Mastering Business Analysis Versatility

• Examines business analysis leadership from numerous perspectives, such as tactical, strategic, perceived role, positional, credibility-based, and relationship-based, and supplies tips for leading up and down the organization
• Presents examples of which business analysis assets should be included in an approach based on different criteria, and explains how techniques can be adjusted based on the focus of the initiative (data, process, or technology)
• Identifies various constraints and risks that can impact the business analysis approach and explains how to create and manage a business analysis risk management plan
• Describes various tools and techniques and how they can help mitigate specific business analysis risks
• Demonstrates how value can be managed in different ways and at various levels (enterprise, program, project, and requirements)
• Furnishes real-world examples and various fictitious scenarios to facilitate group discussion and more advanced business analysis discovery learning
• Provides coaching and mentoring recommendations with supplemental tools that enable business analysts to transfer their expertise to others
• Reinforces learning with key summary points and end-of-chapter questions
• WAV offers downloadable BA templates, checklists, and competency assessment and development tools—available from the Web Added Value Download Resource Center

Eugenia C. Schmidt, PMP, CBAP, PMI-PBA, Founder and Managing Partner of VITINAR, is a well-known expert, consultant, instructional course designer, and trainer in business analysis, project and program management, project recovery, program/project office setup, information systems, and life-cycle methodologies.

Before forming her own business, Ms. Schmidt worked in various management and technical roles, such as project and program manager, business process manager, risk manager, business analyst, systems analyst, systems architect, and enterprise architect for a number of companies and consulting firms, including AT&T, PwC, and Lighthouse Consulting Partners.

For more than 25 years, Eugenia has successfully managed information technology implementations and methodology rollouts in multiple industries. She has trained thousands of students and practitioners in business analysis, project management, and other professional services through courses delivered in classrooms and online.

In addition to providing services through her own company, Eugenia also contracts with various educational institutions and training companies to develop and conduct intermediate and advanced business analysis and project management courses. She recently developed a business analysis series program for experienced business analysts delivered by both ASPE Training (a division of Fortis College) and IIBA’s SE Michigan Chapter.

Ms. Schmidt received her B.B.A. in Computer Management from Northwood University. She has received numerous awards for her achievements in consulting and the “Woman of the Year” Award conferred by the American Business Women Association’s Michigan chapter.

Eugenia is a published author and sought-after speaker for professional association conferences, seminars, and other events, and has presented to such groups as the IIBA, PMI, BA World, and Women in Technology. She resides with her husband William in Fraser, Michigan.

Preface

About the Author

WAV^TM Page

List of Figures and Tables

Chapter 1: Introduction

Purpose of Business Analysis

The Need for Organization Business Analysis Capabilities

Behaviors to Advance Professional Capabilities

Summary

Questions

Chapter 2: Step 1: Move to an Enterprise Mindset

Enhance Enterprise or Strategic Mindset

Strategic Roles for the Business Analyst

Summary

Questions

Chapter 3: Step 2: Adapt to the Life-cycle Approach

Life-cycle Approaches and Stages

Project Approach Adjustments

Approach Integration Across Projects

Summary

Questions

Chapter 4: Step 3: Consider Uniqueness

Best Practice Models

Business Analysis Core Concept Model™

Areas of Focus

Mostly Predictive Types

Mostly Adaptive Types

Mostly Hybrid Types

Industry Specific Focus

Summary

Questions

Chapter 5: Step 4: Adjust Based on Risks

Risk Overview

Risks and Business Analysis

Risks and Life-cycle Approaches

Potential Risk by Initiative Type

People Risks

Business and Organizational Risks

Risk Culture

Summary

Questions

Chapter 6: Step 5: Always Focus on Value

What is Value

Be a Value Manager

Move from Intangible to Tangible

Move from Potential Value to Real Value

Showing your Own value

Summary

Questions

Chapter 7: Step 6: Bridge the Capability Gap

Assessments

Organizational Maturity Impact

Close Capability Gaps

Leverage Intellectual Assets

A Few Challenges

Summary

Questions

Chapter 8: Step 7: Build Up the Tool Chest

Techniques

Business Analysis Tool Types

Technique Challenges and Opportunities

Summary

Questions

Epilogue

Answers to End-of-Chapter Questions

Appendix A: Templates, Checklists, and Examples

Appendix B: Business Analysis Techniques Glossary

Appendix C: BA Competency and Capability Development Tools

“Seasoned BAs can use this book to advance their careers to the expert level. It captures the versatility that you must have and how that ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment must mature for the breadth and influence of your role to grow.”

—Aaron S. Whittenberger, CBAP, CSPO, Director of IIBA Americas Eastern Region, Senior Business Analyst, Cincinnati Insurance Companies

“This is an essential guide for a BA’s career. The author has succeeded in creating a book on what it means to be an ‘expert’ in business analysis. It not only provides practical concepts, theories, and valuable insights, but showcases them in real-life examples any BA can appreciate.”

—Barbara Monaco, CBAP, Global Business Applications Manager, Kelly Services

“If you’re a business analyst, manager, developer, engineer, or project manager, I recommend that you buy this book and add it to your business analysis toolbox. It’s a must have.”

—George Bridges, PMP, PMI-PBA, President, Bridges Consulting LLC and SE Michigan IIBA Chapter

"Mastering Business Analysis Versatility is a succinct, comprehensive, and indispensable reference. It’s a must for your professional library.”

—Tad Bristow, Partner (retired), PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP