Business Analysis Course

Lesson 1 • The Business Analysis Process

Maps the end-to-end BA process from initiation to solution evaluation. Shows how each phase feeds the next to produce actionable outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Industry Frameworks and Standards

Surveys major BA frameworks and knowledge bodies used globally. Provides a reference structure for selecting appropriate techniques in later chapters.

Lesson 3 • Organisational Context and Strategy

Explains how organisational goals, culture, and structure shape BA work. Prepares analysts to align solutions with strategic intent.

Lesson 4 • Defining Business Analysis

Covers the purpose, scope, and boundaries of BA as a discipline. Anchors all subsequent techniques in a shared professional definition.

Lesson 1 • Stakeholder Analysis Techniques

Analyses stakeholder influence, interest, and attitude toward change. Outputs feed directly into engagement and communication planning.

Lesson 2 • Managing Stakeholder Expectations

Techniques for setting, tracking, and resetting stakeholder expectations. Prevents scope creep and conflict by maintaining shared understanding.

Lesson 3 • Identifying Stakeholders

Techniques for discovering all parties affected by or influencing a solution. Ensures no critical voice is missed during requirements gathering.

Lesson 4 • Stakeholder Communication Planning

Designs structured communication plans tailored to stakeholder needs. Connects communication cadence to project milestones and decision points.

Lesson 1 • Elicitation Planning and Preparation

Covers how to scope, schedule, and prepare for elicitation activities. Proper planning reduces rework and maximises stakeholder time.

Lesson 2 • Prototyping and Storyboarding

Visual elicitation tools that make abstract requirements tangible for stakeholders. Prototypes trigger feedback that verbal techniques often miss.

Lesson 3 • Interviews and Surveys

Structured and semi-structured techniques for gathering individual input. Interviews yield depth; surveys yield breadth across large stakeholder groups.

Lesson 4 • Observation and Document Analysis

Passive and active techniques for uncovering tacit knowledge and existing processes. Complements interview data with real-world behavioural evidence.

Lesson 1 • Future-State Process Design

Designs optimised to-be processes aligned with business objectives. Future-state models become the blueprint for solution requirements.

Lesson 2 • Current-State Process Mapping

Techniques for documenting how processes actually operate today. Accurate as-is maps are the baseline for identifying waste and inefficiency.

Lesson 3 • Root Cause and Gap Analysis

Analytical methods for diagnosing process problems and performance gaps. Connects symptoms to root causes before recommending solutions.

Lesson 4 • Process Analysis Fundamentals

Introduces process thinking, value chains, and process hierarchies. Establishes the analytical lens used throughout process improvement work.

Lesson 1 • Requirements Documentation Standards

Establishes templates and governance for requirements artefacts. Consistent documentation enables traceability, auditing, and change management.

Lesson 2 • Types and Levels of Requirements

Distinguishes business, stakeholder, solution, and transition requirements. Correct classification prevents misalignment between needs and delivered solutions.

Lesson 3 • Writing High-Quality Requirements

Applies SMART and INVEST criteria to produce clear, testable statements. Well-written requirements reduce ambiguity and downstream rework.

Lesson 4 • Use Cases and User Stories

Structured narrative formats for capturing functional behaviour from a user perspective. Bridges the gap between stakeholder needs and technical specifications.

Lesson 1 • Risk Assessment for Solutions

Identifies and evaluates risks associated with each solution option. Risk-adjusted recommendations strengthen stakeholder confidence in the business case.

Lesson 2 • Defining the Problem and Opportunity

Frames the business problem using structured problem statements and opportunity assessments. A precise problem definition prevents solving the wrong issue.

Lesson 3 • Options Analysis and Feasibility

Evaluates multiple solution options against technical, financial, and operational criteria. Structured comparison prevents premature commitment to a single approach.

Lesson 4 • Business Case Structure and Presentation

Assembles analysis outputs into a structured, persuasive business case document. Effective presentation skills ensure decision-makers act on recommendations.

Lesson 1 • Sprint Planning and BA Activities

Defines BA contributions during sprint planning, execution, and review. Timely BA support prevents blockers and keeps development moving.

Lesson 2 • Scaling Agile BA Practices

Adapts BA techniques for large programs using scaled agile frameworks. Addresses coordination challenges that emerge when multiple teams work in parallel.

Lesson 3 • Acceptance Testing and Definition of Done

Establishes acceptance criteria and validates delivered increments against them. Clear definitions of done reduce defects and rework in agile projects.

Lesson 4 • Agile Principles for Business Analysts

Translates agile values and principles into BA-specific behaviours and mindset shifts. Establishes the foundation for all agile BA techniques in this chapter.

Lesson 1 • Enterprise Analysis Techniques

Applies strategic tools to assess organisational capability and competitive position. Enterprise analysis informs portfolio decisions and transformation roadmaps.

Lesson 2 • Benefits Realisation Management

Tracks whether delivered solutions achieve the benefits promised in the business case. Closes the loop between BA recommendations and measurable organisational value.

Lesson 3 • Change Management Integration

Connects BA outputs to organisational change management activities. BAs who understand change management improve adoption and reduce transition risk.

Lesson 4 • BA Governance and Standards

Establishes governance structures, policies, and quality standards for BA practice. Governance ensures consistency, accountability, and continuous improvement.