BA Times

MARCH 13, 2024

I’ve recently started learning to play the ukulele. I made a decision early on that I’m not interested in learning ‘properly’, I don’t want to commit to formal lessons, I just want to try a fun new hobby. For that reason, the (very little) I’ve learned has been learned largely from YouTube. When I say […] The post Strings Attached: The Art of Adapting Templates in Business Analysis appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Business Analysis 176

Business Analysis Business Analysis 176

BA Times

MARCH 7, 2024

Let’s get some confusion out of the way. There are many different concepts and related acronyms that aren’t always used in the best way. Let’s try to clarify them. Terms like MVP (Minimum Viable Product), MMF (Minimum Marketable Feature), MLP (Minimum Lovable Product), prototype, and proof of concept are all concepts used in product development, […] The post Demystifying MVPs, Prototypes and Others in the BA Landscape appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Business Analysis 247

Business Analysis Business Analysis 247

BA Times

FEBRUARY 28, 2024

A few years ago, I was working in a fast-paced environment where we very quickly needed to achieve a shared understanding of a particular problem that existed, and then elicit and analyze requirements for improving things. I’d spent a couple of days speaking to some of the key people, largely in back-to-back meetings, and […] The post Connecting the Dots: The Crucial Role of Synthesis appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Business Analysis 256

Business Analysis Business Analysis 256

BA Times

FEBRUARY 21, 2024

The year 2023 brought about significant achievements in my mentoring journey as four of my mentees successfully secured Business Analyst roles in the UK. My passion for mentoring was ignited during my transition to the Learning and Development department at the International Committee of the Red Cross several years ago. This transformative experience marked the […] The post Mentoring For Success appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Business Analysis 192

Business Analysis Business Analysis 192

BA Times

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

I was recently planning the logistics of an upcoming client workshop. I needed 12 copies of a document printed and spiral bound, and I visited the website of a printing company that we’ve used many times before for such tasks. The website had changed, and unfortunately I couldn’t complete the order. For some reason the […] The post Prints, Processes, and Pitfalls: More Than Just Process Design!

Logistics 234

Logistics Documentation Planning 234

BA Times

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, professionals across industries are witnessing the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Business analyst profession is not untouched and is on the brink of a significant shift in its roles and responsibilities. As AI technologies continue to advance, they are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the […] The post What’s Next: The Future of Business Analysis in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) appeared first on

Artificial Intelligence 214

Artificial Intelligence Business Analysis Business Analysis 214

BA Times

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

Developing a business case is akin to telling a compelling story—one that captivates your audience and persuades them to invest time, resources, and support in your idea. As a Business Analyst, mastering the art of creating a persuasive business case prior to crunching the numbers and making the pitch is essential for driving successful projects […] The post Crafting a Compelling Business Case: A Practical Guide for Business Analysts appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, T

Project Management 223

Project Management Business Analysis Business Analysis 223

BA Times

JANUARY 24, 2024

Business analysis is not just an IT-related profession; it is a profession that has expression in every facet of life, and hence one of the reasons why you should take pride in this profession if you are a business analyst or why you should aspire to be one. The tools and techniques are transferable skills […] The post An End and a Beginning: A Practical Application of Business Analysis Techniques appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Business Analysis 228

Business Analysis Business Analysis Change Management Planning 228

BA Times

JANUARY 17, 2024

You’ve worked your way up the BA ladder – started as a Junior BA, then a BA, then a Sr. BA, and now you’re a Lead BA on a project working with other BAs. What do you do? This article focuses on some of the Do’s and Don’ts of being a Lead BA. Some of […] The post Best of BATimes: Approaches for Being a Lead BA appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Planning 209

Planning Business Analysis Business Analysis 209

BA Times

JANUARY 10, 2024

I’ve long been a believer that a good movie is 90 – 120 minutes long. Sure, there’s the occasional storyline that can keep my attention for longer than that, but generally speaking after a couple of hours I’m getting pretty restless. One of the reasons I rarely go to the movie theater these days is […] The post Editing for Success: Applying Hollywood Wisdom to Projects appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Business Analysis 249

Business Analysis Business Analysis 249

BA Times

JANUARY 3, 2024

Being a successful Business Analyst means you have to have a variety of different skills and be adaptable to a changing environment. Every Business Analyst will bring their unique blend of skills and experience to the role, of course, but I’ve highlighted below what I think are the most common skills that a good BA […] The post Best of BATimes: Nine Key Skills That Every Good Business Analyst Needs appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

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212

BA Times

DECEMBER 27, 2023

We recently needed some repair work done to the roof of our house, so called some local roofing firms. Understandably, roofers don’t always answer their phones immediately (I guess they are often out on site working), so we left voicemails for three different roofers. Out of the voicemails we left, only two of the roofers […] The post Beyond the Finish Line: Understanding the Art of Value Enablement appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Business Analysis 223

Business Analysis Business Analysis 223

BA Times

DECEMBER 20, 2023

Embarking on my journey as a baker just under two years ago, I have joyfully crafted birthday cakes, engagement cakes, baby shower confections, and more. Recently, I faced a culinary challenge that pushed my skills to new heights. This cake wasn’t just another creation; it was a test of my abilities, filled with many “firsts” […] The post Baking Success: Unveiling the Sweet Similarities Between a Small Baking Business and a Business Analyst’s Role appeared first on

Business Analysis 268

Business Analysis Business Analysis 268

BA Times

DECEMBER 7, 2023

There is an old joke about a surgeon and a mechanic that goes like this: A mechanic was removing an engine part from the motor of a car when he spotted a world-famous heart surgeon in his shop. The heart surgeon was waiting for the service manager to come take a look at his car. […] The post Work like a Surgeon appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Business Analysis 201

Business Analysis Business Analysis 201

BA Times

DECEMBER 6, 2023

Ensuring that project requirements have been understood and agreed to by all stakeholders is one of the foundations of a Business Analyst’s work. However, that understanding and agreement from the stakeholders doesn’t always translate to the successful delivery of the project. Even though everyone on the business side has confirmed that the BA understands their […] The post Requirements are a Contract appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Business Analysis 200

Business Analysis Business Analysis 200

BA Times

NOVEMBER 30, 2023

I’m a member of a local gym, and a few weeks ago I noticed that they were maintaining the lockers in the changing rooms. The lockers are pretty standard metal boxes, and members bring their own padlocks for added security. I’d noticed for months that the latch mechanisms had been getting very loose, so I […] The post Secure or Sorry: From Gym Lockers to Cybersecurity appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Cybersecurity 252

Cybersecurity Business Analysis Business Analysis 252

BA Times

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Several schools of thought have proffered reasons why projects fail; notable amongst these are studies by Forbes, the British Computer Society, Gartner, and many others. Generally, the causes of IT project failures have been described as ranging from poor business cases, requirements management, project management, talent, and poor processes. Conversely, certain factors, which are described […] The post The Value of Business Analysis Competencies in the Successful Delivery of IT Projects.

Business Analysis 189

Business Analysis Business Analysis Project Management 189

BA Times

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Photo by Nik on Unsplash Picture this: You’re sailing on the vast ocean of the business world, navigating the wild waves of change. As a business analyst, you’re the captain of your ship, and your map? It’s pre-skilling – the compass that keeps you not just afloat but steering ahead of the storm. Gone […] The post Don’t Just Break the Mold, Shatter It: Rebel Recipes for the Business Analyst Maverick appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, J

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196

BA Times

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

In the wake of World War I, French Premier Georges Clemenceau advised the French people that “War is too important to be left to the generals”. Paraphrasing his words I would say that “Digital Transformation is too important to be left to the marketing and sales departments”- Why? Because they are infatuated with the client […] The post Introduction to the 4 Pillars of Digital Transformation appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Digital Transformation 232

Digital Transformation Digital Business Analysis Business Analysis 232

BA Times

NOVEMBER 1, 2023

These days the convergence of web design prowess and strategic recruitment methodologies assumes paramount significance. Nowadays, it is of utmost importance that strategic recruitment tactics and design expertise are combined. Understanding outsourcing’s varied applications in the fields of design and recruitment is essential in the current outsourcing structure.

213

213

BA Times

OCTOBER 26, 2023

A while ago, I was sitting in an airport where all flights were delayed due to weather. As is quite often the case in situations like this, staff at the gate initially don’t have a great deal of information available to them. In my experience, airport staff will do everything they can to keep customers […] The post Have You Considered “Customer Information Needs” In Your Process?

Business Analysis 239

Business Analysis Business Analysis 239

BA Times

OCTOBER 25, 2023

The Unique Competing Space (UCS) is a macro-level strategy visualisation framework, which enables teams to understand the broader scope of customer needs, evaluate how well their offerings are meeting customer needs, and evaluate how well their competition is also meeting the needs. The UCS can easily be one of the tools in a firm […] The post The Unique Competing Space: A Framework for Evaluating the Competitive Landscape and Strategic Options appeared first on Business Analyst Articles,

Business Analysis 210

Business Analysis Business Analysis 210

BA Times

OCTOBER 18, 2023

I don’t know about you, but I find that I can’t turn my business analysis brain off. I find myself wanting to improve just about every process that I experience, and I often find myself conducting business analysis on the processes that I experience as a customer. This happened to me recently when a company […] The post Always Ask Why: A Practical Example appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Business Analysis 243

Business Analysis Business Analysis 243

BA Times

OCTOBER 4, 2023

If you are working in products, you certainly have realized product management handle requirements differently. There is a shift from eliciting stakeholders’ wishes to discovering better and faster ways to solve stakeholders’ problems. This article presents how discovery techniques popular within product management fit in the three types of requirements: business, stakeholder and solution.

Product Management 260

Product Management Product Management Agile 260

BA Times

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Gone are the days when being a brilliant business analyst meant you could hide in a dark room crunching numbers and never utter a single word to another human being. In the realm of business analysis, interpersonal skills have grown to be as crucial as a hot cup of coffee on Monday mornings, and the […] The post The Art of Communication appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Business Analysis 206

Business Analysis Business Analysis 206

BA Times

SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

Gallup’s survey reveals that 76% of employees experience workplace burnout at least sometimes, with 28% reporting feeling burnt out “very often” or “always.” The statistics mentioned above indicate that numerous employees constantly experience burnout-related issues. This is mainly due to unrealistic deadlines, unclear job expectations, long work hours, etc.

Planning 190

Planning Business Analysis Business Analysis 190

BA Times

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

A Business Analysis Center of Excellence (BACoE) is a dynamic and strategic organizational asset that can significantly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of business analysis processes. Often referred to as a Competency Development Center, a BACoE serves as a hub for collaboration, best practice management, and competency development in a specific functional area.

Business Analysis 211

Business Analysis Business Analysis Agile 211

BA Times

SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

Many tech companies offer commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products. Such products allow to meet their clients’ business needs relatively fast, comparing to the development of the new IT solutions from scratch. However, a COTS product for a complex solution such as ERP, CRM, laboratory or hospital information systems requires considerable time and effort to be […] The post Best of BATimes: Business Analyst Role in COTS Projects appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Template

Business Analysis 216

Business Analysis Business Analysis 216

BA Times

AUGUST 24, 2023

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned to ask during my BA career is “What problem are you trying to solve?” It’s not as straightforward as it might appear. Often, business partners come with all sorts of preconceptions, which they present as the actual problem. Sometimes they try to be helpful. It’s the […] The post Best of BATimes: What Problem Are You Trying To Solve?

Business Analysis 198

Business Analysis Business Analysis 198

BA Times

AUGUST 23, 2023

Process mapping is often the first step in business process improvement. It is a necessary activity that provides a baseline from which improvements can be measured and is the key to identifying and localizing opportunities for improvement. Therefore, it is important that facilitators capture the right information to help steer process improvement initiatives in the […] The post Best of BATimes: How to Facilitate Successful Process Mapping Sessions appeared first on Business Analyst Articl

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218

BA Times

AUGUST 10, 2023

Elicitation is a core part of business analysis, and there are a vast array of elicitation techniques at a BA’s disposal. However, if you’re like me (and most BAs) you probably have a few favorite techniques that you gravitate towards. For me, I’ll often start with interviews and workshops, using document analysis to gain context […] The post Avoid The “Saying/Doing” Gap appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Documentation 216

Documentation Business Analysis Business Analysis 216

BA Times

AUGUST 9, 2023

Integration of AI’s transformative potential into our analysis processes can unleash human potential, drive innovation, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. The future belongs to those who embrace AI in business analysis, and the time to seize this unparalleled opportunity is now. So, let’s take the leap together and unlock new horizons of success […] The post Transformative Impact of AI in Business Analysis appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates,

Business Analysis 210

Business Analysis Business Analysis Innovation 210

BA Times

AUGUST 3, 2023

Over the years, professionals wanting to pursue a career in business analysis have been seeking my advice. A few of the questions posed to me: “How do I launch my career as a business analyst?” “How do I switch over to BA role? “ “Is it possible to move to a business analyst position […] The post Best of BATimes: 10 Steps to Transition from Your Current Job to an Amazing BA Career appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Business Analysis 217

Business Analysis Business Analysis Agile 217

BA Times

AUGUST 2, 2023

A business analyst and a business analytics professional are not the same. Very often, people get confused about these 2 terms. Many times, they are used interchangeably. Few start-ups and organizations also seek out a business analyst when they are actually in search of a business analytics professional. Among the analytics enthusiasts who are […] The post Best of BATimes: Business Analyst vs.

Business Analysis 222

Business Analysis Business Analysis 222

BA Times

JULY 26, 2023

Artificial Intelligence in business analysis is fast becoming the next big evolution of the BA practice. It acts as a superpower to enhance decision-making, automate repetitive tasks, free up time for strategic work. BAs add value to organizations that AI cannot replace, like problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. But with increasing competition in companies, […] The post Embracing AI in Business Analysis: A Guide for BAs appeared first on Business Analyst Ar

Business Analysis 173

Business Analysis Business Analysis Artificial Intelligence 173

BA Times

JULY 19, 2023

Business Case: Lessons from software implementation which put head office directives before stakeholder needs. Background This business lesson was learned at a US non-government organization (NGO) operating refugee camps and support services in East Africa. A few months prior to my arrival the NGO selected an accounting system to be implemented at all local […] The post The Cost of Missing Stakeholders appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Government 212

Government Business Analysis Business Analysis 212

BA Times

JULY 12, 2023

I recently changed phone networks, and wanted to keep the same phone number. I’ve done this before in the past, and it’s always been a relatively simple process. Usually, a changeover date is agreed, and on that date there’s an hour or so where the phone number is inactive, and then everything works again as […] The post Process Redesign: Problem Prevention or Detection appeared first on Business Analyst Articles, Webinars, Templates, Jobs.

Planning 183

Planning Business Analysis Business Analysis 183