Business Analysis Framework Definition

Period: 2015

Project Type: Methodology implementation

Customer: International NGO

Description:

As part of the Business Analysis Working Group, we were tasked with reviewing the existing business analysis practices and methods, assessing their effectiveness for various types of projects, and proposing a unified process and approach that could be implemented as a standard for that organization. The main area of concern was processes and deliverables around requirements gathering and documentation - a critical component of every project.

My role: Project Manager and Coordinator

Tasks accomplished:

1. Identified key milestones and goals for the project

2. Established a timeline

3. Facilitated a deep dive into BABOK as the theoretical guide

4. Facilitated conversations on several levels about various types of projects and specifics of each from Business Analysis point of view

5. Developed a BA Process

6. Formulated an implementation plan and socialized it across the organization

7. Obtained the approval to pilot it

8. Conducted Lessons Learned and Project Closure

Project Team (3)

1. Project Manager and Coordinator

2. Senior Business Analyst

3. Business Analyst

Duration: 4 months

Outcome:

As part of the team, we reviewed the experiences and results of the past and current projects and identified some gaps in the processes. Using the BABOK (Business Analysis Book of Knowledge) as a theoretical guide, a new process was designed, taking into consideration the size, type, and perceived complexity of potential projects. At each step in the process, a set of tools and techniques was recommended for use. The team presented the framework and got approval to pilot it on new projects. As the next step, we planned to align the proposed Business Analysis Framework with the implemented Project/Portfolio Management practices.