Business Analysis For Dummies

Build a successful career in business analysis When it comes to doing good business, change is a very good thing. And effective business analysts are at the heart of identifying opportunities for growth and implementing the solutions that can transform an organization's foundation--and ultimately increase its profitability. Whether you're an aspiring business analysis professional or a seasoned analyst looking for the latest techniques and approaches, Business Analysis For Dummies helps you discover the newest tips and tricks for turning knowledge into the changes that have a real and meaningful impact on business and drive your organization towards value delivery. * Identify areas for growth and create solutions * Learn how to bring people together to collaborate effectively * Discover ways to better understand and serve your customers * See how business analysis works in the real world * Learn the technology to make the job easier * Find business solutions to improve your organization's performance * Understand how to dig deeply into your organization's data, processes, and business rules Dummies makes the path to business success clear. Start here to turn your love of business analysis into the catalyst that makes a difference.

Ali Cox has decades of experience in business analysis, agile, project methodology development and training, and systems development. As Lead Expert in Business Analysis + Agile for Netmind, she provides training and mentoring for businesses ranging in size from a single team to Fortune 500 companies worldwide.

Introduction 1 Part 1: Getting Started with Business Analysis 5 Chapter 1: Business Analysis in a Nutshell 7 Chapter 2: Breaking Down Different Levels of Business Analysis 25 Chapter 3: Identifying and Working with Stakeholders 37 Part 2: The BA Toolkit: Tools, Terms, and Techniques 61 Chapter 4: Talking about Tools of the Trade 63 Chapter 5: Understanding What Requirements Truly Entail 85 Chapter 6: Hunting for the Right Information, Part 1: The Process 109 Chapter 7: Hunting for the Right Information, Part 2: The Techniques 127 Chapter 8: Uncovering and Analyzing Needs 161 Part 3: Selling the Plan and Keeping It on Track 185 Chapter 9: Making the (Business) Case 187 Chapter 10: Creating and Maintaining Scope 209 Chapter 11: Creating Your Work Plan 235 Part 4: Achieving Goals with Business Analysis 263 Chapter 12: Defining Solutions, Part 1: Taking a Closer Look at Your Requirements 265 Chapter 13: Defining Solutions, Part 2: Choosing the Right Analysis Technique 281 Chapter 14: Verifying and Validating Solutions 321 Chapter 15: Transition: Moving from Planning to Implementing 347 Part 5: The Part of Tens 361 Chapter 16: Ten Ways to Keep Your Business Analysis Skills Sharp 363 Chapter 17: Ten Ways to Prepare Yourself for a New Project 371 Chapter 18: Ten Experts Chime In 379 Index 391