Project problems have plagued companies worldwide for decades. Many projects are over budget, behind schedule, and implemented with poor quality. As companies struggle to figure out why, many have discovered a consistent trend: Projects struggle or fail because of poorly defined and misunderstood requirements. Click to continue »
Simply put, the Business Analyst’s role can be broken into three components: Enterprise Analysis, Process Modeling, and Requirements Engineering. Each component can and does bring value to an enterprise organization, especially in the face of outsourcing and rapidly increasing and evolving user needs. On January 15, 2013, ASPE President David Mantica broke down each component to help better understand the Business Analyst’s role.
In this one-hour presentation David discussed how the Agile Framework, with its specific practices around software development, offers a very different approach to project success. One that on initial view reduces the value the BA brings to the enterprise. The reality is that Agile is pointing a light at a trend in BA work that if continued significantly reduces the value received by the enterprise. That light David referred to is that in a vast majority of cases, enterprises have focused the BA role around requirements engineering. Of the three primary roles, it is the most repeatable and scalable and one that can be measured. The problem it is that it is the one that provides the least value to the enterprise and, ultimately, can be outsourced (under proper conditions).
Recently we had a unique opportunity to speak with a very special trainee who has taken a great deal of training from our firm. Although we often have repeat customers who attend multiple classes, this particular student has probably attended more than most. She is in a great position to offer perspective on the overall experience of the ASPE student.
Barb Lobermeier is a former program analyst with GE, and has recently entered the world of Agile business analysis. She has taken ten of our courses, both seated and virtual, and has earned two professional certifications through our accredited Saint Louis University program. She is a stellar example of someone who sensed early shifts in the business analysis and project profession, and used training to keep up with this rapidly evolving world. She chatted with us about her role at GE, the state of the business analysis and project management professions, and how her choice to pursue professional training in these areas allowed her to stay ahead of the curve.
Barb spoke with Chris Knotts, ASPE’s creative director. Read the interview.
Are you currently making your summer plans? Maybe a drive down the coast with Jimmy Buffet blasting is in your future? Or will you be found sipping a Corona on the beach? Whatever your summer plans, ASPE wants to be included. Take advantage of our July and August specials and train with us this summer!
All companies need training from time to time. For some, training is an ongoing business function. For others, training fills a critical juncture during important projects or initiatives. But one thing is true for all companies: it’s important to get the best value for your training dollar.
Believe it or not, the summer months offer a great opportunity to get the most out of your training dollars. Because the business world slows down during the summer, several opportunities open up for anyone who needs training. While the slowdown can present a challenge, savvy folks can actually take advantage of it. Here’s how:
You can currently save 24% on July and August sessions or 20% on other sessions if you book your upcoming training this summer. Learn more about how Training Budgets Go Further When It’s Hot!
Recap
As a business analyst, you are most likely highly organized, but without the planning tools and business analysis expectations; you may have the appearance of being disorganized in your plight to deliver effective requirements. If we do not pause to plan our work, it is as if you are trying to ride a bicycle before the wheels have been attached. You might be able to sit on the bike and think about where you want to go, but you won’t get anywhere at all. In a rush to provide a solution, the problem still might not be resolved because users are still unskilled. So the cycle of design a solution, find a problem, design a solution, and find a problem just continues, with everyone who is involved still unhappy and unproductive.
Most organizations have identified productivity as a strategic goal for all employees. Business analysts can contribute by developing their plans and working toward the plans. We are challenged to deliver with speed, increased productivity & efficiency, and to help deliver a competitive advantage. Management will most likely press to complete the analysis phase quicker than possible. The plans will provide you the ammunition to discuss the options to meet aggressive timelines.
Recap
Recording
Listen to a recording of this web seminar in its entirety by clicking View Event Recordings (at the top right).
Since mid-2008 the US economy has been struggling. Not so much with growth or corporate profit issues, but certainly with job development and the tax revenues that come with jobs. So companies make money but workers struggle with more work, less time and reduced return on effort. At the same time, government institutions (state, local and Federal) are struggling with mounting debt and increased service requests. The result: the currently employed are stuck in the middle and that means consistent change and instability. On Tuesday, February 21st ASPE President David Mantica presented the free web seminar, “SDLC in Transition for 2012.” In this web seminar, David discussed how economic instability grew, the outsourcing trend, the continued mainstreaming of Agile methods, and where the Business Analyst and Project Manager fit into these changes. He also talked about potential future outcomes and the skills and tools both BAs and PMs need to consider for 2012 and beyond.
Listen to a recording of this web seminar in its entirety by clicking View Event Recordings (at the top right). This session is sure to give you a detailed and researched analysis of direction of the PM and BA role based on industry requirements and economic realities.
Do you have a question for David? Leave your comments or tweet us! Follow @ASPE_SDLC and use hashtag #ASPEEvents.
Follow Us On Twitter