https://modernanalyst.com RSS feeds for Business Analyst Community & Resources | Modern Analyst 60 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7148/The-Most-Expensive-Word-in-Tech-Just.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=7148 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7148&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7148/The-Most-Expensive-Word-in-Tech-Just.aspx In tech teams, the word “just” (“just add a field,” “just change a label,” “just add an exception”) is a warning sign—not because people are wrong to ask, but because they’re only seeing the visible slice of the work. This article introduces the “Just Tax” framework to make hidden costs visible: Data, Decision, Dependency, Documentation, Deployment, and Diplomacy taxes. Through three quick BA-centric mini-scenarios, it shows how “small” changes become requirements debt when definitions, approvals, downstream systems, testing, and stakeholder expectations aren’t accounted for. It closes with practical, copy-paste lines BAs can use to keep momentum while turning “just” into a clear tradeoff. adrian Sun, 01 Feb 2026 05:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7148 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7126/10-Trends-BAs-Cant-Ignore-in-2026-and-the-Skills-to-Master-Now.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=7126 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7126&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7126/10-Trends-BAs-Cant-Ignore-in-2026-and-the-Skills-to-Master-Now.aspx Discover the 10 technology and delivery trends Business Analysts can’t ignore in 2026—plus the practical BA skills and templates to apply them in real projects (AI agents, governance, security, provenance, and outcome measurement). adrian Sun, 11 Jan 2026 05:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7126 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7125/2025-Was-a-Wake-Up-Call-for-BAs--My-Year-End-Scorecard.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=7125 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7125&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7125/2025-Was-a-Wake-Up-Call-for-BAs--My-Year-End-Scorecard.aspx 2025 didn’t just bring new tools—it exposed weak habits. In this year-end recap, the author of Modern Analyst’s 2025 trends article reflects on what really happened and why Business Analysts became the “AI Ops” layer: clarifying outcomes, setting guardrails, improving data trust, and embedding security. Includes a copy/paste BA Year-End Scorecard to assess maturity and set smart priorities for 2026. adrian Mon, 29 Dec 2025 18:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7125 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7117/The-2027-Inflection-Point-A-Strategic-Blueprint-for-Survival.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=7117 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7117&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7117/The-2027-Inflection-Point-A-Strategic-Blueprint-for-Survival.aspx An inflection point. A forcing function. A once-per-civilization opportunity to prove that human judgment, contextual understanding, and adaptive intelligence remain indispensable even as artificial intelligence transforms everything around us. You're not preparing for 2027. You're defining it. Act accordingly. adrian Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:16:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7117 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7041/Applying-Agile-Hybrid-Frameworks-in-Large-Projects.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=7041 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7041&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/7041/Applying-Agile-Hybrid-Frameworks-in-Large-Projects.aspx This article explores practical techniques that BAs can apply in large projects: how to prioritize backlogs when competing domains fight for attention, how to bridge Agile with Waterfall governance, how to contribute meaningfully in scaled frameworks, and how to use story mapping to ensure incremental delivery of real business value. adrian Sun, 21 Sep 2025 04:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7041 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6974/Making-Agile-Work-in-Complex-Systems-The-JTBD-Enhanced-User-Story-Framework.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6974 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6974&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6974/Making-Agile-Work-in-Complex-Systems-The-JTBD-Enhanced-User-Story-Framework.aspx This article presents a novel methodology that synergizes user stories with JTBD for complex projects. A thorough literature review is conducted, carefully highlighting the strengths, limitations, and overall benefits of each approach. Next, an integrated framework is introduced, featuring diagrams, examples, and a comparative table. A concise case example demonstrates practical application. In conclusion, implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed, aiming to enhance requirement clarity and alignment in complex software development. adrian Sun, 27 Jul 2025 23:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6974 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6919/AI-Does-Not-Replace-Strategy-It-Replaces-Bad-Strategy.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6919 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6919&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6919/AI-Does-Not-Replace-Strategy-It-Replaces-Bad-Strategy.aspx The breathless pronouncements surrounding Artificial Intelligence often paint a picture of wholesale disruption, a technological tidal wave poised to obliterate established business practices. Yet the truth is more nuanced: AI does not replace strategy; it replaces bad strategy. In the absence of a coherent, adaptive, and intentional strategic framework, AI does not generate value, it magnifies inefficiency. adrian Mon, 07 Jul 2025 01:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6919 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6790/Top-7-Takeaway-Points-from-a-50-Year-Career-in-IT.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6790 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6790&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6790/Top-7-Takeaway-Points-from-a-50-Year-Career-in-IT.aspx I measure the success of my 50+ year career in IT by the positive feedback I’ve received from colleagues, stakeholders, students, and readers. I started as a Cobol programmer, progressed to software analyst/designer, and for the last 30 years have performed the role of business analyst. Interspersed in those years I’ve shared what I’d learned through writing, teaching, presenting, and mentoring. This article discusses the top seven “Takeaway Points” from the over-30 BA resources I’ve produced related to requirements for information systems. adrian Sun, 08 Jun 2025 21:20:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6790 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6756/Tariffs-Reloaded-What-Trumps-2025-Trade-Agenda-Teaches-Business-Analysts-About-Strategic-Friction.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6756 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6756&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6756/Tariffs-Reloaded-What-Trumps-2025-Trade-Agenda-Teaches-Business-Analysts-About-Strategic-Friction.aspx Tariffs are not just economic instruments—they’re strategic signals. For business analysts, Trump's latest trade measures are more than policy—they’re a masterclass in navigating disruption, identifying leverage, and transforming systemic friction into strategic insight. host Mon, 26 May 2025 22:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6756 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6714/Musical-Chairs-A-Dynamic-Reflection-Activity-for-Software-Teams.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6714 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6714&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6714/Musical-Chairs-A-Dynamic-Reflection-Activity-for-Software-Teams.aspx Musical Chairs Reflection represents an alternative to traditional reflective practices. By incorporating movement, spontaneity, and structured dialogue, this activity disrupts routine interactions and fosters an environment where diverse perspectives and creative solutions can flourish. The activity can increase engagement, enhance collaboration, and provide actionable insights to foster continuous improvement in software teams. This method aligns with agile principles and supports a culture of continuous learning and growth. As teams continue to evolve, embracing innovative reflective practices will remain a key strategy for navigating uncertainty and fostering a growth mindset. adrian Sun, 30 Mar 2025 18:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6714 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6659/Fostering-Continuous-Learning-and-Growth-Through-Reflective-Practices-in-Software-Teams.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6659 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6659&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6659/Fostering-Continuous-Learning-and-Growth-Through-Reflective-Practices-in-Software-Teams.aspx In this series’ first article, Beyond Tools and Processes: Strategies for Successful Software Development Teams, we introduced the concept of reflective practices. Reflection aims to facilitate learning from experience. The essence of reflection is to actively engage in a process to gain perspective on one’s own actions and experiences. The aim of this process is to analyze those experiences rather than merely living through them. By cultivating curiosity and a willingness to explore our actions and experiences, we unlock the potential for intentional learning, not only as individuals but also as a team or even an organization. This learning stems not from books or experts but directly from our own work and lived experiences, successes, and failures. adrian Sun, 05 Jan 2025 18:45:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6659 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6639/Top-10-Business-Analysis-Trends-to-Watch-in-2025.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6639 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6639&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6639/Top-10-Business-Analysis-Trends-to-Watch-in-2025.aspx Business Analysts (BAs) are pivotal in guiding organizations through a rapidly evolving landscape, leveraging new technologies and methodologies to address complex problems. In 2025, these ten trends will redefine the scope and capabilities of business analysis, enabling businesses to thrive in complex environments.  Here’s how individual analysts can prepare to take advantage of these opportunities. adrian Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:48:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6639 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6611/Shared-Accountability-in-Software-Teams.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6611 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6611&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6611/Shared-Accountability-in-Software-Teams.aspx Shared or informal accountability emerges from peers’ expectations and the software professionals’ intrinsic drive. While the former promotes a sense of collective accountability, where individuals feel compelled to reciprocate and demonstrate their accountability to their peers, the latter is innate and intrinsically grounded. When feeling intrinsically driven to achieve certain outcomes (e.g., code quality or meeting deadlines), software professionals manifest a self-driven accountability. This self-imposed answerability is rooted in a personal desire to excel or meet self-imposed standards, reflecting software professionals’ internal commitment and motivation to uphold and align the quality of their deliverable with their professional and personal values. Shared accountability is mainly reinforced by software engineering and development practices (i.e., testing and code review) and peers’ feedback. Transform VA Sun, 17 Nov 2024 20:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6611 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6629/A-Fool-with-a-Tool-Is-an-Amplified-Fool.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6629 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6629&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6629/A-Fool-with-a-Tool-Is-an-Amplified-Fool.aspx Tools can amplify a software developer’s capability, but ineffective or inappropriate tool usage amplifies their shortcomings as well. Properly applied tools and practices can add great value to a project team by increasing quality and productivity, improving planning and collaboration, and bringing order out of chaos. But even the best tools won’t overcome weak processes, untrained team members, challenging change initiatives, or cultural issues in the organization.  adrian Sun, 10 Nov 2024 15:24:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6629 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6608/Disrupting-the-Norm-A-Business-Analysts-Guide-to-Status-Quo-Bias.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6608 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6608&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6608/Disrupting-the-Norm-A-Business-Analysts-Guide-to-Status-Quo-Bias.aspx Fear is a powerful motivator. It often drives us to hold onto the familiar, resisting change, even when the change might bring progress. This fear—of the unknown, of disruption—feeds into status quo bias, a cognitive bias that compels individuals and organizations to stick with established systems, even when these systems are no longer effective. As business analysts, overcoming this bias is critical to fostering innovation and success in projects. Transform VA Sun, 27 Oct 2024 20:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6608 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6612/The-Benefits-of-a-Psychologically-Safe-Software-Team.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6612 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6612&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6612/The-Benefits-of-a-Psychologically-Safe-Software-Team.aspx Psychological safety has been reported to result in increased knowledge sharing among software development team members. Studies found a positive correlation between social interaction, team psychological safety, and synergistic knowledge development. When team members feel safe and confident that the environment is free of blame and consequences, they are more inclined to share information. Synergistic knowledge development is observed when a group amalgamates the diverse perspectives of its individual members, thereby leveraging the collective knowledge of the group. Transform VA Sun, 20 Oct 2024 21:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6612 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6617/Navigating-the-Treacherous-Waters-of-Scope-Creep-in-Big-Rock-Projects.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6617 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6617&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6617/Navigating-the-Treacherous-Waters-of-Scope-Creep-in-Big-Rock-Projects.aspx In the vast landscape of project management, few challenges loom as large and insidious as scope creep. It's the silent saboteur that can derail even the most meticulously planned projects, leading to missed deadlines, ballooning budgets, and frayed nerves. When it comes to Big Rock Projects—those monumental undertakings that hold significant strategic importance for an organization—the stakes are even higher. These projects are the bedrock upon which future success is built, and allowing them to veer off course due to uncontrolled scope expansion is not an option. adrian Mon, 14 Oct 2024 01:28:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6617 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6587/Psychological-Safety-as-a-Strategy-for-Successful-Software-Development-Teams.aspx#Comments 1 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6587 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6587&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6587/Psychological-Safety-as-a-Strategy-for-Successful-Software-Development-Teams.aspx Psychological safety (PS) is the shared belief among team members that it is safe to take interpersonal risks in the workplace. PS is relevant to software development (SD) teams, particularly those using agile practices. Some practitioners even claim that “agile doesn’t work without psychological safety”. Effective collaboration, creativity, and collective problem solving are fundamental in everyday SD teams. PS fosters an atmosphere where team members feel free to share their views and opinions without fear of judgment or retaliation, thereby facilitating an environment conducive to effective collaboration. In a psychologically safe workplace, individuals are comfortable sharing their opinions, worries, or doubts, seeking support when required, and acknowledging errors without fear of being blamed or punished. In such an environment, teams and their members feel empowered to take ownership, innovate, take initiatives, and assume responsibility for their deliverables, resulting in better outcomes. The question, then, is how to achieve and sustain a psychologically safe workplace in the context of software development. Transform VA Sun, 22 Sep 2024 21:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6587 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6488/How-Does-Your-Team-Make-Decisions.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6488 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6488&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6488/How-Does-Your-Team-Make-Decisions.aspx Every decision-making group should first decide how they will arrive at their conclusions by selecting appropriate decision rules.  Too often, when people begin to collaborate on some initiative, they don’t discuss how they’re going to work together. An important—and sometimes adversarial—aspect of collaboration is making high-impact decisions that influence the project’s direction.  Transform VA Mon, 20 May 2024 02:52:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6488 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6468/Decision-making-compass-a-powerful-lever-for-business-analysts.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6468 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6468&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6468/Decision-making-compass-a-powerful-lever-for-business-analysts.aspx In complex environments, cognitive load (relating to tax complexity and multiple inputs that affect decision-making) can significantly hamper the quality and efficiency of project choices. High-performance business analysts can play an integral and important role to avoid this issue by advocating for the adoption of a decision-making compass to deliver insight to stakeholders about how well their objectives may be satisfied by potential alternative courses of action. The next time you’re embarking on a high-stakes project, make sure you have a decision-making compass ready to use, even if only informally defined. While there is no guarantee that applying it to project choices will completely eliminate the risk of mistakes, it will no doubt help move things in the right direction and maximize performance. Transform VA Sun, 31 Mar 2024 17:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6468 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5123/How-Effective-Were-You-Today.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5123 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5123&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5123/How-Effective-Were-You-Today.aspx Okay, you believe you had a great day at work today; that you accomplished a lot. Maybe you did. Then again, maybe you didn't do as much as you might think. A lot of people believe just because they are a model of efficiency, they are being highly productive. This is simply not true. We have discussed the concept of productivity on more than one occasion in this column, but some trends in the business world have caused me to revisit it again. timbryce Sun, 24 Dec 2023 11:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5123 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6386/The-Unique-Competing-Space-A-Framework-for-evaluating-the-Competitive-Landscape-and-strategic-options.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6386 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6386&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6386/The-Unique-Competing-Space-A-Framework-for-evaluating-the-Competitive-Landscape-and-strategic-options.aspx The Unique Competing Space (UCS) is a macro-level strategy visualisation framework. It enables teams to understand the broader scope of customer needs, evaluate how well their offerings are meeting customer needs, and evaluate how well their competition is also meeting these needs.  The UCS can easily be one of the tools in a firm or team’s arsenal for probing and situating “…the firm’s strategic position in its greater competitive context”. Transform VA Sun, 19 Nov 2023 20:20:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6386 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/4926/Managing-Consultants.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=4926 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4926&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/4926/Managing-Consultants.aspx My single most important recommendation to anyone considering the use of outside consultants is simple: Get everything in writing! Clearly define the work assignment, get a signed agreement spelling out the terms of the assignment, and demand regular status reports. I am always amazed how companies give consulting firms carte blanche to perform project work as they see fit. Abdicating total control to a consultant is not only irresponsible, it is highly suspicious and may represent collusion and kickbacks. There is nothing magical in managing consultants. It requires nothing more than simple planning, organization, and control. If you are not willing to do this, then do not be surprised with the results produced. Failure to manage a consultant properly or to adequately inspect work in progress will produce inadequate results. So, do yourself (and your company) a favor, do your homework and create a win-win scenario for both the consultant and yourself. timbryce Sun, 17 Sep 2023 18:15:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4926 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6348/Negotiating-Groupthink-as-a-Business-Analyst.aspx#Comments 1 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6348 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6348&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6348/Negotiating-Groupthink-as-a-Business-Analyst.aspx As a business analyst, navigating groupthink is essential for delivering valuable insights and driving successful projects. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, promoting diverse perspectives, and encouraging critical thinking, business analysts can overcome the challenges of groupthink. Remember, effective negotiation of groupthink empowers teams to make informed decisions, enhances problem-solving capabilities, and ultimately contributes to improved project outcomes. Embrace these strategies, and you'll be well-equipped to lead your team towards successful and innovative solutions. Transform VA Mon, 11 Sep 2023 01:14:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6348 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6204/What-Can-Leaders-Learn-from-Parenting.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6204 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6204&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6204/What-Can-Leaders-Learn-from-Parenting.aspx The following four attributes are really important for a leader (and for a parent)... You will see that parents who do all the above turn out to have decent children (more often than not) and leaders who do all the above turn out to be highly respected and admired leaders. You can pick your favorite leader you had in your life and you will notice they displayed these qualities. Transform VA Sun, 26 Feb 2023 22:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6204 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6115/First-principles-reasoning-How-thinking-like-a-scientist-can-make-you-a-better-business-analyst.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6115 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6115&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6115/First-principles-reasoning-How-thinking-like-a-scientist-can-make-you-a-better-business-analyst.aspx Sometimes the best solutions are right in front of us, hidden in plain sight. Get in the habit of working from first principles and you’ll find it easier to cut through preconceptions to change the business question and quickly see alternatives that you may have missed. Transform VA Mon, 10 Oct 2022 14:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6051/Career-Development-for-Your-Business-Analysis-Team.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=6051 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6051&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/6051/Career-Development-for-Your-Business-Analysis-Team.aspx When I started my business analysis career back in the late 1990’s, career development was considered “the individual’s responsibility”. Over my career I’ve managed several teams of Business Analysis resources, and I think that mentality has changed over time. There are benefits for the manager and the organization to help their team members develop in their career. By helping your team members grow you can get... Transform VA Sun, 10 Apr 2022 17:10:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6051 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5932/Knowledge-Is-Not-Zero-Sum.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5932 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5932&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5932/Knowledge-Is-Not-Zero-Sum.aspx Knowledge isn’t like other commodities. If I have three dollars and give you one of them, now I have only two dollars. Money is zero-sum in the sense that I must lose some of it for you to gain something in this transaction. In contrast, if I give you some of my knowledge, I still possess all the knowledge myself. I can share it with other people, as can you. Everyone touched by this expanding circle of knowledge benefits.  Everyone has something to teach—and to learn. You don’t need to be the world’s expert on some topic to be helpful. You just need some useful block of knowledge and the willingness to share it. In the world of technology, if you’re one week ahead of the next person in some area, you’re a wizard. Someone else will doubtless be ahead of you in other areas, so take advantage of their trailblazing. People in a healthy learning culture share what they know and also acknowledge that someone else might know a better way. Transform VA Sun, 13 Feb 2022 08:46:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5932 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5913/Leadership-Behaviors-Emerged-in-Crises-Organizational-Transformation.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5913 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5913&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5913/Leadership-Behaviors-Emerged-in-Crises-Organizational-Transformation.aspx A crisis always highlights the need for specific managerial and leadership Behaviors (Behavioral School of Leadership). These behaviors of course are triggered by specific personal characteristics of the leader (Leadership Trait Paradigm), by the specific conditions (Leadership Contingency Theory) and by the willingness and devote of individual in continues practicing these behaviors any possible occasion. Although it is my intention to approach the leadership from a behavioral point of view, a synthesizing and integrating logic is more than necessary to have a holistic view that can lead to insightful conclusions. Transform VA Sun, 02 Jan 2022 22:10:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5913 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5982/New-to-Managing-Business-Analysis-Resources.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5982 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5982&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5982/New-to-Managing-Business-Analysis-Resources.aspx Learning how to become an effective people manager can be difficult. Becoming a manager of business analysis resources has some unique challenges, but I hope to make it easier for you by sharing some advice based on my experience managing three different business analysis teams in three different organizations.  There are two ways people become business analysis managers; from having a lot of business analysis experience or being a people manager and transitioning to leading a business analysis team.   adrian Mon, 20 Dec 2021 13:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5982 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5962/Agile-Is-it-really-so-difficult-for-organizations.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5962 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5962&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5962/Agile-Is-it-really-so-difficult-for-organizations.aspx In my experience while working for different companies, I have seen that some organisations are learning to be agile while some pretend to be agile and others are not agile at all. While we are not here to talk about the last category (assuming they have a very good reason for not wanting to go agile), I would like to put down some challenges for organisations who are on their journey to becoming agile and for those who think they are agile but are possibly not. In this article, I am going to talk about my understanding of the plausible reasons why some organisations struggle to make it. Transform VA Sun, 12 Dec 2021 06:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5962 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5960/Establishing-a-Business-Analysis-Center-of-Excellence.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5960 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5960&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5960/Establishing-a-Business-Analysis-Center-of-Excellence.aspx In a previous organization I worked for, I formed a Business Analysis team by bringing 7 business analysis professionals together for the first time.  There were no templates, no standards, everyone was doing work their own way.  I don’t believe in standards for the sake of everyone doing work the same way, but I do believe in embracing what works best in an organization and striving to use that to achieve repeatable success.  I introduced the concept of a Business Analysis Center of Excellence (CoE) to the organization.  adrian Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5960 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5945/Managing-a-Group-of-Project-Managers-and-Business-Analysts.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5945 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5945&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5945/Managing-a-Group-of-Project-Managers-and-Business-Analysts.aspx Several years ago, I had the opportunity to manage a group of project managers and business analysts. This article reminisces about what shaped my thoughts on managing such a group and hopefully gives you some considerations given the opportunity. Past Experience Perhaps negative experiences impress us more than positive ones. What does not kill you, makes you stronger. In the area of managing a group of project managers and business analysts, two negative experiences stand out for me. I was a project manager engaged in a conversation with my boss on my development. I had worked for this person several years. I asked him if he had heard about a group called the “Project Management Institute.” He said “yes” and maybe he should expose the organization to the group. Maybe? I asked the question since I had been working as a project manager without guidance and frankly was a bit upset over the lack of leadership and development. I told myself, “isn’t that the role of management - to develop people.” Transform VA Sun, 07 Nov 2021 19:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5945 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5911/Leading-Yourself-Through-a-Crisis.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5911 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5911&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5911/Leading-Yourself-Through-a-Crisis.aspx The concept of resilience is closely connected with the concept of self-leadership as exercising and improving yourself towards being able to lead yourself can help you being able to return.  In the face of a crisis some people ride out uncertainty instead of being overpowered by it. Are there special personal characteristics of these persons? Are they gifted from their birth having supreme quality of genes? Maybe but what they do is exercising certain behaviors. Behaviors that not only triggered by their personal characteristics and their personality but from their willingness and commitment in those behaviors Transform VA Sun, 24 Oct 2021 20:18:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5911 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5899/10-Definitive-Ways-Business-Analysts-Can-Add-Value-to-Organizations.aspx#Comments 1 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5899 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5899&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5899/10-Definitive-Ways-Business-Analysts-Can-Add-Value-to-Organizations.aspx I realized that this is something that we business analysts need to constantly show the value add of a business analyst to the project sponsor / client.  Business analyst as a role exists to solve business problems, create a positive change, design and describe solutions that deliver value and enhance the return on investment.  Following are 10 definite ways Business Analysts add value to their organizations.       adrian Sun, 08 Aug 2021 22:04:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5899 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5835/Changing-the-Culture-of-a-Business-Analyst-Team.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5835 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5835&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5835/Changing-the-Culture-of-a-Business-Analyst-Team.aspx Culture determines how people behave. If you want to change behaviour, you have to look to changing the culture. This is the story of how we changed the culture of a team of business analysts. We inherited this team; they worked in an organisation where the culture was pretty poor. People were uninterested in their work. They resented the time they spent at work; they cheated on timecards; they simply did not do any work whenever they thought they could get away with it. Naturally enough, performance and productivity were abysmal. Transform VA Sun, 13 Jun 2021 07:16:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5835 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5749/Unconscious-Bias-Leapfrogging-to-Greater-Business-Analysis.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5749 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5749&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5749/Unconscious-Bias-Leapfrogging-to-Greater-Business-Analysis.aspx Is there a hidden pitfall in your business analysis efforts? Could unconscious bias be reducing your effectiveness as a business analyst?  Consider a meeting when someone from a different cultural background is quiet throughout the meeting.  We can easily favor more talkative participants and overlook the individual’s contributions in the process.  adrian Sun, 03 Jan 2021 05:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5749 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5730/The-Secret-is-in-the-Wings.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5730 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5730&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5730/The-Secret-is-in-the-Wings.aspx I could not help but observe in awe the agility of this monstrous wing. My mind could not stop analyzing how an airplanes uses the agility of its wings to control the pressure of the air that flows through them and manipulates the latter to enable it to navigate its journey into the skies.  The aeroplane does not change the physical or scientific formation of the air, but it changes its wings to adapt to this natural phenomenon. How intriguing. Adaption. Agility.  adrian Sun, 29 Nov 2020 11:02:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5730 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5704/Small-Business-Analysis-Does-size-matter.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5704 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5704&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5704/Small-Business-Analysis-Does-size-matter.aspx This article first provides a reference for defining small businesses. It then, focuses on two aspects of business analysis for a small business: Strategic Planning and Requirements Management. I use a graphic note-taking technique called Mind-Mapping to set the BA context for this article and then pursue the above questions for small businesses. I am sure we have all heard the cliché, “size matters.” So let’s start with why does size matter for business.  Transform VA Sun, 25 Oct 2020 04:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5704 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5654/From-an-Intermediate-to-a-Strategic-Senior-Business-Analyst.aspx#Comments 1 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5654 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5654&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5654/From-an-Intermediate-to-a-Strategic-Senior-Business-Analyst.aspx It is strange how something that is supposed to be simple is actually so complex.  Something that is supposed to be a matter of linear career progression can actually end up in a state of a continuous loop, with no way of terminating such a loop.  A point of stagnation and frustration. This is a quandary facing many intermediate business analysts. They do not know how to shift gears and move one notch up and be senior business analysts - who play a strategic role in helping their business stakeholders bring their strategies to life through the right initiatives. Transform VA Sun, 09 Aug 2020 23:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5654 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/5596/COVID-19-There-was-never-a-better-time-for-business-analysts-to-demonstrate-their-value.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5596 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5596&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5596/COVID-19-There-was-never-a-better-time-for-business-analysts-to-demonstrate-their-value.aspx The COVID-19 crisis is reshaping businesses and livelihoods, and seasoned and new BAs alike have an unparalleled opportunity to put their analytical skills to great use. Whether you are still employed, or has been laid off or furloughed, now--while we navigate the pandemic crisis—is a good time to demonstrate the value of business analysis and the contributions you can bring to your current or future employer. Here are three examples of how you can accomplish that. adrian Mon, 11 May 2020 04:22:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5596 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3148/Learning-from-Experience.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=3148 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3148&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3148/Learning-from-Experience.aspx Everyone’s crazy busy when you’re launching a new project, and taking the time to study existing bodies of knowledge doesn’t seem like real work. However, “doing nothing” while you examine the lessons of the past is a high-yield investment in your own future. An overconfident project manager, in contrast, will rely solely on personal experience, memories, and the team members’ intelligence and experience to weather any crisis and master any challenge. Hubris, arrogance, and cockiness aren’t solid foundations for project success. Transform VA Sun, 05 Apr 2020 23:45:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3148 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5571/Business-Analysts-Can-Play-a-Central-Role-in-Solving-the-Coronavirus-Pandemic.aspx#Comments 2 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5571 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5571&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5571/Business-Analysts-Can-Play-a-Central-Role-in-Solving-the-Coronavirus-Pandemic.aspx As the pandemic continues to upend life around the world, data, big and small, takes a central role in mobilizing the right efforts to prevent a much greater calamity. And as people and organizations face unprecedented hardships, business analysts, data scientists, and data analysts are going to be integral to the solution. We have the skills that the world is counting on to arm our leaders with the best possible information as they are tasked with making immediate choices, allocating resources, and anticipating the next obstacles to overcome. Transform VA Mon, 30 Mar 2020 01:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5571 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5560/Make-Something-That-Matters.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5560 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5560&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5560/Make-Something-That-Matters.aspx Has society become so unimaginative in the products, services, organisations and societies that we choose to create? Have we started giving up on ‘inspiration’ and ‘excitement’ as values with the way in which we create schools, workplaces and organizational cultures? My personal belief is that Business Analysts are ideally and uniquely positioned by make an incredible and positive difference in the world. Transform VA Mon, 02 Mar 2020 00:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5560 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5476/Knowledge-The-Prerequisite-for-Profound-Change.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5476 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5476&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5476/Knowledge-The-Prerequisite-for-Profound-Change.aspx In Part 1 of this series John Seddon argued that Agile, as practiced, is bereft of knowledge, hence its ubiquitous failure. Here he argues that ‘get knowledge’ is the starting-place for effective change. Part 2: Knowledge: the prerequisite for profound change It may seem heretical to suggest that we make change without knowledge, but, as Deming pointed out, experience is not equivalent to knowledge; you can spend 20 years in an organisation without knowing how to change it for the better. Leaders, clients and stakeholders describe requirements or problems to solve on the basis of their current world view, governed by information from their current control systems, but what if their world view is flawed? What if there are bigger and different problems to solve? Transform VA Mon, 23 Dec 2019 02:13:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5476 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5470/Is-there-a-role-for-a-business-analyst-in-an-Agile-environment.aspx#Comments 5 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5470 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5470&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5470/Is-there-a-role-for-a-business-analyst-in-an-Agile-environment.aspx This question has been asked several times before, and various answers have been advanced to settle this matter. A short answer is ‘Yes’. But, unfortunately, this answer is not good enough to the ‘naysayers’, who think a business analyst has no place in Agile teams.  To answer this question in a long way, we have to take the bull by its horns and talk about the elephant in the room. This article is an attempt to contribute to this ongoing debate. Whether you agree with me or not (as I tackle this elephant in the room), the truth is - this argument is apposite and has to be had. Transform VA Sun, 10 Nov 2019 22:22:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5470 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5462/Whats-Missing-from-Agile.aspx#Comments 5 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5462 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5462&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5462/Whats-Missing-from-Agile.aspx John Seddon launches an attack on the value of Agile as practiced and charts a better way to analyse and design for improvement, making information technology the last thing to be concerned with, not the first. adrian Sun, 20 Oct 2019 18:48:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5462 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5359/Six-Estimation-Safety-Tips.aspx#Comments 0 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5359 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5359&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5359/Six-Estimation-Safety-Tips.aspx Estimation is a chronically thorny issue for software practitioners. Most people need to prepare estimates for the work they do, but in our industry we don’t do a great job of estimation. In this article I offer six safety tips to keep in mind as you prepare estimates for your project and for your individual work... These six safety tips might not help you create estimates that all of your customers, managers, and coworkers will dance to, but at least they will help you and your team hear the same music. Transform VA Sun, 13 Oct 2019 23:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5359 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5435/Second-Order-Thinking-Mental-Models-for-Business-Analysts-Part-I.aspx#Comments 2 https://modernanalyst.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=115&ModuleID=572&ArticleID=5435 https://modernanalyst.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5435&PortalID=0&TabID=115 https://modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/5435/Second-Order-Thinking-Mental-Models-for-Business-Analysts-Part-I.aspx Learning about mental models and how to apply them to their work is one of the best investments for business analysts interested in achieving the level of deep thinking that leads to better outcomes for their projects and organizations. adrian Sun, 08 Sep 2019 23:28:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5435