Business analysis techniques : 123 essential tools for success

Places a large number of techniques into the context of the Business Analysis Service Framework, providing clear guidance on the applicability and use of 123 of the most-used techniques available in the business analyst's toolbox Provides detailed information on the use of each technique Accessibly written with worked examples of all of the techniques described Offers practical tips for using and adapting the techniques in the real world Business analysis techniques; Strategy analysis; Situation investigation; Feasibility assessment; Business case development; Business process improvement; Requirements definition; Business acceptance testing; Business change deployment; Stakeholder engagement | Business Analysis has never been more important, and valuable, to organisations as they strive to adapt to an ever-changing and faster-changing environment. This expanded edition of Business Analysis Techniques provides detailed guidance on the range and application of the techniques available to assist business analysts and others in their work. Business Analysis Techniques provides a foundation for the effective specification, design and development of digital solutions, solutions that are based on a proper understanding of the real business need and the requirements for solutions to meet them. With 123 of the most widely used techniques covered, this book is an essential resource for any business analyst. This book: Places a large number of techniques into the context of the Business Analysis Service Framework, providing clear guidance on the applicability and use of 123 of the most-used techniques available in the business analyst's toolbox Provides detailed information on the use of each technique Accessibly written with worked examples of all of the techniques described Offers practical tips for using and adapting the techniques in the real world Pair it with Business Analysis, also published BCS for even greater insights. |Business analysts are generally charged with the investigation of ideas and problems. Their role is to formulate options for a way forward and produce business cases setting out conclusions and recommendations. The development of business analysis as a professional discipline has extended the role of the business analyst who now needs the widest possible array of tools. This new edition provides 123 possible techniques and applies them within a framework of stages such as "Investigate Situation", "Define Requirements" and "Manage Change". Cover 1 Copyright Page 8 CONTENTS 9 FIGURES AND TABLES 11 AUTHORS 17 FOREWORD 19 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 21 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS 22 USEFUL WEBSITES 24 PREFACE 25 1 STRATEGIC CONTEXT 27 INTRODUCTION 27 EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS 29 INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS 34 STRATEGY ANALYSIS 43 PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT 56 2 SITUATION INVESTIGATION 60 INTRODUCTION 60 THE HOLISTIC CONTEXT 62 QUALITATIVE INVESTIGATION 72 QUANTITATIVE INVESTIGATION 92 DOCUMENTING THE SITUATION 102 3 FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT AND BUSINESS CASE DEVELOPMENT 114 INTRODUCTION 114 IDEATION 115 OPTION EVALUATION 126 GOVERNANCE 147 4 BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT 155 INTRODUCTION 155 PROCESS INVESTIGATION 157 ENTERPRISE ANALYSIS 163 EVENT-RESPONSE ANALYSIS 173 ACTOR-TASK ANALYSIS 185 PROCESS ANALYSIS 192 CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE ANALYSIS 198 5 REQUIREMENTS DEFINITION 207 INTRODUCTION 207 REQUIREMENTS ELICITATION 209 REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS 226 REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENTATION AND MODELLING 237 REQUIREMENTS PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT 268 REQUIREMENTS VALIDATION 275 6 BUSINESS ACCEPTANCE TESTING 279 INTRODUCTION 279 TEST CONDITION ANALYSIS 280 TEST DESIGN 295 7 BUSINESS CHANGE DEPLOYMENT 305 INTRODUCTION 305 BUSINESS READINESS ASSESSMENT 306 PEOPLE READINESS ASSESSMENT 325 POST-CHANGE REVIEW 336 8 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT 344 INTRODUCTION 344 IDENTIFYING STAKEHOLDERS 345 ANALYSING STAKEHOLDERS 348 UNDERSTANDING STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES 359 COMMUNICATING AND NEGOTIATING WITH STAKEHOLDERS 368 BIBLIOGRAPHY 377 INDEX 381 Back Cover 388 "Business analysis is about identifying business needs and formulating workable solutions to business problems. It requires the widest possible array of tools and the professional ability to use each one when and where it is needed. This new edition provides a comprehensive single source of 123 business analysis techniques, offering practical guidance on how and when to apply them within a clear BA service framework. This book complements Business Analysis, also published by BCS, and offers a more detailed description of the techniques used in business analysis, together with practical advice on their application."-- Provided by publisher The development of business analysis as a professional discipline has extended the role of the business analyst who now needs the widest possible array of tools and the skills and knowledge to be able to use each when and where it is required. This new edition provides 123 possible techniques and practical guidance on how and when to apply them.