https://modernanalyst.com RSS feeds for Business Analyst Community & Resources | Modern Analyst 60 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7146/Provenance-UX-How-to-Specify-Why-Should-I-Believe-This-in-Product-Requirements.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=7146 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7146&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7146/Provenance-UX-How-to-Specify-Why-Should-I-Believe-This-in-Product-Requirements.aspx This article shows business analysts, systems analysts, and product managers how to build “trust into the UI” by writing practical provenance requirements for AI-enabled features. It introduces a simple Provenance Requirements Template that turns vague goals like “show sources” into testable product behavior: when to display citations (ideally tied to specific claims), how to handle conflicting sources with a clear tie-breaker, how to define freshness SLAs by claim type and what to do when data is stale, and how to support confidence/uncertainty, “what changed,” and audit exports. The takeaway is a repeatable way to specify “why should I believe this?” so answers come with receipts, stay current, and can be verified or audited when needed. adrian Sun, 08 Feb 2026 05:02:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7146 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7144/Guardrails-Catalog-How-to-Write-Allowed-Not-Allowed-Requirements.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=7144 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7144&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7144/Guardrails-Catalog-How-to-Write-Allowed-Not-Allowed-Requirements.aspx This article shows BAs, systems analysts, and product managers how to turn vague AI “safety” statements into clear, testable requirements. It introduces a simple artifact called a Guardrails Catalog—a reusable list of Allowed / Not Allowed rules that define boundaries for AI features (forbidden actions, restricted data, safe defaults, and what the system must do instead). The core technique is writing each guardrail like acceptance criteria: specify the trigger, the prohibited outcome, the required safe behavior, the exact refusal wording the user should see, and a straightforward validation step. The article includes practical guardrail patterns and examples (e.g., no irreversible actions without confirmation, redact sensitive identifiers, refuse unauthorized requests, don’t guess when ambiguous, don’t invent sources) plus a short list of common pitfalls to avoid. A separate downloadable template is linked for teams to copy/paste and use immediately. adrian Sun, 25 Jan 2026 21:25:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7144 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7142/Agentic-AIs-Blind-Spots-A-BAs-Guide-to-GRC-for-Autonomous-Systems.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=7142 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7142&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7142/Agentic-AIs-Blind-Spots-A-BAs-Guide-to-GRC-for-Autonomous-Systems.aspx The advent of Agentic AI forces a fundamental, non-negotiable re-evaluation of business analysis practice. The GenAI Paradox mandates that the Business Analyst is no longer merely a documenter of known functional requirements , but must evolve into an Architect of Trust: a strategic professional who defines the safe operational boundaries of increasingly autonomous systems. adrian Mon, 19 Jan 2026 23:51:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7142 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7109/Data-Privacy-The-BAs-Secret-Weapon-for-Winning-Customer-Trust.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=7109 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7109&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7109/Data-Privacy-The-BAs-Secret-Weapon-for-Winning-Customer-Trust.aspx For business analysts, those unsung heroes who sift through mountains of information to guide corporate decisions, data privacy emerges as an unexpected ally. It's the secret weapon that not only protects against breaches and fines but also actively forges unbreakable bonds of trust with customers. This isn't about fearmongering over scandals or reciting dry compliance rules; it's about reimagining privacy as the foundation of enduring loyalty in a sceptical marketplace. adrian Sun, 23 Nov 2025 22:42:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7109 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7070/10-Practical-Ways-Business-Analysts-Can-Use-LLMs.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=7070 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7070&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7070/10-Practical-Ways-Business-Analysts-Can-Use-LLMs.aspx Every analyst knows the blank-page problem — the kickoff meeting is tomorrow, the requirements are vague, and the only thing clear is that you’ll need to bring order to chaos. Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Gemini are quickly changing how Business and Systems Analysts tackle these moments. They help us research faster, write clearer, and think more broadly. adrian Sun, 26 Oct 2025 23:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7070 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7010/The-Critical-Role-of-Business-Analysts-in-Strengthening-Information-Security.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=7010 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7010&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7010/The-Critical-Role-of-Business-Analysts-in-Strengthening-Information-Security.aspx In today’s hyper-connected world, information security is no longer just the domain of IT specialists and cybersecurity professionals. As organizations face an ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, the role of the Business Analyst (BA) has become increasingly vital in safeguarding sensitive data, ensuring regulatory compliance, and embedding security into the very fabric of business operations. Business Analysts are uniquely positioned at the intersection of business objectives and technical solutions, making them indispensable allies in the fight to protect organizational assets. adrian Sun, 31 Aug 2025 04:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7010 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6672/How-Business-Analysts-Can-Harness-Prompt-Engineering-to-Drive-Insights.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6672 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6672&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6672/How-Business-Analysts-Can-Harness-Prompt-Engineering-to-Drive-Insights.aspx The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has drastically changed the business world, allowing companies to get useful information from huge amounts of data. The job of business analysts is very important in this change because they connect raw data to strategy decisions. One new skill that can help them make a bigger difference is prompt engineering, which is the art and science of making exact inputs to get the best results from AI models. By acquiring this skill, business analysts get insights that have never been seen before, Utilize AI solutions to fit the needs of their organizations, and stay necessary in a time when technology is fast pacing. adrian Mon, 27 Jan 2025 02:10:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6672 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6663/Coloring-Inside-the-Lines-Constraints-in-Software-Development.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6663 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6663&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6663/Coloring-Inside-the-Lines-Constraints-in-Software-Development.aspx Software consultant Tim Lister defined project success as “meeting the set of all requirements and constraints held as expectations by key stakeholders.” There’s a vast body of literature on software requirements. In contrast, little is written about the various kinds of constraints that stakeholders might impose on a software initiative. Identifying, communicating, and working within constraints are essential aspects of successful software development. Let’s begin with a definition: “A constraint is a restriction that limits the choices available for a product’s specification, design, construction, configuration, or project management.” A software initiative is subject to three major classes of constraints: product, project, and process. adrian Sun, 12 Jan 2025 20:56:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6663 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2558/Understanding-Architecture.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=2558 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2558&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2558/Understanding-Architecture.aspx For computer and applications, "architecture" is a very common and often ambiguous word. It seems certainly to be referred to complex systems, and appears often to be confused with such as structure or frameworks, planning or blueprint, approach or methodology, and so on. It can be seen that, however, there are certain reasons to using this term. Sun, 15 Dec 2024 07:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2558 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6635/Conducting-a-Cybersecurity-Maturity-Assessment-Tools-and-Techniques-for-Business-Analysts.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6635 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6635&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6635/Conducting-a-Cybersecurity-Maturity-Assessment-Tools-and-Techniques-for-Business-Analysts.aspx Imagine you are in the cockpit of an airplane. Before taking off, you need to ensure all systems are operational, from the engine to the navigation tools. Now, think of your business as that airplane and cybersecurity as the systems you must inspect before flight. In the same way pilots rely on checklists, business analysts use cybersecurity maturity assessments to evaluate an organization’s preparedness for cyber threats. These assessments help you determine where your company stands in its cybersecurity journey, revealing strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. But how do you conduct a cybersecurity maturity assessment? Let us explore some of the tools and techniques business analysts can use to assess and improve their organization’s cybersecurity maturity. adrian Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6635 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6466/From-Business-Analyst-to-Application-Architect-A-Guide-to-Making-the-Leap.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6466 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6466&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6466/From-Business-Analyst-to-Application-Architect-A-Guide-to-Making-the-Leap.aspx As a seasoned application architect who once walked in the shoes of a business analyst, I understand the desire to embark on a career transition journey. Making the leap from analyzing business processes to designing intricate software systems may seem daunting, but I'm here to tell you that it's not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. Drawing from my own personal experience, I want to offer some advice and encouragement to fellow business analysts who aspire to become application architects. adrian Sun, 24 Mar 2024 04:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6466 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6263/AI-and-its-impact-on-Business-Analysts-and-BA-jobs.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6263 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6263&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6263/AI-and-its-impact-on-Business-Analysts-and-BA-jobs.aspx Artificial Intelligence is no more a buzzword, and it has been making waves in the tech industry. We are experiencing AI in our day-to-day life in the form of chatbots, Voice assistants in serving customers' requests, forecasting market trends, detecting possible future ailments, and much more. In recent years, businesses have begun adopting AI to improve their operations and gain a competitive edge. But what does this mean for business analysts and BA jobs? With the rise of AI, will Business Analysts become obsolete, or will it create new opportunities? Let's dive into how artificial intelligence affects business analysis and explore what the future holds for those in this field. Transform VA Sun, 22 Oct 2023 22:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6263 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6362/Elevating-Collaboration-Requirements-Management-Processes-A-Convergence-of-AI-and-Tools.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6362 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6362&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6362/Elevating-Collaboration-Requirements-Management-Processes-A-Convergence-of-AI-and-Tools.aspx The integration of AI into requirements management signals a transformative juncture, promising heightened efficiency, insightful perspectives, and streamlined processes. While challenges persist, a methodical approach to AI implementation offers a pathway to reaping these benefits. Organizations poised to embrace AI stand to elevate their requirements management processes, fostering superior project outcomes and innovation-driven success. adrian Sun, 24 Sep 2023 19:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6362 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6335/5-Common-BA-Questions-Answered-What-technologies-should-I-know-as-a-Business-Analyst.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6335 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6335&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6335/5-Common-BA-Questions-Answered-What-technologies-should-I-know-as-a-Business-Analyst.aspx This is no different from the technology dilemma that many BAs find themselves in as they work to advance their BA career. There is no way you can learn everything at one time, but you can take gradual steps to continue to advance your skills.  So don't fear, I am here with some tips on how to approach this dilemma and lessen some of that overwhelm that plaques business analyst. And I truly believe the reason this is a stress is because you want to stay relevant in the field of business analysis if you are currently in a BA role or working to obtain a BA role. Transform VA Mon, 04 Sep 2023 17:56:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6335 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6299/Top-Software-Development-Methodologies.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6299 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6299&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6299/Top-Software-Development-Methodologies.aspx Software development methodologies are an essential part of the software development process. Custom software development may use various methodologies for managing their daily operations. There are many benefits and drawbacks to using software development methodologies. The primary purpose of methodologies is to provide smooth software development per your project requirements. There are different methodologies that have been introduced in the market in the last decade. The only intention of introducing these frameworks is to help developers make better software and business projects. However, it’s not possible to get one methodology for each development team. Hence, let’s see some top software development methodologies that are used popularly. Let’s begin then! Transform VA Sun, 16 Jul 2023 05:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6299 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6264/What-potential-implications-may-Artificial-Intelligence-have-on-the-practices-of-Business-Analysis.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6264 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6264&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6264/What-potential-implications-may-Artificial-Intelligence-have-on-the-practices-of-Business-Analysis.aspx As a general-use technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is being likened to the steam engine and its effects on the economy in the 17th century. As a result, it is generally agreed that AI and its applications have the potential to significantly alter entire industries through the disruption of value creation and the impact of business models and organizations through a number of mechanisms, such as the redistribution of decision-making authority. Artificial intelligence is changing the nature of work and the workplace as a whole through its integration into processes and activities. Developing a more in-depth comprehension of the consequences and implications for future companies and professions is essential for a new technology like AI. AI is transforming the way we produce software in general, from enhancing code quality to shortening the time required for repetitive chores like debugging and testing. The many advantages brought to the table by artificial intelligence would help engineers become more productive and efficient, thereby revolutionizing the software development process. It is relevant and important to not only investigate how AI might improve process productivity and efficiency but also to take the first steps toward understanding how to adopt a technology that is here to stay. Some of the potential AIs tools we may consider are ChatGPT, Copilot, and TabNine. ChatGPT is a chatbot powered by a big language model. It makes use of an AI designed to have in-depth conversations with humans in order to provide solutions to complicated problems. Its capacity to have natural-sounding conversations and respond in ways that make it seem human is quite astonishing. Copilot or “AI pair programmer” is a language-agnostic AI that can provide coding ideas through natural language questions, having been trained on billions of lines of code. TabNine is an artificial intelligence code completion helper to get extended snippet ideas and focused line code completions. TabNine reuses an organization’s common coding patterns to reduce unnecessary developer toil. Transform VA Mon, 29 May 2023 12:29:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6264 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6150/Evaluating-Candidate-COTS-Packages.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6150 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6150&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6150/Evaluating-Candidate-COTS-Packages.aspx Whether you’re purchasing a package (also called commercial off-the-shelf, or COTS, products) as part or all of the solution for a new project or implementing a solution in the cloud, you still need requirements. Requirements let you evaluate solution candidates so that you can select the most appropriate package, and then they let you adapt the package to meet your needs. adrian Sun, 23 Oct 2022 23:58:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6150 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6138/Why-choose-PHP-Frameworks-for-Agile-Application-Development.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6138 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6138&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6138/Why-choose-PHP-Frameworks-for-Agile-Application-Development.aspx Where an organization opts to move into agile methodologies that help to provide quick and customized solutions, it is imperative to use a technology that supports agile workflow and application development. There are several Frameworks and Programming Languages in the market that help in building Agile Solutions but as compared to all the available Stacks, PHP is the one that Comes up with a collection of Potential Frameworks that are actually contributing well in developing effective Application Development. The PHP frameworks are a set of process conventions and technologies that simplify and accelerate application development and maintenance. A framework provides certain functionalities to an application through ready-made features and practices. Transform VA Sun, 25 Sep 2022 20:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6138 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6075/Overview-of-AWS-Amazon-Web-Services-for-Business-Analysts.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6075 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6075&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6075/Overview-of-AWS-Amazon-Web-Services-for-Business-Analysts.aspx I’ve written this article to provide an overview of AWS (Amazon Web Services) for Business Analysts. The cloud (in particular AWS) is now a part of many projects. If you’ve been in meetings where people have mentioned: ‘EC2’, ‘ELB’, ‘AZs’ and thought ‘WTF’ then this article should help you. This article will provide: an overview of AWS (what is it, why its popular, how it’s used) typical AWS architecture for a project (e.g. VPN, Regions, AZs) cheat sheet for other key terms (EBS, EFS etc) Transform VA Sun, 26 Jun 2022 21:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6075 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5625/66-Lessons-from-50-Years-of-Software-Experience.aspx#Comments 2 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5625 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5625&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5625/66-Lessons-from-50-Years-of-Software-Experience.aspx I spent a lot of time in the past half-century doing software work: requirements, design, user experience, programming, testing, project management, writing documentation, process improvement leadership, writing 7 books and many articles, consulting, and training. Sure, there were some side trips along the way,.... But basically I’m a software guy. Over all that time, I’ve accumulated numerous insights about the software business. Here I offer 66 of those lessons. Perhaps you’ll find them as helpful as I have. Transform VA Sun, 12 Jul 2020 06:06:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5625 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5468/An-Introduction-on-Artificial-Intelligence-and-Machine-Learning.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5468 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5468&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5468/An-Introduction-on-Artificial-Intelligence-and-Machine-Learning.aspx After some research, I was taken back with so many machine learning applications already in use: weather forecasting, medical diagnoses, law enforcement, and self-driving vehicles. Also, I did not realized that it was the advancements of big data and faster computing that allowed the break-thru of AI in our daily lives. Most of us, I believe, think that artificial intelligence is still science fiction. Not so! We as business analysts need to pursue AI education and recognize the many business opportunities opening up to all of us. Transform VA Sun, 23 Feb 2020 20:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5468 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5248/Capability-Based-Planning-with-ArchiMate.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5248 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5248&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5248/Capability-Based-Planning-with-ArchiMate.aspx Capability-based planning is a growing practice in the field of enterprise architecture. Its success is due to the fact that it provides actual value to practitioners and the organizations that employs them. Indeed, capability-based planning helps in a number of ways, from providing a clear understanding of existing capabilities to promoting effective Business-IT alignment. Considering these benefits, we thought it useful to address this practice and bring some clarity to the subject for the benefit of all who might not yet have a good handle on the topic. Transform VA Sun, 28 Apr 2019 23:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5248 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5292/What-is-DevOps.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5292 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5292&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5292/What-is-DevOps.aspx DevOps is based on a culture of trusted partners. This partnership is between software development, quality assurance, security and controls, and operations. The result is a smooth and fast transition of software from development to operations. However, like Dover, if the trusted partners are somehow reorganized into formal handoffs each with their own software acceptance procedures, the movement of software is no longer smooth nor fast. Transform VA Sun, 24 Mar 2019 22:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5292 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5235/What-Does-a-Technical-Business-analyst-do.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5235 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5235&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5235/What-Does-a-Technical-Business-analyst-do.aspx The function of a technical business analyst is to bridge between business and technical teams. This can be undertaken in various forms. First, the bridging can be done by translating business requirements into technical artifacts. The analyst must be able to assess the business and note the basic requirements of that particular business at that given time. Using their skilled knowledge in technology they must be able to translate the given come up requirements into technological terms. The requirements must, therefore, be taken care of technologically for efficiency and accuracy. Transform VA Sun, 17 Feb 2019 05:28:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5235 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5246/6-Ways-to-Organize-Your-Architecture-Models.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5246 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5246&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5246/6-Ways-to-Organize-Your-Architecture-Models.aspx If you have some experience in modeling real-life, full-size architectures for large-scale organizations – preferably in the ArchiMate language, of course – you have likely come across the challenge of organizing your models in logical and manageable ways. In the following pages, we’re going to share our top 6 ways to organize your architecture models. These methods should help you keep your models neat and tidy, while also supporting better outcomes for your strategic initiatives. Let’s see what they are. Transform VA Sun, 27 Jan 2019 21:15:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5246 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5247/7-Powerful-Analysis-Techniques-to-Boost-Value-from-Your-Models.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5247 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5247&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5247/7-Powerful-Analysis-Techniques-to-Boost-Value-from-Your-Models.aspx Strategists, architects, process experts, software developers, data managers and other professionals involved in changing the enterprise often put substantial effort in creating all kinds of useful models of their designs. In many cases, such business models, enterprise architecture models, business process models, software models, or data models are only used to specify some design, i.e. to describe what should be built.  But there is much more value to be had from these models, by using powerful analysis techniques to elicit new insights. In the following pages I will cover 7 of these analyses, discussing the business outcomes you can achieve with their help. Transform VA Sun, 13 Jan 2019 19:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5247 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3871/BDD-An-introduction-to-feature-files.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=3871 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3871&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3871/BDD-An-introduction-to-feature-files.aspx The purpose of this article is to explore feature files. Feature files are documents that contain those Gherkin scenarios & requirements – they can be very useful to teams working on BDD projects. Feature files may be a key deliverable for BAs.  Feature files are where BAs store requirements & can create the bridge between requirements and automated tests (more on that later). Transform VA Sun, 26 Nov 2017 12:48:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3871 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3149/Requirements-for-Devices-Around-Us-Embedded-Systems-Part-2.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=3149 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3149&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3149/Requirements-for-Devices-Around-Us-Embedded-Systems-Part-2.aspx  In this article we look at some quality attributes that are particularly vital to explore when specifying requirements for embedded systems projects. Quality attributes for embedded systems can be much more complex and intertwined than those for other applications. Business software is generally used in an office where there’s not much variance in the environment. In contrast, the operating environment for embedded systems could involve temperature extremes, vibration, shock, and other factors that dictate specific quality considerations. Transform VA Mon, 23 Oct 2017 00:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3149 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3726/Differences-Duties-and-Responsibilities-of-Business-Analysts-and-System-Analysts.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=3726 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3726&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3726/Differences-Duties-and-Responsibilities-of-Business-Analysts-and-System-Analysts.aspx A business analyst is a person who analyzes, organizes, explores, scrutinizes and investigates an organization and documents its business and also assesses the business model and integrates the whole organization with modern technology. The Business Analyst role is mostly about documenting, verifying, recording and gathering the business requirements and its role is mostly associated with the information technology industry. Bhairav24 Sun, 19 Mar 2017 21:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3726 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3324/Strategy-Mapping-for-Business-Analysts.aspx#Comments 2 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=3324 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3324&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3324/Strategy-Mapping-for-Business-Analysts.aspx This article explores strategy mapping as discussed within Business Architecture Guild BIZBOK, and attempts to extend the discussion by defining a set of information and graphical principles that allows strategy to be represented graphically. Mon, 28 Sep 2015 04:59:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3324 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2013/End-to-End-UML-Component-Diagram-and-Deployment-Diagram.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=2013 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2013&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2013/End-to-End-UML-Component-Diagram-and-Deployment-Diagram.aspx The UML Component Diagram along with the complementary UML Deployment Diagram shows how a software solution will be delivered and deployed in the form of interconnected components that interoperate via well-defined interfaces. You can think of this as analogous to how electronic components are wired together, and in this context you should consider that any one component may be replaced by a different but compatible component with no adverse effect. speeditonline Mon, 21 Sep 2015 04:15:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2013 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3287/How-not-to-get-lost-in-data-jungle.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=3287 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3287&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3287/How-not-to-get-lost-in-data-jungle.aspx Data migration is typically the most forgotten or underestimated component of an IT project which is the process of making a copy of data and moving it from one system to another, preferably without disrupting or disabling active business processes. On some occasions, it is not easy to understand that a data migration is needed in the project and most of the times data migration is not seen as an item that its requirements needs to be captured during analysis phase. That’s why migration related problems begin during development or testing phase when data need is identified or when the data from the old system refuses to fit properly into your new user interfaces or business rules despite the transportation of the old data. For a successful project, the need of a data migration and its requirements must to be identified early beginning of analysis phase and further actions should be reflected to project plan accordingly. But how? Data migration strategies are a whole different detailed topic and they will not be mentioned here but capturing the essentials of data nature is a life-saver activity which is the targeted idea of this work. 1. Will you need a data migration? Identify it during elicitation phase if possible. If not, analysis phase is also ok but be careful and just identify the need as earlier as possible. Ask data related simple questions. Do your requirements mention from the systems need to be shut down? If yes, does this system keeps any data? Is your project a replacement project for an old system? If yes, does this system keeps any data? Do your requirements mention from entities that are already used in your company’s systems? In order to use that data do your new system’s data model needs to keep them as well. Watch out, it may mean also a nasty synchronization! If one of answers is yes, you will need a potential data migration. Just continue to get more details. 2. How to capture requirements and define business rules? If you determine that you need a data migration, be careful and specify at least following details in your analysis.   2.1 Identify if your company have multiple data sources for that entities. If yes, determine the master and the fate of other systems’ data. You will see how many systems you are dealing with. It is important to know how and where data is stored, backed up, and if it is archived. 2.2 Data profiling: Data profiling is a “must have” activity to understand what are specs of the material you will be working on. Conduct profiling activities and classify the data, such as data with missing unique ID’s or missing first name and last name or false data such as numeric values as first name and other useful information like length, type, candidate for primary key, etc. Results of the profiling will guide you to design user interfaces and capture business rules. 2.3 Do you need data cleansing? According the data profiling, you will see if you need cleansing activities and what will be the final structure of the data you will be working on. Also you will be able to clarify cleansing related activities on the project timeline which will provide a cleaner vision for the project timeline. If your answer is no, definitely check the section 2.6. 2.4 Data structures must be well understood if your project requires design of user interfaces or data forms. Consider data structures while determining dynamic user interfaces or form context. For example, old system may store the phone number and its extension in one field by separating data by “–“. This means two numbers are stored in one field and you should consider such constraints while you are designing a new interface with multiple fields on section 2.8 or determine ways to separate phone number and its extension effectively while moving the data as mentioned on section 2.7. 2.5 Fate of the historical data:  Take into account if historical data will be migrated or not. It may affect your user interfaces or business processes. 2.6 Fate of the missing or dirty data: After profiling, most probably you will see that some of your data is not clean or adequate to use in further actions. For example, you are working on sensible customer data and national identity number is mandatory but some records do not have identity numbers. It will cause you problems to pinpoint the customer or you will face further problems if this information is mandatory to display customer on the screen.  Even worse, if you have validations based on the identity number such as debt control or billing, the system will not be able to conduct such validations. Always check whether data ownership belongs to a specific business unit. If yes, let them decide to the fate of data. Decide whether the data is just enough to use or will it cause problems to conduct business processes. Will you migrate such data? If yes, sections 2.8 and 2.10 will be highly important for you. Is it possible to clean or enhance problematic data somehow? If yes, how? Determine the way and related requirements. If you decide not to move such data, always consult with your business unit for possible further actions. They may need to find the customer and inform him/her legally according his/her account status or they may need another manual/automation processes.  2.7 Data mapping is basically the activity of creating a map of the existing data model by matching each entity&field with the future data model. Each entity should be mapped correctly and in details to be able to move data successfully. The map is an essential item of data migration strategy which is a whole another topic and not be mentioned here in details. Based on the mapping, you can see the gap between your legacies and your future and you can use the information on section 2.8 2.8 Screen validations and rules: Results of sections 2.2-2.7 will give you clear information about user interface validations and potential need of new business processes. 2.8.1 Screen validations? Define entity specs such as type and length based on the profiling results, the information will guide you to design potential data forms. Define the rules for the gap. If entities are not matching neatly, define UI standards and validation rules accordingly. Such as, will be these entities optional or if two different data are kept in one field, will you continue to collect and display them together? 2.8.2 New processes is needed? If you decided to transport problematic data; You may need to create new processes to correct such data. For example if the identity number is mandatory and your customer update process originally does not allow to update the number, in order to enable the correction of the customer information, you may need the define rules such as displaying identity number field editable. You may create new processes to alert the system or trigger different actions. 2.9 Define security & security measures such as encryption. If data needs to be migrated encrypted, general rules shall be set during analysis phase. 2.10 Define migration acceptance criteria such as data quality, migration duration etc. if it will cause termination on your services 2.11 Define the fate of the legacy data: Will you continue to keep the data on the legacy systems? If yes, determine whether a synchronization is needed with the new system or not? How long the data should be kept on legacy system? What are maintenance rules?   3.    What is next? Of course, plan the future! All answers will guide you for further activities which need to be added to the project plan in details. Identifying these steps at the beginning will prevent you from future unexpected surprises and definitely will help to close the project on time. 3.1 Rehearsals A clean migration needs rehearsals where you can have a look at your situation. 3.2 Testing scenarios Requirements need to be tested and since migration activity creates its own requirements, testing scenarios should cover these requirements as well. Author: Aylin Şen, Senior Business Analyst aylinsen Thu, 28 May 2015 16:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3287 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3212/Architecture-Information-Misinformation-and-Hyperinformation.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=3212 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3212&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3212/Architecture-Information-Misinformation-and-Hyperinformation.aspx With 24-hours a day, unceasing news being forced in our ears and down our throats, with computers that blog, phones that text and everything that twitters, we have information rushing back and forth at us at speeds that can only be measured in nanoseconds. It is information on steroids and it can and often does get us in trouble[1]. Analyzing, corroborating, vetting and authenticating this rush of information, misinformation and hyperinformation are at times almost impossible. Transform VA Mon, 09 Mar 2015 09:20:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3212 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3007/Who-is-Designing-Your-Systems.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=3007 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3007&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3007/Who-is-Designing-Your-Systems.aspx Problems arise though when the critical front-end work is performed by programmers who are more in tune with technology than business. From their perspective, they see everything in terms of zeroes and ones, not in dollars and cents. Not surprising, they only think in terms of elegant technical solutions, not necessarily what is practical from a business perspective. timbryce Wed, 16 Jul 2014 10:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3007 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2767/Its-All-About-Transactions.aspx#Comments 2 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=2767 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2767&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2767/Its-All-About-Transactions.aspx It is important to illustrate most of what goes on in the systems and software world is really not as complicated as people make it.  Most of what we do in business is process transactions, representing some sort of action or event, such as a purchase, a return, a back-order, a debit or a credit. timbryce Wed, 30 Oct 2013 07:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2767 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2569/Understanding-the-Natural-System.aspx#Comments 2 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=2569 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2569&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2569/Understanding-the-Natural-System.aspx Every now and then I encounter a programmer who adamantly contends you cannot have an information system without some form of computer support. Actually, we've had such systems well before the advent of the computer. timbryce Thu, 25 Apr 2013 06:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2569 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2448/Technical-Writing-Guidelines-for-Documenting-Business-Requirements.aspx#Comments 4 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=2448 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2448&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2448/Technical-Writing-Guidelines-for-Documenting-Business-Requirements.aspx The purpose of this article is to assist business analysts in writing business requirements. This article provides six guidelines on technical writing. The six I cite here are the major ones I consider when writing a business requirements document (BRD).There are, of course,other technical writing guidelines; for comprehensive texts, see Further Reading (1).  Transform VA Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2448 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2008/Data-Modeling-Entity-Relationship-Diagram-ER-Diagram.aspx#Comments 1 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=2008 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2008&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2008/Data-Modeling-Entity-Relationship-Diagram-ER-Diagram.aspx This article describes the Entity Relationship Diagram that allows you to document the structure of a database in terms of persistent entities and the relationships between them.  The Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD) provides a way of graphically representing the logical relationships between entities in order to create a database schema to persist those entities. speeditonline Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:48:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2008 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2111/Data-Modelling-Object-Oriented-Development.aspx#Comments 4 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=2111 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2111&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/2111/Data-Modelling-Object-Oriented-Development.aspx At some stage in their working life, every business analyst will have some involvement with data modelling. They may need to model how data is (or will be) used or - if they only deal with requirements investigation - then someone else in the team will need to verify that the data to support new functions will be available. pddean Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2111 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1810/Business-Process-Management-Across-the-Extended-Enterprise-Challenges-Examples-and-Benefits-of-Web-Based-Software.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=1810 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1810&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1810/Business-Process-Management-Across-the-Extended-Enterprise-Challenges-Examples-and-Benefits-of-Web-Based-Software.aspx There are considerable benefits from extending business process management capabilities outside the boundaries of the company, and clearly measurable value is much easier to quantify when stakeholders are outside the traditional walls of the business. NigelDavies Thu, 07 Jul 2011 06:08:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1810 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1830/An-Introduction-to-Activity-Diagrams.aspx#Comments 6 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=1830 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1830&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1830/An-Introduction-to-Activity-Diagrams.aspx An activity diagram is a type of flowchart that is part of the UML (Unified Modeling Language) standard. Its purpose is to enable analysts to present a concrete, easy-to-follow visual of the workflow of a business use case. speeditonline Mon, 02 May 2011 10:37:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1830 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1760/Designing-Mobile-Apps-Using-Old-School-Tools-for-New-School-Technology.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=1760 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1760&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1760/Designing-Mobile-Apps-Using-Old-School-Tools-for-New-School-Technology.aspx Mobile application development is hot. Smart phones and tablets sales are exploding, and technical teams are exploring ideas for new applications. With new development work, sometimes roles like Business Analysis get left behind as programmers rush to code a new mobile app. Even when we’re in a rapidly changing industry, taking a bit of time to work on design is still important. In fact, it can be the difference between an application that is used and one that is discarded and left behind. speeditonline Mon, 04 Apr 2011 01:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1760 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1499/Documenting-SOA-Service-Oriented-Architecture.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=1499 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1499&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1499/Documenting-SOA-Service-Oriented-Architecture.aspx For projects that may well be delivered by Service Oriented Architecture (possibly using Service Oriented Analysis), I would suggest that you may need to consider different or additional ways of documenting your requirements and specifications. The reason for this is that the way you shape your requirements needs to encompass both the holistic nature of SOA, as well as the new terminology and delivery mechanisms. speeditonline Sun, 19 Sep 2010 04:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1499 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1379/What-is-Enterprise-Analysis-does-it-differ-from-Enterprise-Architecture.aspx#Comments 3 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=1379 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1379&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1379/What-is-Enterprise-Analysis-does-it-differ-from-Enterprise-Architecture.aspx Enterprise Analysis is a knowledge area which describes the Business analysis activities that take place for an enterprise to identify business opportunities, build a Business Architecture, determine the optimum project investment path for that enterprise and finally, implement new business and technical solutions. The question you may ask: Does this really differs from Enterprise Architecture, and if so, how? adrian Mon, 24 May 2010 04:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1379 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1289/Service-Oriented-Analysis.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=1289 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1289&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1289/Service-Oriented-Analysis.aspx Although you can do ‘standard’ requirements gathering for Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) projects, there is now an evolving a set of analysis techniques, methods and approaches that purport to be better suited to information gathering and design specification. I will call these generically Service Oriented Analysis. adrian Sun, 21 Mar 2010 08:46:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1289 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1212/Top-Tips-for-Successful-SOA-Service-Oriented-Architecture-Pilots.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=1212 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1212&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1212/Top-Tips-for-Successful-SOA-Service-Oriented-Architecture-Pilots.aspx We are often asked what you need to do to run a successful SOA Pilot. Based on our experience of dozens of pilots, I propose that the following characteristics are essential to success. adrian Wed, 30 Dec 2009 05:10:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1212 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1181/Guerrilla-Service-Oriented-Architecture-SOA.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=1181 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1181&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1181/Guerrilla-Service-Oriented-Architecture-SOA.aspx It is unfortunate, but not surprising, that the elegant and relatively simple view of SOA has become bloated with a bewildering array of methodologies and products, leading to confusion and bafflement by many of its proponents and potential converts. adrian Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:15:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1181 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1098/SOA-Re-use-with-Registries-and-Repositories.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=1098 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1098&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1098/SOA-Re-use-with-Registries-and-Repositories.aspx So far in this column on SOA for Analysts, I have talked about the use and re-use of services as building blocks to put together new or better business applications. Now you are getting familiar with this concept, I need to peel away a layer of the SOA onion and expose you to a few tears by revealing this as a half-truth. adrian Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1098 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1066/The-Business-Analyst-of-Tomorrow-and-Now-Today-It-is-a-Software-Development-Revolution.aspx#Comments 4 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=1066 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1066&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1066/The-Business-Analyst-of-Tomorrow-and-Now-Today-It-is-a-Software-Development-Revolution.aspx We are witnessing a marked increase in both the importance of and focus on the work of the business analyst that is directly proportional to the depth with which cloud computing services are utilized. What's more, we are experiencing a shift in the tools and skills that our analysts and those of our customers are required to utilize. adrian Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:56:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1066 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1073/SOA-as-a-Service.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=1073 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1073&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1073/SOA-as-a-Service.aspx Anyone perusing the computing rags (or their online equivalents) will no doubt have noticed that this year's big thing for applications development is a combination of Cloud Computing and Software as a Service (SaaS). I'll talk about Clouds in a future blog, as I want to concentrate on the SaaS phenomenon today. adrian Wed, 02 Sep 2009 06:42:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1073