Debra Paul - Business Analysis

BCS Learning and Development Ltd 2020

The right of Debra Paul and James Cadle to be identified as authors of this work has been asserted by them in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism or review, as permittedby the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, except with the prior permission in writing of the publisher, or in the case of reprographic reproduction, in accordance with the terms of the licences issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency. Enquiries for permission to reproduce material outside those terms should be directed to the publisher.

All trade marks, registered names etc. acknowledged in this publication are the property of their respective owners. BCS and the BCS logo are the registered trade marks of the British Computer Society charity number 292786 (BCS).

Published by BCS Learning and Development Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT,3 Newbridge Square , Swindon, SN1 1BY, UK.

www.bcs.org

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-78017-5102

PDF ISBN: 978-1-78017-5119

ePUB ISBN: 978-1-78017-5126

Kindle ISBN: 978-1-78017-5133

British Cataloguing in Publication Data.

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available at the British Library.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this book are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institute or BCS Learning and Development Ltd except where explicitly stated as such. Although every care has been taken by the authors and BCS Learning and Development Ltd in the preparation of the publication, no warranty is given by the authors or BCS Learning and Development Ltd as publisher as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained within it and neither the authors nor BCS Learning and Development Ltd shall be responsible or liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising by virtue of such information or any instructions or advice contained within this publication or by any of the aforementioned.

Publishers acknowledgements

Reviewers: Katie Walsh

Publisher: Ian Borthwick

Commissioning editor: Rebecca You

Production manager: Florence Leroy

Project manager: Sunrise Setting Ltd

Copy-editor: Gillian Bourn

Proofreader: Barbara Eastman

Indexer: Matthew Gale

Cover design: Alex Wright

Cover image: iStock/Grafner

Typeset by Lapiz Digital Services, Chennai, India

Business analysis was something I simply did, rather than thinking of it as a profession; that was until I went to the launch of the first edition of Business Analysis . As the profession of business analysis continues to evolve and adapt to a changing environment, Im delighted that this fourth edition continues to lead the way. It remains the go-to book and most important guide for professional business analysts. Indispensable and invaluable.

Dylan Jones , Deputy Director, Department for Work and Pensions

In its fourth edition, Business Analysis continues to incorporate emerging concepts, clearly presented and easily read, reflecting the evolution of business analysis. It is the benchmark publication for any business analyst, to which readers will continue to return for reference and reassurance.

Mark Wilson , Business Analysis Practice Manager, Allianz Insurance plc

This updated edition supports the continued evolution of business analysis and remains the go-to resource for practicing business analysts to turn to throughout their careers. The inclusion of the Business Analysis Service Framework and a wealth of Lean and Agile techniques reflects the customer-centricity of business analysis in todays world.

Michelle Shakesheff , Head of Business Analysis, Close Brothers

Business Analysis has long been the key book for every self-respecting business analyst. After six years of excellent service in its third edition, I am delighted that this fourth edition introduces a service framework and has captured advancements such as Agile, SIPOC and Design Thinking whilst maintaining the core integrity of traditional business analysis.

Ian Richards , Director, Business Analysis, Capita

The book that no business analyst should be without gets an up-to-the-minute update that maintains its status as the primary reference on business analysis for change professionals everywhere. The wealth of material and scope of the updates ensure this edition is an invaluable addition to any business analysts bookshelf regardless of their experience! I heartily recommend it to anyone wishing to know more about this vital and rewarding role.

David Beckham , Principal Consultant, ChuDo Consulting

This much anticipated new edition does not disappoint! The BA Service perspective moves the profession forward in our understanding of how business analysis can be used to best effect within our organisations. From aspiring BAs to highly-experienced practitioners, this book is a must-read for all business analysts.

Christina Lovelock , Co-Author of Delivering Business Analysis and Business Analysis Manager, University of Leeds

In todays world where the role of the business analyst is being challenged like never before, this book is just what we need to ground us. We are business analysts and this highly recommended fourth edition reminds us of who we are, what we do and what we can achieve.

Linda Parker , Business Analyst of the Year 2019, The Christon Blueprint

This welcome update to the must-have text equips business analysts with the toolkit and information needed to tackle the shift to digital services and emphasis on customer service value. The addition of the Business Analysis Service Framework will help organisations take their BA to the next level.

Lyn Girvan , Head of Business Analysis, CMC Consultancy Partnership Ltd

This book offers the why, what, and how of Business Analysis Service in plain terms. It is packed with useful and practical concepts, frameworks, and techniques for business domain and requirements analysis in information systems service provision. Essential reading for everyone already in or considering a career in business analysis, and for those in IS studies.

Yin Leng Tan , Lecturer in Business Informatics, Henley Business School

Ive used this book throughout my career and it is more complete than ever, covering the whole spectrum of activities in the BA-discipline. It is a very useful combination of available techniques and best practices on how to use them. It is a must-read for every business change professional.

Geertje Appel , Business Analyst and Trainer, Le Blanc Advies

If you only pick one book to learn about business analysis, this is it. Even after consulting on business change projects for over twenty years, this is my go-to book when I need to remind myself about how to do something. Put simply, its the best companion a business analyst can have.