business analysis Archives - Project Management Works

Women in a suit holding a big calculator

More BAng for your buck! How having a Business Analyst adds up

“No. We don’t have a Business Analyst, with budgets as they are, we can’t afford one.”

If I had a pound for every time, I hear something like this, I could buy EVERYONE a Business Analyst!!

What can’t you afford? A requirement gathering guru? A risk management master? A quality assurance authority? A change management and adaptability artist? A communication connoisseur? A cost controlling crackerjack? All rolled into one superstar!?

Given that budgets are tight, I’d suggest IT Projects can’t afford not to have a Business Analyst!

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managing cultural differences in international teams

How Business Analysts Can Deal With Cultural Differences

Business Analysis, Insights / MS

Many businesses are increasingly operating in a global work environment; using the best teams and people from a variety of regions and countries to complete their projects. In this way they can draw on strengths from certain groups and also minimise costs. Consequently more and more people are working with remote colleagues and collaborating with

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The trouble with Project Schedules

Project Scope / MS

Why is it that one of the most difficult aspects of managing a project is maintaining the schedule. And why is it that many project managers will move heaven and earth to keep their project in line with the project schedule. That rather suggests that there is a problem with the way we use a

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Let’s All Learn from the Business Analysts

Business Analysis / Guest

Business analysis involves defining, scoping and prioritising initiatives (usually projects) and, particularly on complex projects, is an essential first step and then a continuing process as requirements change along the way (as they nearly always do). Thorough business analysis ensures the goals and objectives of the project are clear, which helps keep the project on

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Why IT Projects Shouldn’t Be Sheepish About BAaaS

Business Analysis, Insights, Project Management Basics / David Cotgreave

Picture a Project Manager, a full team and a Business Analyst … on every project. IT Project Nirvana. Budgets are tight so often it’s the latter that either gets sacrificed, usually merged into someone else’s role. Many Project Managers have in the past, had parts of their job description that look more ‘BA’ than ‘PM’,

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Successful Kick-Off Meeting Tips for Business Analysts

Business Analysis, Insights / MS

The initial meetings that are held before a project is finally given the green light t go ahead can set the tone for everything that follows so, as a business analyst, make sure you understand what constitutes a successful kick-off meeting for your next project. And make sure you are well-prepared by following these tips

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Creating a Self-Organising Team

Business Analysis, Insights / MS

All business analysts should be aware of the modern management philosophy regarding self-organising teams. This is where individuals are empowered to influence the decision-making process on a project and have the authority to change their workload as required. The reason this approach has become popular (not to mention effective) is mainly because it improves efficiency

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Emotional Intelligence for Business Analysts

Business Analysis, Insights / MS

Emotional intelligence is important in all aspects of our personal and work life and without it we may never reach our full potential. You may be able to solve complex problems, but if you can’t interact well with colleagues then you are limiting your opportunities. Emotional intelligence has four key area: emotional perception, emotional reasoning,

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business analyst motivating a project team

Why Business Analysts Should Be Creative

Business Analysis, Insights / MS

As a business analyst solving problems within your company or business is what you do on a regular basis but ploughing the same furrow year after year can put your organisation at a disadvantage when new, flexible businesses are coming along all the time with new ideas. So in order to continue to produce the

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The Core Skills of a Business Analyst in Today’s World

Business Analysis / Guest

It has only been recently that business analysis has become officially recognised as an independent profession. Since 2013, the number of job openings in this field has been increasing along with demand for qualified professionals who can plan and implement the most effective strategies for business growth. If you are planning a career in this

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