Business Analysis Essentials

Changing the Business
Businesses need to continually adapt if they are to succeed. Such changes are often (not always) supported by the use of IT. The business analysts is the catalyst of such change, working closely with the business (and IT where appropriate) to create innovative solutions to business problems.

The Business Analysis Essentials course provides a well-defined approach for the business analyst to follow, supplemented by proven techniques. This approach helps the analyst to understand the context in which the business operates in order to model and analyse its activities. Exploring the creative possibilities, including the stakeholders’ perspectives, helps to identify a range of solutions to the business’s problems. The business case identifies the most appropriate of those solutions.

Course Objectives

To provide delegates with an approach, and supporting techniques, for defining changes to the business that will overcome its problems.

Who will the course benefit?
Business analysts and other who need to understand businesses and define how they should change. The analysts may be participating in any change management programme. It is not limited to the analysis of IT system requirements.

What skills will the delegate gain?

This course will enable delegates to:
• Identify the external and internal influences which affect a business.
• Analyse and model business systems.
• Take account of the perspectives of different stakeholders.
• Identify potential business improvements.
• Evaluate improvements by means of a business case.
• Identify IT system requirements from the business model.

Pre-Requisites

None.

Course Content

Scope of business analysis

Role of the business analyst and business change.
The business analysis approach – an overview.
Business analysis projects – the inputs and outputs.
Internal and external influences on the business.
Techniques: SWOT, MOST, PESTLE.

Understanding the business

Stakeholders.
Investigation techniques.
Business perspectives.
Conflicts between perspectives.

Analysing and modelling business systems

Business activity modelling.
Classifying business events.
Business rules.
Performance measures.

Defining solutions

Creative problem solving.
Gap analysis – as-is versus to-be.
New business models.
Identifying IT requirements.

Developing the business case

Identifying options.
Cost-benefit analysis.
Impact and risk analysis.

Case Study
The course contains a case study which provides practical experience in the techniques taught.

Examinations
On completion of this course delegates can sit for the ISEB Certificate in Business Analysis Essentials. This certificate can be used to contribute towards the ISEB Diploma in Business Analysis.

Follow-on Courses
• Analysing the Business [ATB]
• Structured Systems Analysis [SSA]
• SSADM4+ System Development Foundation [S4A]

New for 2009: ISEB Certificate Exams can be sat at end of the course