Business Analysis For Dummies

Business Analysis For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance))

Your go-to guide on business analysis

Business analysis (BA) is a collection of activities to ensure that the right solutions are provided to the organization in order to achieve their strategic goals. To accomplish this people that perform business analysis must first determine what the real objective that needs to be addressed and analyzing and recommending alternatives for delivering a solution. Business Analysis For Dummies provides you with the tools and techniques used by successful business analysts to understand business environments and make informed decisions.

• Offers guidance on how to make an impact in your organization by performing business analysis
• Shows you the tools and techniques to be an effective business analysis professional
• Provides a number of examples on how to perform business analysis regardless of your role

If you’re interested in learning about the tools and techniques used by successful business analysis professionals, Business Analysis For Dummies has you covered.

Table of Contents

Part I: Getting Started with Business Analysis  5
Chapter 1: Business Analysis in a Nutshell 7
Chapter 2: Breaking Down the Different Levels of Business Analysis 19
Chapter 3: Identifying and Working with Stakeholders 31

Part II: The BA Toolkit: Tools, Terms, and Techniques  51
Chapter 4: Talking about Tools of the Trade 53
Chapter 5: Understanding What Requirements Truly Entail 73
Chapter 6: Hunting for the Right Information, Part 1: The Process 97
Chapter 7: Hunting for the Right Information, Part 2: The Techniques 113
Chapter 8: Uncovering and Analyzing Needs 139

Part III: Selling the Plan and Keeping It on Track  161
Chapter 9: Making the (Business) Case 163
Chapter 10: Creating and Maintaining Scope 185
Chapter 11: Creating Your Work Plan 209

Part IV: Achieving Goals with Business Analysis  235
Chapter 12: Defi ning Solutions, Part 1: Taking a Closer Look at Your Requirements 237
Chapter 13: Defi ning Solutions, Part 2: Choosing the Right Analysis Technique 251
Chapter 14: Verifying and Validating Solutions 283
Chapter 15: Transition: Moving from Planning to Implementing 307

Part V: The Part of Tens  319
Chapter 16: Ten Ways to Keep Your Business Analysis Skills Sharp 321
Chapter 17: Ten Ways to Prepare Yourself for a New Project 329
Chapter 18: Ten Experts Chime In 337