ‘structural’ business rules and to document them in a visual form that is readily understood by developers.  What is a structural rule? Transform VA Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2145 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1531/How-Static-Modeling-Skills-Can-Improve-Your-Performance-as-a-Business-Analyst.aspx#Comments 9 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=1531 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1531&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1531/How-Static-Modeling-Skills-Can-Improve-Your-Performance-as-a-Business-Analyst.aspx While most business analyst roles don't explicitly require static modeling expertise, developing a better understanding of static modeling concepts can be a measurable forward step for business analysts seeking to develop new competencies. Such skills can be useful in many aspects of the BA work, from obtaining a better understanding of stakeholders' information needs, to documenting those needs in unambiguous ways and communicating them more effectively to the technical team. speeditonline Mon, 18 Oct 2010 05:55:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1531 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/620/UML--Business-Context.aspx#Comments 2 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=620 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=620&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/620/UML--Business-Context.aspx “Where does UML fit?” is a common question among new (and not so new!) business analysts. We all know that the M stands for modelling but beyond this, perceptions start to differ. In its current form (V2.0) UML consists of 13 diagram types all of which provide a different view of a system. In this article we’ll take a brief look at which of the 13 diagrams are of most relevance for us and how they fit together... Author: Jan Kusiak pddean Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:04:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:620 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/353/Enterprise-Architect-for-Business-Analysts.aspx#Comments 7 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=353 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=353&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/353/Enterprise-Architect-for-Business-Analysts.aspx As a software architect and developer I’ve used Enterprise Architect (EA) from Sparx Systems (www.sparxsystems.com) for a number of years. In that time I’ve spent considerable time and energy trying to get our business analysts to do the same. While I’ve had some success I must admit it’s been an uphill battle. I suspect this is partly because EA is often seen as a technical person’s tool. And that’s not altogether surprising. Enterprise Architect – the name itself is completely misleading. EA is not only for people with the title ‘Enterprise Architect’. It’s for the entire project team, from BA’s to Testers and even for Clients. User Interface – for developers the user interface of EA is extremely familiar and intuitive. It looks like a lot of the tools they use already. For non-technical users more familiar with tools like Microsoft Office it is somewhat more intimidating. So, if you’re a Business Analyst looking for a tool that can help you do your job more effectively then read on. adrian Tue, 06 May 2008 04:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:353 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/254/UML-2-Class-Diagram-Guidelines.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=254 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=254&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/254/UML-2-Class-Diagram-Guidelines.aspx UML class diagrams show the classes of the system, their inter-relationships, and the operations and attributes of the classes. Class diagrams are typically used, although not all at once, to: Explore domain concepts in the form of a domain model Analyze requirements in the form of a conceptual/analysis model Depict the detailed design of object-oriented or object-based software A class model is comprised of one or more class diagrams and the supporting specifications that describe model elements including classes, relationships between classes, and interfaces. There are guidelines for: General issues Classes Interfaces Relationships Inheritance Aggregation and Composition Author: Scott W. Ambler adrian Sun, 10 Feb 2008 06:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:254 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/253/UML-2-Class-Diagrams.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=253 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=253&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/253/UML-2-Class-Diagrams.aspx UML 2 class diagrams are the mainstay of object-oriented analysis and design. UML 2 class diagrams show the classes of the system, their interrelationships (including inheritance, aggregation, and association), and the operations and attributes of the classes. Class diagrams are used for a wide variety of purposes, including both conceptual/domain modeling and detailed design modeling. Although I prefer to create class diagrams on whiteboards because simple tools are more inclusive most of the diagrams that I’ll show in this article are drawn using a software-based drawing tool so you may see the exact notation. In this article I discuss: Conceptual class diagrams Design class diagrams How to create UML class diagrams Suggested reading Author: Scott W. Ambler adrian Sun, 10 Feb 2008 06:36:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:253 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/252/UML-basics-The-class-diagram.aspx#Comments 1 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=252 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=252&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/252/UML-basics-The-class-diagram.aspx Structure diagrams in general Structure diagrams show the static structure of the system being modeled. focusing on the elements of a system, irrespective of time. Static structure is conveyed by showing the types and their instances in the system. Besides showing system types and their instances, structure diagrams also show at least some of the relationships among and between these elements and potentially even show their internal structure. Structure diagrams are useful throughout the software lifecycle for a variety of team members. In general, these diagrams allow for design validation and design communication between individuals and teams. For example, business analysts can use class or object diagrams to model a business's current assets and resources, such as account ledgers, products, or geographic hierarchy. Architects can use the component and deployment diagrams to test/verify that their design is sound. Developers can use class diagrams to design and document the system's coded (or soon-to-be-coded) classes. The class diagram in particular UML 2 considers structure diagrams as a classification; there is no diagram itself called a "Structure Diagram." However, the class diagram offers a prime example of the structure diagram type, and provides us with an initial set of notation elements that all other structure diagrams use. And because the class diagram is so foundational, the remainder of this article will focus on the class diagram's notation set. By the end of this article you should have an understanding of how to draw a UML 2 class diagram and have a solid footing for understanding other structure diagrams. Author: Donald Bell adrian Thu, 10 Jan 2008 06:28:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:252