Business Analysis has never been more important, and valuable, to organisations as they strive to adapt to an ever-changing and faster-changing environment. This expanded edition of Business Analysis Techniques provides detailed guidance on the range and application of the techniques available to assist business analysts and others in their work.
Business Analysis Techniques provides a foundation for the effective specification, design and development of digital solutions, solutions that are based on a proper understanding of the real business need and the requirements for solutions to meet them. With 123 of the most widely used techniques covered, this book is an essential resource for any business analyst.
This book:
- Places a large number of techniques into the context of the Business Analysis Service Framework, providing clear guidance on the applicability and use of 123 of the most-used techniques available in the business analyst’s toolbox
- Provides detailed information on the use of each technique
- Accessibly written with worked examples of all of the techniques described
- Offers practical tips for using and adapting the techniques in the real world
Pair it with Business Analysis, also published BCS for even greater insights.
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
About the Author :
The authors – James Cadle, Debra Paul, Jonathan Hunsley, Adrian Reed, David Beckham and Paul Turner – have between them a vast range of experience of conducting and managing business analysis assignments, and also in training and mentoring business analysts.
Review :
Business Analysts have always had a wealth of techniques at their disposal but how the toolkit has grown! If you are looking to shine as a business analyst you will be well aware of the importance of becoming the master of our rich BA toolkit, know what technique to use for each occasion and how to use it to good effect. This upgrade on a ‘must have’ BA classic extends the toolkit by another 24 techniques! I encourage all BAs to use this book to build their confidence in their own professionalism and be regarded as masters of their BA toolkit.
Ian Richards, Director, Business Analysis, Capita
I found this new edition to be crammed full of tried, tested and trusted business analysis techniques. Yet again giving the BA more tools for analysis success. Each technique is described in full, with scenarios to bring them to life, along with developed examples. The narrative does not shy away from giving you technique limitations or when to blend techniques together to achieve a better analysis outcome. It’s the BA book I return to again and again.
Sarah Bullen, Head of Business Analysis, BBC, Technology and Digital Products Group, UK
The latest version brings even more techniques to bear, extending to areas of user experience, process improvement and testing; helpfully mapped against key project phases. This book is a must have resource for all BAs at any stage of their career.
Jamie Clouting, Lead Consultant, BAE Systems Applied Intelligence
Beware, this will very quickly become the most thumbed and tabbed book in your collection. For me it’s a must-have companion, especially for brushing up on a technique you’ve not used in a while or to signpost community members seeking advice to a specific page. Also fond of the addition of aligning techniques to the BA Service Framework, which makes it even easier to find new approaches.
Jamie Toyne, Head of Business Analysis, Ministry of Justice - Digital and Technology
A treasure trove of techniques for every Business Analyst (BA). Essential reading for anyone entering the profession and an excellent refresher for seasoned BAs. All the techniques are laid out in-synch with most project delivery models making it easy to navigate your way through. Each technique is described with some great thoughts on how to use it. Brilliant to see all the available techniques laid out in one place.
Tazeem Wafa, Principal Business Analyst, Bank of England
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
Good chefs have their own variations of classic recipes, but a set of standard recipes is the firm basis for any chef. This book offers such a standard. Sometimes a technique is carried out “how we always do it” but having a clear and complete set of the original definitions helps to keep to the right track. If ever in doubt, you can always begin with, or go back to, the techniques as described here!
Danny Kalkhoven, Le Blanc Advies
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
Each new edition of Business Analysis Techniques introduces more ideas and tools than the last. But that doesn’t mean it’s carrying any extra weight. On the contrary, it’s pure unadulterated goodness – just the essentials that you need to know about each technique, whether it’s a very well-known standard or something more obscure. The most comprehensive and useful reference work on the ‘mental furniture’ that a BA needs – I recommend it.
Nick de Voil, Director, De Voil Consulting
A must have in your bookshelf if you are looking to improve your skills in business analysis. 123 tools that can be used on their own or in combination makes it the perfect reference book for hands-on consultants.
Peter Gerstbach, Founder & Managing Director, Gerstbach Business Analyse GmbH
This is the most comprehensive collection of business analyst techniques I’ve come across. The authors have clearly gone to a lot of trouble to balance detail with brevity, and they found just the right balance. The descriptions provide clear direction in the why and how of all the common business analysis techniques and many more. This is a must have resource in the library of every professional business analyst.
Carl Sudholz, Digital Transformation Consultant and Senior Business Analyst, AGContext® Digital Transformations
If you need to put together a business analysis toolkit to use in your forthcoming transformation initiative – as an individual BA, or as a BA team – then Business Analysis Techniques is the perfect source to start with. It is THE book to help you widen your perspectives, boost your curiosity and empathy.
Milena Mileva, Managing Consultant, PMBA
Business analysis practitioners need to learn and utilize the various techniques to create value for the business. This book provides a detailed explanation of various techniques that a Business Analyst can apply to the initiatives to add value to the stakeholders. The techniques are categorically defined and easy to understand. Keep learning!
Deepak Gupta, Principal Consultant, Wipro Technologies, India
Simple, practical & accessible. Each of the tools are articulated & linked in a way that is quick and easy to understand without the need to wade through pages of theory. The concise examples bring to life when & how to use each of the analysis techniques. Whether you are starting out on your business change career, or you are a seasoned professional, this new volume is an essential reference tool for anyone looking to bring discipline & structure to their analysis.
Christian Hunter, Business Analysis Services Director, Infinity Associates
The 123 business analysis techniques described in this book are useful for both the seasoned senior business analyst and the less experienced junior business analyst. It is well written, descriptive and provides excellent examples of what, how, why and when to use the appropriate analysis techniques dependent on the task, business need or scenario encountered. I found the book easy to read and I look forward to applying these business analysis techniques into my day-to-day life as a business analyst.
Allamin Ali, Senior Business Analyst, Welsh Government, United Kingdom
My original copy is always close to hand. Where else would I find so many techniques all in one place, excellently summarised and demonstrated? But the icing on the cake is that techniques are now grouped by Business Analysis Service Framework categories. It's a no-brainer tool for supporting my team to provide the best possible BA service and also nicely complements my Delivering Business Analysis handbook.
Karen Newnham, Head of Business Analysis, DVSA
This book covers some key elements of business analysis which are often overlooked - the significance of emotional factors in customer journey mapping, stakeholder perspectives, negotiation, and in conflict resolution. Describing concepts like ‘Weltanschauung’, which refers to the fundamental cognitive orientation of an entity encompassing a holistic point of view, allows readers to employ such theories regardless of which sector or industry they work with. If, like me, you believe in exploring the power of psychology for mutually beneficial outcomes at the workplace, this book will help you uncover some true gems.
Zeinab Shabbir Tinwala, Director & CEO, Starsons International (Pvt) Ltd, Business Architect, Corporate Trainer, Career Coach
I found this book very interesting and exciting; the writing style is captivating, accessible and full of intriguing knowledge. The techniques are introduced simply, yet are very rich, specific and comprehensive. All techniques are articulated and linked to one another, with real-life examples. Overall, it’s a highly practical and easy to understand reference, not only for senior business analysts, but also for beginners. Highly recommended!
Irene Gweed, Business Analyst Lead, Product Owner & Business Analysis Trainer, Egypt
