Prior to First Meeting - Take the practice Pre-Quiz and Review Skill Category 1 in the CBOK..

This week’s topics in Skill Category 1 examines the evolution of quality concepts and practices around the world starting with a review of the work done by quality pioneers. It then provides an introduction to the basic tools of implementing quality processes and procedures. Armed with this knowledge, the CSBA is better positioned to provide a strong link needed between the Business community and Information Technology (IT) and is able to approach project needs with greater abilities and skills.

This week’s topics in Skill Category 2 we will explore how the Theories of Management evolved and the role the attitude of management plays in the successful implementation of improvement initiatives. We will also look at the management and communication skills the Software Business Analyst must have to be able to successfully perform their job. These include basic skills such as listening and more complex skills such as facilitation and conflict management. Armed with an understanding of the environment and communication skills, the CSBA will be able to create realistic expectations about what the organization is capable of achieving in any specific situation.

This week’s topics in Skill Category 3 focuses on understanding processes as they relate to the role of the Software Business Analyst. We will review how the various national and international models and awards provide support for process-oriented thinking and provide a context for examining what a process is, how it is defined, how it functions in the organization, how these models can be used in assessing the maturity of an organization’s processes and to streamline and improve their performance.

This week’s topics in Skill Category 4 lays a firm foundation for learning about the specific instantiations of the business practices within the organization. For BA’s without “business experience” this Skill Category provides a vocabulary for understanding the nature of “for-profit” and “not-for-profit” organizations and the alternative structural decisions that can be made and the BA will now be better able to place specific project activities in their proper context. Learning to be a fully “bilingual” BA, speaking both Information Technology and Business fluently, adds both personal and professional value. By developing a better understanding of the business and creating a partnership with other portions of the organization, the CSBA will add value to each project activity and bring all of the pieces together in products which communicate the financial, legal as well as technical issues to stakeholders.

This week’s topics in Skill Category 5 addresses how Requirements are the single most important part of the development process and how without good requirements, whatever is built will be defective. We will also review the steps that need to be taken to move a vaguely understood, poorly articulated want or need to a clearly actionable statement. Methods for gathering the information, refining it and prioritizing it are presented. The Business Analyst, in participating in an effective requirements process will be ideally positioned to support the project through the remaining stages of development and testing as well as the final implementation.

This week’s topics In Skill Category 6 we will discuss why planning for and executing successful Information Technology projects requires a sound understanding of the various development approaches, their strengths and weaknesses. Although the Business Analyst will rarely be involved in the decision of what methodology to use, understanding what needs to be done, being able to effectively communicate on project management issues and step into the breach if needed, are all part of the essential skills for a Business Analyst.

This week’s topics In Skill Category 7 examines one of the key roles of the Business Analyst in the development of a software product; the successful execution of the acceptance testing needed to verify that the product is ready for production. We will learn why creating an effective acceptance test plan begins in Requirements, and how allocating resources to these early life cycle activities leverages the total resource contribution and minimizes the amount of actual testing time required. This Skill Category will also discuss how developing and documenting meaningful acceptance test criteria, establishes a data driven decision of “production readiness” and how builds a common level of organizational understanding about what it means to deliver a quality product which is essential to long term customer satisfaction.

This week’s topics In Skill Category 8 discusses the special issues and approaches needed to work with vendors for the development and acquisition of software products. We will explore why there is a need to measure the product against a defined standard, regardless of whether the source of the requirements are completely customized and developed from the customers business needs or completely off-the-shelf, to ensure delivery of the correct product. We will also learn how Performance Based Contracting helps both the customer and the vendor clearly understand what is expected and how delivery will be measured.

This week’s topics in Skill Category 9 examines the support provided directly to the Business Partner and the Customer during the end stages of a project. We will learn why the Business Analysts’ participation in end of project activities, such as the Post Implementation Review is essential if the organization is going to benefit from what has been learned from the current project.

Topics will focus on preparing you for the actual examination process. You will focus on some of the best tips and tricks in dealing with the exam.