Agile: What is it Anyway?

Agile methodologies have had a lot of press in recent years. To listen to some people, agile methodologies are the answer to all the ailments that have ever plagued software development from the beginning of the computer age. But what are they, really? And do they really deliver on that promise? The answer is: (drumroll, please) it depends.

Little, Karen. BA Collective (2007). Articles>Project Management>Agile>Methods

BA Collective

A resource publishing several short articles about business analysis, and how business analysts fit into their organizations.

BA Collective. Resources>Business Communication>Branding>Blogs

Being Seen in the BA Scene

As Business Analysts we have such a great opportunity everyday to use a variety of skills in ever changing project situations. This gives us the chance to showcase and develop in multiple areas that will help us evolve the profession of Business Analysis and help us each grow in our own careers.

Wick, Angela. BA Collective (2007). Articles>Business Communication>Collaboration

Better Business Analysis through User Interface Prototyping

User Interface (UI) prototyping can help business analysts to address many challenges, even though it is usually considered to be part of design rather than requirements analysis. The rest of this article briefly describes UI prototyping, and some of the benefits and risks it offers to business analysts.

Kussmaul, Clif. BA Collective (2008). Articles>User Interface>Business Communication

Client Buy-In

It's not about what software you use, or how you organize your document, or how big the document is; but about whether the expectations the client has set, have been met. The question is, then, how do we assure we're meeting all the client's expectations? The answer is client buy-in.

Mink, Don. BA Collective (2007). Careers>Consulting>Business Communication>Collaboration

Getting Started on Your Assignment

This is the first of a series of articles on BA consulting. This is some of my perspective on starting your consulting assignment as a BA, and understanding the organization that you're working with. This first article: Start your BA assignment with a bang and will be followed by two additional articles discussing requirements basics, followed by closing the project.

Furey, Jim. BA Collective (2007). Careers>Consulting>Business Communication

The Growth of a Business Analyst

What will the industry and companies of today do with the Business Analyst role? I think that we all as Business Analysts have a collective influence in shaping this direction.

Wick, Angela. BA Collective (2007). Articles>Business Communication

Putting Limits on Subject Matter Expertise

At nearly every conference I attend someone is talking about the need for Subject Matter Expertise for Business Analysts. The rationale is that someone versed in the language, ideas, and systems of a given organization or product will ask better questions and elicit better requirements from stakeholders.

Vincent, Cameron. BA Collective (2007). Articles>Business Communication>Workplace>SMEs

The Virtual Business Analyst

As a Business Analyst in today's working environment, it's important to understand the dynamics, challenges and best practices of the classic office and how they compare with those of the virtual office.

Tavis, Yvonne Hontanosas. BA Collective (2007). Articles>Business Communication>Telecommuting>Online

Use Case Classics

A use case is a detailed description of a user's interaction with a system. That's it. It's pretty simple; somewhat general, rather vague. That's the way it should be. A use case really amounts to nothing more than plain old 'documentation.' It can be applied to a business process, a complex software system, your morning routine, a wedding ceremony, or a historical event. The only requirements are an 'actor' and an object to be acted upon.

Kass, Andrew. BA Collective (2007). Articles>Business Communication>Case Studies

The Value of the Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP) Designation

Because the certification has meaning that is fluid and career or personal goals are always changing, I believe it's up to the individual business analyst professional to decide for themselves if certification is right for them based on these factors. If the certification program means upward mobility in their profession or enables an individual to excel at their current job, then it is probably worth the time and cost to undertake a certification program. But I would caution anyone not to cut corners or to cram for the exam to obtain the certification. If they don't see a certification program as a chance to learn, grow and develop their skills and knowledge, then it's probably not worth the investment.

Griffiths, Stephanie. BA Collective (2007). Careers>Certification>Business Communication>Professionalism