What Are Critical Success Factors?

What Are Critical Success Factors?

How can we aim for, or even define, business success, if we don't know what it is? Critical success factors (CSFs) are an important element in business, and essentially entail identifying what really matters. In this blog post, we will explain exactly what critical success factors are, and take you through some of the different types.

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Business Model Canvas: 9 Building Blocks For Developing A Business Model

Business Model Canvas: 9 Building Blocks For Developing A Business Model

Companies - startups in particular, have to keep up with innovation and need to spend their time wisely. Business plans tend to take time, significant effort and resources to prepare. The Business Model Canvas is the lighter and more agile version of a business plan that can help businesses define what they are about. It is suitable for both new and existing businesses.

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10 Quick Tips For Procedure Documentation

10 Quick Tips For Procedure Documentation

Most software development and process improvement projects involve introducing new ways of working as part of implementation. Creating a procedure document users can follow thus becomes a key activity for business analysts that needs to be completed so that system users can perform their duties using the new system or process on day one.

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The Language Of Requirements Documents - When To Use Shall, Will & Should.

The Language Of Requirements Documents - When To Use Shall, Will & Should.

A well-written business requirements document (BRD) forms the basis of successful project documents and can be used to verify that all stakeholders are on the same page regarding their requirements. Three words that are often misunderstood and therefore misused in requirement documents are shallshould and willGuest Post

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How Do Business Analysts Fit Into Agile Projects?

How Do Business Analysts Fit Into Agile Projects?

Though the Agile Methodology is used heavily in software development domains, it has since spread into different sectors. With Agile comes a growing emphasis on equipping the development team, e.g. your software developers, content writers, engineers, designers, etc. with the information, tools, and direction they need to produce a tangible output within a fixed period of time, that is, sprints of typically 2 weeks. Guest Post By Greg Kellner

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4 Basic Tips For Writing A Better Business Case

4 Basic Tips For Writing A Better Business Case

Business Analysts are often required to write business cases to justify whether or not a concept/product is viable. Business cases can be of varying lengths and structure. Taking on such a task can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are four basic but easily forgotten tips that will make the process easier, and result in a winning business case.

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8 Tips For Implementing A Successful Business Intelligence Strategy

8 Tips For Implementing A Successful Business Intelligence Strategy

In order to keep your business competitive, drive growth, ensure continuous improvement and enhance profits, a Business Intelligence (BI) strategy is essential. But a BI strategy is not just about technology or choosing the right platform. Like any part of your business, BI requires strategy, planning, buy-in, execution and continuous review. In this blog post, we will look at the key steps to implementing a business intelligence strategy.

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5 Simple Ways BAs Can Avoid Repeating Mistakes From Past Projects

5 Simple Ways BAs Can Avoid Repeating Mistakes From Past Projects

Once you embark on a new business analyst job or project, chances are that you will try to avoid past mistakes and look for ways in which you can deliver better results. 

A lot can be said for this motivation. The beginning of a project is usually an opportunity for a fresh start. Regardless of how advanced your business analysis skills are, or how mature your processes are, there is always room to do better. Guest post by Jason Hartman.

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How to Get Stakeholders to Open Up During Elicitation Sessions

How to Get Stakeholders to Open Up During Elicitation Sessions

If you’ve worked as a Business Analyst for a while, you’ve probably encountered stakeholders who appear quite economical with information. You know there’s more to the issue than they’re letting on. The key question is, how can you get stakeholders to open up when conducting elicitation events like interviews or workshop sessions? 

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What Business Analysts Can Learn From Technical Writers

What Business Analysts Can Learn From Technical Writers

Most of my time, especially at the tail end of software development projects, is spent preparing user guides for end users. I try to be creative by including screenshots and business process models so that readers can completely understand what the automated processes are about, and how the supporting business applications work. As a BA, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to prepare user guides for end users. 

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The Business Analyst’s Transferrable Skills

The Business Analyst’s Transferrable Skills

Transferrable skills are a core set of skills and abilities, which can be applied to other jobs and industries. Though most examples you will see are related to soft skills like communication, listening, leadership, etc, transferrable skills extend beyond these and it’s extremely important to identify them when thinking of a career change or advancement.

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