Business Analysis Techniques

Business analysis is about identifying business needs and formulating workable solutions to business problems. It requires the widest possible array of tools and the professional ability to use each one when and where it is needed. This new edition provides a comprehensive single source of 123 business analysis techniques, offering practical guidance on how and when to apply them within a clear BA service framework. This book complements Business Analysis, also published by BCS.

Table of Contents

1 STRATEGIC CONTEXT

2 SITUATION INVESTIGATION

3 FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT AND BUSINESS CASE DEVELOPMENT

4 BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT

5 REQUIREMENTS DEFINITION

6 BUSINESS ACCEPTANCE TESTING

7 BUSINESS CHANGE DEPLOYMENT

8 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Review

Many business analysts still make the mistake of trying to do their job using only a couple of the most basic techniques. Today’s business problems demand that you have far more in your toolkit. This business analysis classic is something every business analyst should have ready to hand when trying to solve a new problem or looking for existing ways to tackle old, intractable ones, and every edition becomes more invaluable. –Kevin Brennan, Chief Business Architect, Aligned Outcomes & Former EVP at IIBA, led development of BABOK Guide versions 2 and 3

This is THE body of knowledge about business analysis techniques. Comprehensive and comprehensible. The presentation of techniques is encyclopaedic, however the authors explain not only what the technique is and how it works, but why, and in what circumstances, you would use it. The use of examples helps enormously to understand how to apply the techniques. For any business analyst looking to expand his/her skill set ― and I recommend all business analysts should do so ― this is the book. –James Robertson, co-author of ‘Mastering the Requirements Process’

About the Author

James Cadle has been involved in business systems for 35 years, in the public and private sectors, and is now a director of Assist Knowledge Development. Debra Paul is Managing Director of Assist Knowledge Development and was a founding member of the BA Manager Forum.