Term
| Learning in the BABOK is defined as 3 things: |
|
Definition
•Adapting and modifying knowledge
•Absorbing new variety of information quickly.
•Types: Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic learning. |
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Term
| Systems Thinking in the BABOK is defined as 2 things: |
|
Definition
•Understanding how the people, processes, and technology within an organization interact
•Understanding system properties, behavior, and component interaction |
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Term
| Conceptual Thinking in the BABOK is defined as: |
|
Definition
| Understanding the linkage between contexts, needs, changes, etc. How information fits into the larger picture, what details are important, linking factors that are not easily defined |
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Term
| Creative Thinking in the BABOK is defined as 2 things: |
|
Definition
•Generating New ideas and alternatives
•Combining, changing, and reapplying existing concepts or ideas |
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Term
| Decision Making in the BABOK is defined as: |
|
Definition
| Understanding the criteria of decision making, and helping others make decisions |
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Term
| Visual Thinking in the BABOK is defined as: |
|
Definition
| Communicating complex concepts into visual representations, large amount of information and complex connections between them |
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Term
| The 6 Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving core competencies include: |
|
Definition
• Creative Thinking,
• Decision Making,
• Learning,
• Problem Solving,
• Systems Thinking,
• Conceptual Thinking, and
• Visual Thinking. |
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Term
| Creative Thinking effectiveness measures include 4 things: |
|
Definition
• generating and productively considering new ideas,
• exploring concepts and ideas that are new,
• exploring changes to existing concepts and ideas,
• generating creativity for self and others, and
• applying new ideas to resolve existing problems. |
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Term
| Decision Making effectiveness measures include 5 things: |
|
Definition
• the appropriate stakeholders are represented in the decision-making
process,
• stakeholders understand the decision-making process and the rationale
behind the decision,
• the pros and cons of all available options are clearly communicated to
stakeholders,
• the decision reduces or eliminates uncertainty, and any remaining
uncertainty is accepted,
• the decision made addresses the need or the opportunity at hand and is in
the best interest of all stakeholders,
• stakeholders understand all the conditions, environment, and measures in
which the decision will be made, and
• a decision is made. |
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Term
| Learning techniques to consider include 3 types: |
|
Definition
• Visual: learning through the presentation of pictures, photographs,
diagrams, models, and videos.
• Auditory: learning through verbal and written language and text.
• Kinesthetic: learning by doing. |
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Term
| Learning effectiveness measures include 4 things: |
|
Definition
• understanding that learning is a process for all stakeholders,
• learning the concepts presented and then demonstrating an understanding
of them,
• demonstrating the ability to apply concepts to new areas or relationships,
• rapidly absorbing new facts, ideas, concepts, and opinions, and
• effectively presenting new facts, ideas, concepts, and opinions to others. |
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Term
| Problem Solving effectiveness measures include 3 things: |
|
Definition
• confidence of the participants in the problem solving process,
• selected solutions meet the defined objectives and solve the root cause of
the problem,
• new solution options can be evaluated effectively using the problem solving
framework, and
• the problem solving process avoids making decisions based on unvalidated
assumptions, preconceived notions, or other traps that may cause a sub
optimal solution to be selected. |
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Term
| Measures of effective use of systems thinking include 2 things: |
|
Definition
• communicating how a change to a component affects the system as a
whole,
• communicating how a change to a system affects the environment it is in,
and
• communicating how systems adapt to internal and/or external pressures
and changes. |
|
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Term
| Measures of effective conceptual thinking include 3 things: |
|
Definition
• connecting disparate information and acting to better understand the
relationship,
• confirming the confidence and understanding of the concept being
communicated with stakeholders,
• formulating abstract concepts using a combination of information and
uncertainty, and
• drawing on past experiences to understand the situation. |
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Term
| Measures of effective visual thinking include 3 things: |
|
Definition
• complex information is communicated in a visual model which is
understandable by stakeholders,
• visuals allow for comparisons, pattern finding, and idea mapping with
participants,
• productivity increases due to increased learning, quick memory, and follow
through from effective visuals,
• stakeholders are engaged at a deeper level than with text alone, and
• stakeholders understand critical information which may have been missed if
presented in textual content alone. |
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Term
| According to the BABOK, the 5 Behavioural Characteristics core competencies include: |
|
Definition
• Ethics
• Personal Accountability
• Trustworthiness
• Organization and Time Management and
• Adaptability |
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Term
| 4 Measures of effective ethical behaviour include: |
|
Definition
• prompt identification and resolution of ethical dilemmas,
• feedback from stakeholders confirming they feel decisions and actions are
transparent and fair,
decisions made with consideration of the interests of all stakeholders,
• reasoning for decisions that is clearly articulated and understood,
• full and prompt disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, and
• honesty regarding one's abilities, the performance of one's work, and
accepting responsibility for failures or errors. |
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Term
| 5 Measures of effective personal accountability include: |
|
Definition
• work effort is planned and easily articulated to others,
• work is completed as planned or re-planned with sufficient reasoning and
lead time,
• status of both planned and unplanned work is known,
• stakeholders feel that work is organized,
• risks and issues are identified and appropriately acted on,
• completely traceable requirements are delivered on time, and stakeholder
needs are met. |
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Term
| 3 Measures of effective trustworthiness include: |
|
Definition
• stakeholders involve the business analyst in discussions and decision
making,
• stakeholders bring issues and concerns to the business analyst,
• stakeholders are willing to discuss difficult or controversial topics with the
business analyst,
• stakeholders do not blame the business analyst when problems occur,
• stakeholders respect the business analyst's ideas and referrals, and
• stakeholders respond to the business analyst's referrals with positive
feedback. |
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Term
| 4 Techniques of organization include: |
|
Definition
establishing short and long-term goals,
action plans,
prioritizing tasks,
and utilizing a checklist |
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Term
| 4 Techniques for effective time management include: |
|
Definition
establishing time limits on non-critical tasks,
focusing more time on high risk and priority tasks,
setting aside focus time,
and managing potential interruptions. |
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Term
| 5 Measures of effective organization and time management include: |
|
Definition
• the ability to produce deliverables in a timely manner,
• stakeholders feel that the business analyst focuses on the correct tasks at
the right time,
• schedule of work effort and deadlines is managed and communicated to
stakeholders,
• stakeholders feel their time in meetings and in reading communications is
well spent,
• complete preparation for meetings, interviews, and requirements
workshops,
• relevant business analysis information is captured, organized, and
documented,
• adherence to the project schedule and the meeting of deadlines,
• provides accurate, thorough, and concise information in a logical manner
which is understood by stakeholders, and
• maintains up-to-date information on the status of each work item and all
outstanding work. |
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Term
| 7 Measures of effective adaptability include: |
|
Definition
• demonstrating the courage to act differently from others,
• adapting to changing conditions and environments,
• valuing and considering other points of view and approaches,
• demonstrating a positive attitude in the face of ambiguity and change,
• demonstrating a willingness to learn new methods, procedures, or
techniques in order to accomplish goals and objectives,
• changing behaviour to perform effectively under changing or unclear
conditions,
• acquiring and applying new information and skills to address new
challenges,
• acceptance of having changes made to tasks, roles and project assignments
as organizational realities change,
• altering interpersonal style to highly diverse individuals and groups in a
range of situations, and
• evaluating what worked, what did not, and what could be done differently
next time. |
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Term
| 5 Business Knowledge underlying competencies include: |
|
Definition
• Business Acumen,
• Industry Knowledge,
• Organization Knowledge,
• Solution Knowledge, and
• Methodology Knowledge |
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Term
| 5 Measures of effective business acumen include: |
|
Definition
• demonstrating the ability to recognize potential limitations and
opportunities,
• demonstrating the ability to recognize when changes to a situation may
require a change in the direction of an initiative or effort
• understanding the risks involved and the ability to make decisions on
managing risks,
• demonstrating the ability to recognize an opportunity to decrease expenses
and increase profits, and
• understanding the options available to address emerging changes in the
situation. |
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Term
| 12 Industry knowledge is an understanding of: |
|
Definition
• current trends,
• market forces,
• market drivers,
• key processes,
• services,
• products,
• definitions
• customer segments,
• suppliers,
• practices,
• regulations, and
• other factors that impact or are
impacted by the industry and
related industries. |
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Term
| When developing knowledge about a particular industry, competitor, or company the following set of 10 questions can provide guidance: |
|
Definition
• Who are the top leaders in the industry?
• Which organizations promote or regulate the industry?
• What are the benefits of being involved with these organizations?
• Who is creating publicity releases, participating in conventions, and
delivering marketing materials?
• What are the comparisons of products and services?
• What are the satisfaction indicators/benchmarking projects that are
applicable?
• What are the suppliers, practices, equipment and tools used by each
company, and why do they use them?
• What are the potential impacts of weather, political unrest, or natural
disasters?
• Who are the target customers and are they the same for the competition?
• What impacts the seasonal cycles for production, marketing, and sales?
Does it impact staffing or require changes in processes? |
|
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Term
| 8 Measures of effective industry knowledge include: |
|
Definition
• being aware of activities within both the enterprise and the broader
industry,
• having knowledge of major competitors and partners,
• the ability to identify key trends shaping the industry,
• being familiar with the largest customer segments,
• having knowledge of common products and product types,
• being knowledgeable of sources of information about the industry,
including relevant trade organizations or journals,
• understanding of industry specific terms, standards, processes and
methodologies, and
• understanding of the industry regulatory environment. |
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Term
| 5 Measures of effective organization knowledge include: |
|
Definition
• the ability to act according to informal and formal communications and
authority channels,
• understanding of terminology or jargon used in the organization,
• understanding of the products or services offered by the organization,
• the ability to identify subject matter experts (SMEs) in the organization, and
• the ability to navigate organizational relationships and politics. |
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Term
| 4 Measures of effective solution knowledge include: |
|
Definition
• reduced time or cost to implement a required change,
• shortened time on requirements analysis and/or solution design,
• understanding when a larger change is, or is not, justified based on
business benefit, and
• understanding how additional capabilities that are present, but not
currently used, can be deployed to provide value. |
|
|
Term
| 5 Measures of effective methodology knowledge include: |
|
Definition
• the ability to adapt to changes in methodologies,
• the willingness to use or learn a new methodology,
• the successful integration of business analysis tasks and techniques to
support the current methodology,
• familiarity with the terms, tools, and techniques prescribed by a
methodology, and
• the ability to play multiple roles within activities prescribed by a
methodology. |
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Term
| When planning to communicate information, the following 4 considerations may be helpful: |
|
Definition
• consider what the receiver knows or does not know,
• structure the information in a logical, comprehensible manner,
• determine how to best present the information to convey the intended meanings (for example, using visual aids, graphs, diagrams, or bullet
points), and
• understand the expectations of the recipients. |
|
|
Term
| 4 Communication Skills core competencies include: |
|
Definition
• Verbal Communication,
• Non-Verbal Communication,
• Written Communication, and
• Listening |
|
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Term
| 4 Measures of effective verbal communication include: |
|
Definition
• restating concepts to ensure all stakeholders clearly understand the same
information,
• assisting conversations to reach productive conclusions,
• delivering effective presentations by designing and positioning content and
objectives appropriately, and
• communicating an issue's important points in a calm and rational manner,
and presenting solution options. |
|
|
Term
| 4 Measures of effective non-verbal communication include: |
|
Definition
• being aware of body language in others, but not assuming a complete
understanding through non-verbal communication,
• intentional awareness of personal non-verbal communication,
• improving trust and communication as a result of non-verbal
communication, and
• effectively addressing and resolving situations when a stakeholder's non
verbal
communication does not agree with their verbal message. |
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|
Term
| 4 Measures of effective written communication include: |
|
Definition
• adjusting the style of writing for the needs of the audience,
• proper use of grammar and style,
• choosing words the audience will understand the intended meaning of, and
• ability of the reader to paraphrase and describe the content of the written
communication. |
|
|
Term
| 4 Measures of effective listening include: |
|
Definition
• giving the speaker undivided attention,
• acknowledging the speaker with verbal or non-verbal encouragement,
• providing feedback to the person or the group that is speaking to ensure
there is an understanding, and
• using active listening skills by deferring judgment and responding
appropriately. |
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Term
| The 5 Interaction Skills core competencies include: |
|
Definition
• Facilitation,
• Leadership and Influencing,
• Teamwork,
• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, and
• Teaching |
|
|
Term
| 8 Measures of effective facilitation include: |
|
Definition
• making it clear to the participants that the facilitator is a third party to the
process and not a decision maker nor the owner of the topic,
• encouraging participation from all attendees,
• remaining neutral and not taking sides, but at the same time being
impartial and intervening when required in order to make suggestions and
offer insights,
• establishing ground rules such as being open to suggestions, building on
what is there, not dismissing ideas, and allowing others to speak and
express themselves,
• ensuring that participants in a discussion correctly understand each other's
positions,
• using meeting management skills and tools to keep discussions focused
and organized,
• preventing discussions from being sidetracked onto irrelevant topics, and
• understanding and considering all parties’ interests, motivations, and
objectives. |
|
|
Term
| 7 Measures of effective leadership and influencing include: |
|
Definition
• reduced resistance to necessary changes,
• articulation of a clear and inspiring vision of a desired future state,
• success in inspiring others to turn vision into action,
• influence on stakeholders to understand mutual interests,
• effective use of collaboration techniques to influence others,
• influence on stakeholders to consider broader objectives over personal
motivations, and
• re-framing issues so alternate perspectives can be understood and
accommodated to influence stakeholders towards shared goals. |
|
|
Term
| 5 Measures of effective teamwork include: |
|
Definition
• fostering a collaborative working environment,
• effectively resolving conflict,
• developing trust among team members,
• support among the team for shared high standards of achievement, and
• promoting a shared sense of ownership of the team goals. |
|
|
Term
| 4 Measures of effective negotiation and conflict resolution include: |
|
Definition
• a planned approach to ensure that the negotiation takes into account the
tone of voice, the conveyed attitude, the methods used, and the concern
for the other side’s feelings and needs,
• the ability to recognize that the needs of the parties are not always in
opposition and that it is often possible to satisfy both parties without either
side losing,
• an objective approach to ensure the problem is separated from the person
so that the real issues are debated without damaging working relationships,
and
• the ability to recognize that effective negotiation and conflict resolution are
not always achieved in a single autonomous meeting, and that sometimes
several meetings are required in order to achieve the stated goals. |
|
|
Term
| 4 Measures of effective teaching include: |
|
Definition
• utilizing different methods to communicate information to be learned by
stakeholders,
• discovering new information through high levels of stakeholder
engagement,
• validating that audiences have a clear understanding of the key messages
that are intended to be learned, and
• verifying that the stakeholders can demonstrate the new knowledge, facts,
concepts, and ideas. |
|
|
Term
| The 3 Business Analysis Tools and Technology core competencies include: |
|
Definition
• Office Productivity Tools and Technology,
• Business Analysis Tools and Technology, and
• Communication Tools and Technology |
|
|
Term
| 8 Measures of effective facilitation include: |
|
Definition
• making it clear to the participants that the facilitator is a third party to the
process and not a decision maker nor the owner of the topic,
• encouraging participation from all attendees,
• remaining neutral and not taking sides, but at the same time being
impartial and intervening when required in order to make suggestions and
offer insights,
• establishing ground rules such as being open to suggestions, building on
what is there, not dismissing ideas, and allowing others to speak and
express themselves,
• ensuring that participants in a discussion correctly understand each other's
positions,
• using meeting management skills and tools to keep discussions focused
and organized,
• preventing discussions from being sidetracked onto irrelevant topics, and
• understanding and considering all parties’ interests, motivations, and
objectives. |
|
|
Term
| 7 Measures of effective leadership and influencing include: |
|
Definition
Measures of effective leadership and influencing include:
• reduced resistance to necessary changes,
• articulation of a clear and inspiring vision of a desired future state,
• success in inspiring others to turn vision into action,
• influence on stakeholders to understand mutual interests,
• effective use of collaboration techniques to influence others,
• influence on stakeholders to consider broader objectives over personal
motivations, and
• re-framing issues so alternate perspectives can be understood and
accommodated to influence stakeholders towards shared goals. |
|
|
Term
| 5 Measures of effective teamwork include: |
|
Definition
• fostering a collaborative working environment,
• effectively resolving conflict,
• developing trust among team members,
• support among the team for shared high standards of achievement, and
• promoting a shared sense of ownership of the team goals. |
|
|
Term
| 4 Measures of effective negotiation and conflict resolution include: |
|
Definition
• a planned approach to ensure that the negotiation takes into account the
tone of voice, the conveyed attitude, the methods used, and the concern
for the other side’s feelings and needs,
• the ability to recognize that the needs of the parties are not always in
opposition and that it is often possible to satisfy both parties without either
side losing,
• an objective approach to ensure the problem is separated from the person
so that the real issues are debated without damaging working relationships,
and
• the ability to recognize that effective negotiation and conflict resolution are
not always achieved in a single autonomous meeting, and that sometimes
several meetings are required in order to achieve the stated goals. |
|
|
Term
| 4 Measures of effective teaching include: |
|
Definition
• utilizing different methods to communicate information to be learned by
stakeholders,
• discovering new information through high levels of stakeholder
engagement,
• validating that audiences have a clear understanding of the key messages
that are intended to be learned, and
• verifying that the stakeholders can demonstrate the new knowledge, facts,
concepts, and ideas. |
|
|
Term
| 3 Business Analysis Tools and Technology core competencies include: |
|
Definition
• Office Productivity Tools and Technology,
• Business Analysis Tools and Technology, and
• Communication Tools and Technology |
|
|
Term
| 6 Office productivity tools and technology include the following: |
|
Definition
• Word processing and presentation programs
• Presentation software
• Spreadsheets
• Communication tools (e-mail and instant messaging programs)
• Collaboration and knowledge management tools
• Hardware |
|
|
Term
| 4 Measures of effective office productivity tools and technology include: |
|
Definition
• increased efficiencies and streamlining of processes by exploring features
and functions of tools,
• awareness of available tools, their operation, and abilities,
• the ability to determine the tool that will best meet stakeholder needs, and
• the ability to clearly communicate the major features of available tools. |
|
|
Term
7 Tools that are specific to the field of business analysis provide specialized
capabilities in: |
|
Definition
• modelling,
• diagramming,
• documenting,
• analyzing and mapping requirements,
• identifying relationships between requirements,
• tracking and storing requirements artifacts, and
• communicating with stakeholders. |
|
|
Term
Requirements management technologies can provide functionality that assists
business analysts with a number of requirements management related tasks
including these 4 examples: |
|
Definition
• requirements workflow including baselining, approvals and sign-off,
change control, and implementation status,
• traceability including backwards traceability, forwards traceability,
relationships between requirements, and impact analysis of requirements
change,
• configuration management of requirements and requirements artifacts, and
• verifying the quality of requirements through checking for defined
characteristics and relationships. |
|
|
Term
| Issue tracking tools can provide functionality that assists business analysts with a number of issue tracking related tasks such as these 3 examples: |
|
Definition
• tracking requirements risks,
• tracking requirements conflicts and issues, and
• tracking defects. |
|
|
Term
| 6 Measures of effective business analysis tools and technology include: |
|
Definition
• the ability to apply an understanding of one tool and other similar tools,
• being able to identify major tools currently available and describe their
strengths, weaknesses, and how they may be used in any given situation,
• understanding of and the ability to use the major features of the tool,
• ability to select a tool or tools that support organizational processes,
• the ability to use the tools to complete requirements-related activities more
rapidly than otherwise possible, and
• the ability to track changes to the requirements and their impact on the
solution implementation, stakeholders, and value. |
|
|
Term
| 4 Measures of effective communication tools and technology include: |
|
Definition
• the selection of appropriate and effective tools for the audience and
purpose,
• effectively choosing when to use communication technology and when not
to,
• the ability to identify tools to meet communication needs, and
• understanding of and the ability to use features of the tool. |
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