There is no more critical function in the management of successful projects than identifying a clear project scope, which includes identifying the requirements of the product the project will create. Unfortunately, identifying those requirements is difficult under even the best circumstances. Often, requirements are poorly understood even by business users of the systems or products to be created by the project and by the project designers and developers. Users often have a difficult time articulating requirements, and, frequently, the requirements will need to be changed during the course of the project. Those who develop the product of the project may also bring their own biases to product design, which may further complicate the ability of the project to produce deliverables that meet user needs.
A critical role in requirements elicitation and management is played by the business analyst. Business analysts serve as the link between the business interests served by the project and the technology that will be employed to deliver the functionality required by it. They are responsible for translating business needs into language that systems analysts can turn into a solution, for framing the problem and identifying the most appropriate solution. They keep the project focused on the needs for which it was initiated. They are often charged with gathering, documenting, and testing requirements, especially in software development and implementation projects.
Recognizing the need for competent business analysts and the need for a standard framework for requirements definition, the International Institute of Business Analysts (IIBA®) was formed in 2005. The IIBA® vision is to be the leading world-wide professional association that develops and maintains standards for the practice of business analysis and for the certification of practitioners.
One of the goals of the IIBA® is to recognize accomplished and skilled business analysts by establishing a certification program for them. That certification, the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®), was begun in 2006. This workshop is designed to prepare you to take the examination that is required for certification. It provides contextual material that gives you the broad picture of business analysis necessary for answering situational questions on the CBAP® exam and detailed material referenced directly from the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge, Version 2.0 (hereafter referred to as the BABOK® Guide).
This workshop is intended to provide knowledge of what a business analyst should do and how they should do it. More importantly, however, this workshop is designed to build a strong foundation in business analysis that can allow participants to understand why something should be done. It’s that “why” element that allows for understanding and answering test questions.
This workshop is compliant with the standards for business analysis and requirements definition detailed in the BABOK® Guide.
The objectives of this workshop are to:
- Introduce participants to the roles and responsibilities of business analysts with a focus on project requirements definition
- Provide training that is consistent with the BABOK® Guide
- Build the capabilities of participants so that they can successfully develop and manage project requirements and be a productive and contributing member of project teams
- Engage participants in interactive exercises designed to build their skills and confidence
- Familiarize participants with best practices in business analysis and requirements definition
- Provide a base of knowledge for additional business analysis learning, either self-directed or otherwise
- Provide participants with the essential knowledge necessary to successfully prepare for and take the CBAP® examination
This workshop is compliant with the standards for business analysis and requirements definition, the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge Version 2.0. As an IIBA® Endorsed Education Provider (EEP) Charter Member; Babbage Simmel’s IIBA® endorsed courses qualify for CDU credit. 35 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) may be earned by attending this course.
This workshop is also compliant with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (the PMBOK® Guide, Fourth Edition). Those holding the Project Management Professional (PMP®) Certification can earn up to 35 Professional Development Units (PDU) for full participation in this workshop.
Day 1
Module 1: Introduction to the workshop and the CBAP® certification
Module 2: The IIBA® and the role of the business analyst
Module 3: The definition of requirements and the challenges of requirements management
Module 4: The link between requirements definition and management and project management
Module 5: Conflict management for business analysts
Module 6: Creative communications for business analysts
Day 2
Module 7: Business analysis planning and monitoring
Module 8: Requirements elicitation
Module 9: Requirements management and communication
Day 3
Module 10: Enterprise analysis
Module 11: Requirements analysis
Module 12: Solution assessment and validation
Module 13: Underlying competencies
Day 4
Module 14: Techniques
Day 5
Module 15: Content review
Module 16: Practice exam
Module 17: Workshop wrap-up