True or False
Industry recognizes only a few standardized BA Approaches.
FALSE
The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) offers a widely recognized and standardized set of approaches and best practices for business analysis.
Although there are some approaches that are more common in industry than others.
Further, in industry it is not uncommon to customize/modify the approach for the organizations needs. Or to use multiple approaches depending on the context of the work.
What does the term BA Approach mean?
“To define an appropriate method to conduct business analysis activities”
Why is the BA Approach the first thing we decide on when planning our BA work?
It will dictate the level of formality, detail, and engagement. Different activities may be associated with the approach selected. It will help us plan what is needed (activities, techniques, schedule, resources, etc.) and mitigate risks.
How do other planning choices influence or are influenced by the selected BA Approach?
Iron Triangle of Constraint
Technology
Industry
Regulations
Impact/Risk
Which approaches would better control risk?
Predictive approaches maximize the ability to control risk.
Adaptive approaches increase the level of risk tolerance.
BA Approaches are rigidly defined.
FALSE.
As in most BA contexts, "It Depends". Approaches can be modified to fit the context of the problem or the organization. It is a best practice to have a shared understanding of the selected terms/approach.
However, some frameworks do require a higher level of planning, documentation, scruitiny, or formalized acceptance than others.
What does it mean when we say a BA Approach is predictive?
•Maximizes control
•Minimizes risk
The BA Approach must align with our plans for handling change on a project. What does that mean/Why is this so?
The level of formality and access to stakeholders will be different for each approach. (e.g. If we will not have access to stakeholders it will be more difficult to take an adaptive approach that relies on continous improvement and feedback loops) (eg. If we require a high level of formality that will take more time to plan, produce documentation, test and implement so taking this approach would be difficult if we need to get the project finished quickly.)
Who selects the BA Approach?
Typically, the BA would select the approach although they may do this in conjunction with other team members (e.g. PM or project sponsor).
However, in industry, sometimes the approach is selected prior to the BA joining the project team or was influenced by other roles during pre-project phases.
Which approach would be best if there is a lot of unknowns?
Adaptive approaches help developers avoid uncertainty because changes can be made as you go, and not all information needs to be known in advance. Instead we are able to build and iterate on it.
Once chosen, the BA Approach cannot be changed.
FALSE
The BA Approach can and should change as the initiative progresses, adapting to new information, changing goals, or specific needs of the project or organization.
However, if a Predictive approach was selected there may be extra steps, documentation, or approvals that need to be in place to change course.
What does it mean when we say a BA Approach is adaptive?
•Reduces delivery time
•Accepts uncertainty
Under what conditions are predictive approaches usually appropriate?
Predictive approaches are better suited for projects with well-defined scopes, requirements, and predictable outcomes where changes are less likely, or in high-complexity or high-risk projects and in heavily regulated industries.
How do stakeholder needs influence our choice of Approach?
Availability
Complexity
Scale
Which approach would get a product/system to delivery faster?
Adaptive approaches typically reduce delivery time.
All adaptive approaches are Agile
FALSE
Not all adaptive approaches are strictly "Agile", it would depend on the context. Agile is a philosophy as well as a specifc methodology. Broadly speaking there is the ability to be adaptable without being Agile. Whereas, if you are using Agile, you are being adaptive.
What factors would be considered to determine the complexity of the project?
•Complex change; high risk
•Heavy regulation
•Contracts used
•Distributed stakeholders
•Outsourced resources
•High staff turnover
•Signoff required
•Long-term maintenance of info required
Under what conditions are adaptive approaches usually appropriate?
How does the BA Approach affect the level of detail and formality used in preparing deliverables?
The approach will dictate to a large extent the level of detail or formality required of the BA and the related BA Deliverables or Work Product.
Which approach is better suited for projects with greater complexity?
The greater the complexity of the project, the better it is suited to a predictive approach.
All Agile approaches are predictive
FALSE
Agile is cyclical in nature. By definition, all Agile approaches adapt along the way as they incrementally and iteratively approach the problem/project. They are nimble and flexible enough to better respond to unexpected change or new discovery ,rather than the linear and sequential nature of predictive approaches.
What factors, in general, increase risk?
Complexity (Integrations, Outsourced/In-House)
Cost of Failure
Iron Triangle of Constraint (TQR) - Time, Quality, Resources
Regulation
How is acceptance of deliverables affected by the BA Approach?
Acceptance will determine the speed of delivery and if further progression can be made without it, or if it is required at all.