Business Analysis for Projectmanagers

Course Overview

The complexity of IT projects continues to increase. At the conclusion of projects, it is assumed that quality solutions will be delivered within the set time and costs. Business Analysis has a major impact on successful projects. A good understanding of the role of a Business Analyst in the organisation and his/her contribution to the project are of great importance. The tools and techniques used, as well as the deliverables provided by the Business Analyst are essential to meet the project objectives.

Project managers have generally attended formal training courses on PRINCE2, PMI®, IPMA, etc. However, most project managers have never attended training on Business Analysis, while this subject is becoming increasingly important. This course builds a bridge between the Project Management profession and Business Analysis.

Target Audience

• Project & Program Managers
• PMO Leads & PMO Members
• Senior Managers
• SME’s
• Anyone interested in the application of Business Analysis in Project Management.

Course Objectives

• Understand the scope of a Business Analysis role and how it complement Project Management
• Apply numerous world-class Business Analysis techniques in work environment immediately
• Learn how to better communicate with all project stakeholders using best practice business analysis tools and techniques
• Appreciate the similarities and differences between Business Analyst and Project Manager roles
• Plan projects to include requirements analysis and understand requirements engineering
• Conduct and support requirements elicitation activities and requirements validation that will support the business need
• Look beyond the delivery of the project to pre- and post-project activities

Course Content

Session 1: Introduction to Business Analysis

• Project Management vs Business Analysis
• Importance of Effective Business Analysis
• Role of the BA
• Standardization and Adaptability

Session 2: Requirements Planning

• Role of the BA in Requirements Planning
• Vision and Scope Document
• Types of Requirements
• Stakeholders
• Business Analysis Plan

Session 3: Requirements Elicitation

• Role of the BA in Requirements Elicitation
• Investigative approach
• Iterative approach
• Elicitation Techniques

Session 4: Requirements Analysis

• Need for Analysis
• Using Analysis to get Stakeholder Feedback
• Value of Modelling Techniques in Analysis
• Modelling Techniques
• Types of Requirements
• Business Rules Analysis
• Prioritizing Requirements

Session 5: Requirements Documentation

• Formal and Informal Documentation and the, Leve of Detail Required
• Writing for Usability and Comprehension
• Common Requirements Document Defects
• Components of a Formal Requirements Document
• Requirements Verification and Validation
• Requirements Sign-Off

Session 6: Requirements Management and Communication

• Throughout the Project and to Decommission
• Change Management
• Define a baseline
• Define a change management process
• Identify the Change Authority
• Traceability and Its Uses
• Requirements Attributes
• Requirements Communication

Session 7: Solution Validation and Acceptance

• Testing and Non-Testing Methods
• Purposes of Validation
• Find defects
• Prove compliance to requirements
• Test Cases and Test Suites
• Challenges in Testing
• Structured Testing
• Role of the BA in Solution Validation: the V Model
• Solution Acceptance and Project Close-Out