Business Analysis For Dummies

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.

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

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.

Uncover opportunities for growth—the easy way

The goal of a business analyst is to uncover the insight and trends that will make a business succeed. This book reveals the techniques smart business analysts use to drive better decisions. Get help with brushing up on business basics, identifying important goals, and working with other people to make cool stuff happen. Along the way you get expert insight into the trends and technologies that will help you become a real business guru.

Inside…

• Understanding agile business analysis
• Grasping key terms and techniques
• Performing needs analysis
• Conducting good research
• Putting together solid plans
• Making the case for your idea
• Keeping your analysis skills sharp