Business Analysis Techniques: 72 Essential Tools for Success

Description

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. Their work precedes that of the project manager. The development of business analysis as a professional discipline has extended the role and the responsibilities 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 needed. This book provides 72 possible techniques and applies them within a framework of stages such as Investigate Situation, Define Requirements and Manage Change. The book complements "Business Analysis" (ed Debra Paul and Donald Yeates) published by the BCS in 2006. Where the earlier book provides a general survey of the work of the business analyst, and an overview of the business analysis process, the present publication offers a more detailed description of the techniques used in business analysis, together with practical advice on their application. The book will be of enormous benefit to practising business analysts and to managers in any area, requiring a comprehensive single source of practical advice on the use of business analysis techniques. It will also be of considerable interest to students of information systems and business strategy.

CONTENTS:

Introduction Alphabetical list of techniques 1. Business strategy and objectives Strategy analysis external business environment Strategy analysis internal capability Strategy definition Strategy implementation 2. Investigate situation Qualitative investigation Quantitative investigation Documenting the results 3. Consider perspectives Stakeholder identification Stakeholder analysis Stakeholder management 4. Analyse needs Organization modelling Business process analysis Business change identification 5. Evaluate options Identify options Shortlist options Prepare business case Present business case 6. Define requirements Requirements elicitation Requirements analysis Requirements development Requirements modelling 7. Manage change Organizational change People change Benefits management and realization Postscript which techniques do I really need?