Build a successful career in business analysis
When it comes to doing good business, change is a very good thing. And effective business analysts are at the heart of identifying opportunities for growth and implementing the solutions that can transform an organization’s foundation—and ultimately increase its profitability. Whether you’re an aspiring business analysis professional or a seasoned analyst looking for the latest techniques and approaches, Business Analysis For Dummies helps you discover the newest tips and tricks for turning knowledge into the changes that have a real and meaningful impact on business and drive your organization towards value delivery.
- Identify areas for growth and create solutions
- Learn how to bring people together to collaborate effectively
- Discover ways to better understand and serve your customers
- See how business analysis works in the real world
- Learn the technology to make the job easier
- Find business solutions to improve your organization’s performance
- Understand how to dig deeply into your organization’s data, processes, and business rules
Dummies makes the path to business success clear. Start here to turn your love of business analysis into the catalyst that makes a difference.
Table of Contents:
Introduction 1
Part 1: Getting Started with Business Analysis 5
Chapter 1: Business Analysis in a Nutshell 7
Chapter 2: Breaking Down Different Levels of Business Analysis 25
Chapter 3: Identifying and Working with Stakeholders 37
Part 2: The BA Toolkit: Tools, Terms, and Techniques 61
Chapter 4: Talking about Tools of the Trade 63
Chapter 5: Understanding What Requirements Truly Entail 85
Chapter 6: Hunting for the Right Information, Part 1: The Process 109
Chapter 7: Hunting for the Right Information, Part 2: The Techniques 127
Chapter 8: Uncovering and Analyzing Needs 161
Part 3: Selling the Plan and Keeping It on Track 185
Chapter 9: Making the (Business) Case 187
Chapter 10: Creating and Maintaining Scope 209
Chapter 11: Creating Your Work Plan 235
Part 4: Achieving Goals with Business Analysis 263
Chapter 12: Defining Solutions, Part 1: Taking a Closer Look at Your Requirements 265
Chapter 13: Defining Solutions, Part 2: Choosing the Right Analysis Technique 281
Chapter 14: Verifying and Validating Solutions 321
Chapter 15: Transition: Moving from Planning to Implementing 347
Part 5: The Part of Tens 361
Chapter 16: Ten Ways to Keep Your Business Analysis Skills Sharp 363
Chapter 17: Ten Ways to Prepare Yourself for a New Project 371
Chapter 18: Ten Experts Chime In 379
Index 391
About the Author :
Ali Cox has decades of experience in business analysis, agile, project methodology development and training, and systems development. As Lead Expert in Business Analysis + Agile for Netmind, she provides training and mentoring for businesses ranging in size from a single team to Fortune 500 companies worldwide.
