Business Analyst Blog with tips, techniques and resources for every BA.
As Business Analysts, we are referred to as “knowledge workers” because we “think for a living”. The more knowledge and experience we have, the more our perceptions evolve. Our perceptions are important because they determine the decisions we make. In order to increase our ability to generate effective ideas and make decisions that work, we must continue learning in the face of dynamic projects.
Read MoreAsking questions effectively doesn’t always come naturally. For most, it’s a skill that needs to be perfected. Stakeholder interviews are effective platforms for posing questions on issues and expectations. They also provide an opportunity for business analysts to seek clarification on existing requirements. What do you need to know to get the right results?
Read MoreOne of the unique benefits of a requirements workshop is that it allows the Business Analyst resolve conflicting business requirements, analyse stakeholders and obtain instant requirements validation all in one go. Find out how to get the most from your workshops.
Read MoreKey BPM Lessons from Value-Driven Business Process Management: The Value-Switch for Lasting Competitive Advantage by Peter Franz & Mathias Kirchmer.
Read MoreLook around you. Visual communication is everywhere - from presentations at work to directions on the street. Today’s generation now leans towards a different mode of learning. There's a pervasive preference for videos, pictures, flashcards and presentations. Communication is now achieved visually more than ever. Engage your stakeholders visually.
Read MoreThe difference between Business Process Management (BPM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) can be quite fuzzy. I’ll start with my understanding: BPM is a practice while ERP is one of the many technologies that can support that practice. With that being said, BPM can be achieved with or without technology though having a Business Process Management System (BPMS) and/or an ERP can enhance your ability to do BPM.
Read MoreGetting prepared is key to landing that job of your dreams. You need to not only act the part, but also be the part. Have it at the back of your mind that it’s the interviewer’s job to recruit a BA. The job is there for the taking and it’s your responsibility to convince the interviewer you’re the best one for the job.
Read MoreRecruiting Business Analysts is almost as difficult as preparing to be the right business analyst for the job. To be a successful business analyst, you have to examine yourself through the eyes of your employer. What do you want to be? What does your employer want you to be?
Read MoreSelecting a Business Analyst Training Provider can be quite confusing. There are a host of providers available online, and choosing one is usually not so straightforward. And it shouldn’t be.
Read MoreView a compilation of free business analyst training courses online.
Read MoreAccording to the International Listening Association, most of us are distracted about 75% of the time we are in conversations or meetings. For a 1-hour meeting, your effective listening time is approximately 15 mins. Can you do better than this?
Read MoreAs soon as I decided that Business Analysis was it for me, the first thing I did was to scour the Internet for popular BA sites, templates, blogs and forums that would add value to me. I’ve listed my Top 6 Business Analyst Blogs/Websites. Each site has its purpose so, depending on what you’re looking for or what stage of your career you're in, you may prefer one to the other.
Read MoreOne day at work, I was invited to present a 1-hour introduction to BPM practice to a bunch of staff from another department. On one hand, I was excited at the opportunity to discuss a topic I was passionate about. On the other hand, I felt some agitation. How was I to deliver timeless BPM pointers that would add value in just an hour? If I had time to say only 5 things about BPM, what would they be?
Read More
As a BA, you may be regarded as a Specialist, Hybrid or Generalist Business Analyst. I tried to label myself as one of these but then I realized I couldn't - even if I wanted to.
Read MoreAccording to Gartner Inc, Companies who implement BPM can expect cost savings of at least, 20% in the first year. BPM is not just another IT buzzword or a passing fad. Why should any company embark on a BPM Project? What are the top benefits they can expect to gain apart from the much-touted cost savings?
Read MoreMy sister once asked me, "What exactly do you do at work?"
I tried to explain it as simply as possible and I actually thought she'd understood until she asked me again about a month later. She has stopped asking me now and I'm hoping that's because she finally understood it and not because she had simply given up.
Read MoreOne of the first things to do when preparing for an exam is to assemble the useful reading materials or study guides. Here's some insight into my chosen resources for the CBAP Exam.
Read MoreAs soon as I landed my first testing assignment, I knew I had stepped out of my comfort zone. This piece is intended to provide testing newbies an insight into the lessons I've learnt during software testing. View 7 lessons now and stay tuned for more...
Read MoreNow that you're convinced a BA certification is next in line, you may want to know exactly what certification options are available. Here’s an overview and comparison of the 2 most popular Business Analyst Certifications.
Read MoreThis business analyst blog contains practical insights into business analysis, software testing and business process management. I will be sharing business analyst tips, CBAP Certification tips, lessons learnt and insights into all the things I've learnt during my BA career.
