business systems analyst

Job Description

Job Title: Business Systems Analyst (12 month fixed-term contract)

Department: IT

Reporting to: Deputy Director - Business Systems

Location: Guildford

Subordinates: None

Date Prepared: March 2009

(This specification is loosely based on SFIA+ v3 tasks Business analysis - Level 5, Business process improvement - Level 5 and Non-functional needs analysis - Level 5 - see appendix).

Main Function of Job:

To work closely with business units to design new IT solutions and processes to improve efficiency and productivity.

To analyse and establish business and user systems' requirements and propose appropriate solutions, incorporating all aspects of the business systems development life cycle.

In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed below, the job-holder is required to perform other duties assigned by the manager from time to time.

Main Duties:

Understand and analyse current working practices and work with users to identify skill gaps and requirements.

Gather and analyse business systems information and requirements and, liaising with both business users and IT colleagues, to propose and manage delivery of solutions.

Assist business units to define and document requirement specifications and provide an initial analysis role during the concept/feasibility stages of systems development.

Translate client requirements into highly specified project briefs.

Work with IT Programmers to create functional design specifications.

Plan, guide and assist the business units with user acceptance scripts and testing.

Plan, guide and assist the business units with user training and documentation.

Promote and sustain a constructive, supportive and friendly working relationship with external and internal customers, management and other work colleagues.

Liaise with IT colleagues, business units and suppliers in order to resolve technical issues and/or to implement new ideas.

Liaise with suppliers on the implementation and support of external software packages.

Manage the tendering process when new third party applications are required.

Comply with health and safety policy and regulations.

Undertake any other relevant duties.

General:On rare occasions (expensed) travel within England may be required, mainly to College teaching centres. The nature of the role means that flexibility in working hours may be necessary during peak periods. This job description is correct at 10 March 2009. It may vary in consultation with the post holder to reflect the developments to the job.

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Person Specification

PHYSICALEssential Desirable Good health Smart, professional appearance

EDUCATION/TRAINING & TECHNICAL SKILLSEssential Desirable Degree level or equivalent in relevant subject Excellent customer service skills Strong oral and written communication skills,

including presentations, specification and business case writing

Advanced Level Microsoft Office 2003/7 Ability to simplify complexity into clear and

detailed illustrations Business process mapping

IT- and/or Business-based degree or professional qualification

ISEB Business Analyst Diploma or equivalent

EXPERIENCEEssential DesirableAt least 2 years recent experience of: Analysing and developing business systems'

requirements and needs Production of clear and detailed business

models and user requirement specifications User Acceptance Scripts and Testing Assistance with Functional Design

Specifications

Assisting on large MIS Projects Working with a similar remit within an IT team Training end users in off-the-shelf and bespoke

applications, including writing technical and user guides

Working closely with end users to develop their use of complex, off-the-shelf software packages

BEHAVIOURAL SKILLSEssential Desirable Confident, enthusiastic Logical, analytical and adaptive Good interpersonal skills and ability to be

diplomatic when required Commitment to see tasks to completion Positive, helpful attitude to problem solving Methodical and organised Ability to work on own initiative Patient and sympathetic to the pressures that

face users Good attendance record Attention to detail Works well under pressure Punctual and reliable

Job holders signature …………………………………………………………………………….

Date ………………………………………………………………………..


SFIA+ V3 Job Description Summary (for information only)Tasks IncorporatedCode Title Version Skill Description Task Description

ANAL5 Business analysis - Level 5

3 The methodical investigation, analysis, review and documentation of all or part of a business in terms of business functions and processes, the information used and the data on which the information is based. The definition of requirements for improving any aspect of the processes and systems and quantification of potential business benefits. The creation of viable specifications and acceptance criteria in preparation for the construction of information and communication systems.

Takes responsibility for investigative work to determine requirements and specify effective business processes, through improvements in information systems, data management, practices, procedures, organisation and equipment. Applies and monitors the use of required modelling and analysis tools, methods and standards. Conducts investigations at a high level for strategy studies, requirements specifications and feasibility studies. Defines, plans and justifies (in business terms) projects to develop/implement automated and non-automated components of new or changed processes.

BPRE5 Business process improvement - Level 5

3 The identification of new and alternative approaches to performing business activities. The analysis of business processes, including recognition of the potential for automation of the processes, assessment of the costs and potential benefits of the new approaches considered and, where appropriate, management of change and assistance with implementation.

Analyses business processes; identifies alternative solutions, assesses feasibility and recommends new approaches. Contributes to evaluating the factors that must be addressed in the change programme. Helps establish requirements for the implementation of changes in the business process.

UNAN5 Non-functional needs analysis - Level 5

3 The establishment, clarification and communication of non-functional requirements for usability and utility, for example screen design/layout, response times, capacity, resilience. The analysis of the characteristics of users and their tasks and the technical, organisational and physical environment in which products or systems will operate.

Advises on tools and methods to be used and clarifies and communicates the non-functional requirements of system users, their characteristics and tasks and the technical, organisational and physical environment in which products or systems will operate.


Highest Task LevelHighest Task: Level 5: ensure, adviseAutonomyWorks under broad direction. Full accountability for own technical work or project/supervisory responsibilities. Receives assignments in the form of objectives. Establishes own milestones, team objectives and delegates assignments. Work is often self-initiated.InfluenceInfluences organisation, customers, suppliers and peers within industry on contribution of specialisation. Significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of resources. Decisions impact on success of assigned projects i.e. results, deadlines and budget. Develops business relationships with customers.

ComplexityChallenging range – variety of complex technical or professional work activities. Work requires application of fundamental principles in a wide and often unpredictable range of contexts. Understands relationship between specialism and wider customer/ organisational requirements.

Business skillsAdvises on the available standards, methods, tools and applications in own area of specialisation and can make correct choices from alternatives. Can analyse, diagnose, design, plan, execute and evaluate work to time, cost and quality targets. Communicates effectively, formally and informally, with colleagues, subordinates and customers. Demonstrates leadership. Clear understanding of the relationship between own area of responsibility /specialisation to the employing organisation and takes customer requirements into account when making proposals. Takes initiative to keep skills up to date. Maintains awareness of developments in the industry. Can analyse user requirements and advise users on scope and options for operational improvement. Demonstrates creativity and innovation in applying solutions for the benefit of the user.


Background RequirementsType Description Code

Educational Background

Probably educated to degree level or holds a professional qualification. BGBPRE5Q

Previous Experience

EITHER: Has achieved proficiency at Level 4 in any SFIA Development or planning Skill, OR: Has gained experience (typically six years with some at Level 5) in other SFIA Skills.

BGBPRE5E

Previous Experience

EITHER: Has achieved proficiency in the Task of Business analysis - Level 4, OR: Has gained substantial business experience, including some management or professional responsibility, and has received training in business analysis methods and techniques.

BGANAL5E

Previous Experience

Has achieved proficiency in the Task of Non-functional needs analysis - Level 4.

BGUNAN5E

Prior Knowledge and Skills

Is familiar with a range of analysis, modelling and design methods; has broad current knowledge of IT standards, applications and trends. Is able to obtain information from business people in face to face situations, and to analyse information on users’ occupational tasks obtained by a variety of formal and informal means. Has an analytical and creative approach to problem solving.

BGBPRE5K


Has excellent interpersonal skills and is fully experienced at dealing with clients/users. Has a good understanding of alternative software engineering life cycles for development and the concepts and practices required to implement effective information systems. Possesses a broad understanding of business and business Skills, and understands the significance of commercial constraints. Is able to recognise potential assignments outside own areas of specialisation and bring to bear appropriate expertise as necessary.

BGANAL5K


Demonstrates a concern and aptitude for considering the user's perspective in IT development. Has a good understanding of alternative software engineering life cycles for development and the concepts and practices required to operate effective information systems. Has excellent interpersonal skills and is fully experienced at dealing with clients/users. Possesses a broad understanding of business and business skills, understands the significance of commercial constraints and a deep understanding of user aspects of interactive systems. Is expert in the methods and techniques for eliciting the context of use, user needs, analysing context of use and generating user requirements. Is familiar with tools for representing system requirements.

BGUNAN5K


Work ActivitiesDescription Optional? Code

Takes responsibility for investigative work to determine requirements, and specify effective business processes. Organises their implementation through improvements in information systems, data management, practices, organisation and equipment. Applies and monitors the use of required modelling and analysis tools, methods and standards in an intelligent and effective way.

No TSANAL501

Co-operates with senior client and IS staff as required, conducting investigations at a high level for strategy studies, requirements specifications and feasibility studies. Maintains technical awareness at a level where alternatives can be analysed, modelled and classified according to technical feasibility and performance.

No TSANAL502

Utilises business experience and skills to assess and advise on the practicability of alternatives, marrying up technical limitations with operational realities.

No TSANAL503

Takes responsibility as needed for the detailed specification and modelling of recommended solutions using resources, standards, methods and tools as required. Maintains links with appropriate counterparts within both software engineering and service delivery functions and plays a full part in bringing systems to implementation as detailed by organisation policies and methods.

No TSANAL504

Applies available standards, methods and tools in an intelligent and effective way, and produces a consistently high standard of documentation of both a technical and a descriptive nature.

No TSANAL505

Plans, arranges and controls meetings, workshops and relations with client/user staff during system investigations and throughout subsequent development work. Takes responsibility at a high level for the proper conduct of such relations.

No TSANAL506

Defines, plans and justifies (in business terms) projects to develop/implement automated and non-automated components of new or changed processes.

No TSANAL507

Assists clients/users in defining acceptance tests for automated systems, and takes responsibility for their proper execution.

Yes TSANAL508

Investigates, documents and analyses current business processes; identifies the organisational units which undertake, and support the business processes. Identifies alternatives, assesses feasibility, and recommends new approaches.

No TSBPRE501

Contributes to evaluating the factors which must be addressed in change programmes, including cultural, organisational and business constraints affecting options for change.

No TSBPRE502

Establishes an understanding of business aims and facilitates development of alternative processes to achieve them.

No TSBPRE503

Assesses the risks, costs and potential benefits of alternative business process designs.

No TSBPRE504

Helps establish requirements for the implementation of changes in business processes.

No TSBPRE505

Working with analysis and design specialists, uses business experience and skills to assess and advise on the usability and accessibility of alternatives.

No TSUNAN501

Advises on tools and methods to be used for the detailed specification and modelling of non-functional requirements. Maintains links with appropriate counterparts within both software engineering and service delivery functions and assists in bringing systems to implementation as detailed by organisation

No TSUNAN502


policies and methods.

Produces a consistently high standard of documentation of both a technical and a descriptive nature.

No TSUNAN503

Takes part in meetings, workshops and relations with client/user staff during system investigations and throughout subsequent development work.

No TSUNAN504

Clarifies and communicates the non-functional requirements of system users, their characteristics and tasks, and the technical, organisational and physical environment in which products or systems will operate. Takes responsibility for ensuring that cost of ownership is fully acknowledged, in finalising the requirements analysis.

No TSUNAN505

Assists clients/users in defining acceptance tests for the non-functional aspects of automated systems, and takes responsibility for their proper execution.

No TSUNAN506

Ensures that the project takes account of contextual factors in the definition of functional and non-functional requirements and in the developing design solution.

No TSUNAN507

Knowledge and SkillsType Depth Title Description Code

Behavioural Skills

Commercial Orientation Keeping commercial aspects continually in mind when taking actions or making decisions.

KSB12

Behavioural Skills

Conceptual Thinking Acquiring understanding of the underlying issues in complex problems or situations by correctly relating these to simpler or better understood concepts, models or previous experiences.

KSB02

Behavioural Skills

Creativity Taking innovative approaches to problem solving and devising inventive and creative solutions.

KSB15

Behavioural Skills

Customer Focus Understanding the needs of the internal or external customer and keeping them in mind when taking actions or making decisions.

KSB13

Behavioural Skills

Flexibility Taking account of new information or changed circumstances and modifying understanding of a problem or situation accordingly.

KSB06

Behavioural Skills

Goal Orientation Maintaining focus on agreed objectives and deliverables whatever the circumstances.

KSB11

Behavioural Skills

Influence and Persuasion

Influencing and persuading others to take a specific course of action when there is no direct line of command or control.

KSB23

Behavioural Skills

Information Acquisition Identifying gaps in the available information required to understand a problem or situation and devising means of remedying such gaps.

KSB04

Behavioural Skills

Interacting with People Establishing relationships and maintaining contacts with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

KSB22


Technical Knowledge and Skills

Expert in Graphical User Interfaces (GUI)

Graphical human/computer interfaces which facilitate effective communication between computer and operator, the technology and architecture associated, and the working of relevant libraries. Examples: Windows, Visual BASIC.

KSC07


Proficient in

Business Analysis Techniques

Techniques which help in modelling and understanding a business and its operation.Examples: functional business models, statistical process control, relational data modelling, use case.

KSC04


Proficient in

Corporate, Industry and Professional Standards

Standards associated with the practitioner's current Role.Examples: safety standards, departmental programming standards, organisational network performance standards, help desk procedures, corporate quality and change management processes, IT Infrastructure Library, TickIT.

KSC19


Proficient in

Information Modelling Tools

Tools and techniques (manual or automated) which can be used to document an understanding of the structure, relationships and use of information within an organisation.Examples: information usage model, entity model, class diagram, relational data model, data flow model.

KSC09


Proficient in

National/International Standards

Standards associated with IT practice. Examples: PRINCE, SSADM, IEEE802.3, ITU(T), ETSI, IEC, BSI, ISO 9000.

KSC13


Familiar with

Health and Safety Statutory health and safety requirements relating to working environment.Examples: building services, standby power systems, communications towers/masts, antenna erection.

KSC81


Familiar with

Test Management Techniques

Principles, methods, techniques and tools for the effective management of the testing process and the execution of tests throughout the lifecycle of development projects.Examples: organisation standards for testing, planning & estimating, configuration management, incident management, test efficiency and effectiveness measurement.

KSC36

Other Knowledge and Skills

Expert in Business Characteristics

The functional structure of businesses and other organisations; their mission, objectives, strategies and critical success factors.

KSD07


Proficient in

Business Process Improvement Techniques

Techniques for streamlining business processes which have been modelled and understood. Examples: error-proofing, value added assessment, process cycle time reduction, future-proofing, resilience, reliability, cost effectiveness.

KSD01



Proficient in

Function or Department Operations

The activities, structure, and position in the organisation of the functions or departments for which services are provided.Examples: sales, engineering, marketing, production.

KSD06


Proficient in

Information Capture Techniques

The selection and application of information gathering methods, tools and techniques which are appropriate to the information required and the sources available.Examples: contextual enquiries, focus groups, structured interviews, questionnaires, observation, statistical analysis.

KSD04


Proficient in

Legislation Relevant national and international legislation.Examples: Data Protection Act, EU Procurement Directive.

KSD11


Proficient in

Presentation Techniques

Methods and techniques for delivering effective presentations.

KSD12


Familiar with

Business Proposals Methods and techniques for preparing and presenting business cases, invitations to tender and statements of requirements both orally and in writing.

KSD16


Familiar with

Customer Value Chain Concepts

The complete sequence of activities within a process, from receipt of an order or request to delivery of a product or service.

KSD03


Familiar with

Desktop Software The use of everyday desktop software.Examples: word processing, spreadsheets, graphics.

KSD10


Familiar with

Project Planning and Control Techniques

Methods and techniques associated with planning and monitoring progress of projects.Examples: product/work breakdown structures, critical path analysis, earned value, resource analysis, conflict resolution.

KSD31

Training RequirementsTitle Description Code

Advanced Techniques for Business Process Improvement

More complex tools and techniques associated with the analysis, modelling and streamlining of business processes.

TA075

Business Modelling and Analysis Techniques

Techniques for the analysis, breakdown and documentation of the functional structure and information flows within a business area.

TA074

Customer Relations Negotiation, presentation and meeting skills, as preparation for playing a leading role in relationships with clients/users at a senior management level in order to achieve and maintain customer satisfaction.

TA025

Financial Planning and Budgeting

Philosophy, regulations, procedures and tools for the financial management of both ongoing and project activities.

TA051


Hardware and Software Products for Future Use

Software or hardware products or solutions that are potentially of use to the organisation.

TA024

Information and Data Modelling

Techniques for documenting an understanding of the structure, relationships and use of information within an organisation.

TA085

Job Analysis Techniques for identifying the requirements for a particular job in terms of the tasks involved and the skills, knowledge and experience needed.

TA092

Project Leadership Project management methods and leadership skills, as preparation for more demanding project management responsibility.

TA020

Project Management Skills such as business case preparation, project definition, planning, risk management, project change control, configuration management, financial management and staff selection for managing projects.

TA026

Project Planning and Control

Project planning and control methods and techniques. TA041

Quality Management Principles and good practice of quality systems, manuals, procedures and plans. Quality assurance and audit. External quality standards. Total Quality Management and European Foundation for Quality Management Excellence Model.

TA071

Rapid Application Development

Methods and techniques for evolution of IT applications, typically making extensive use of modelling and progressive prototyping, involving the owners and end-users throughout.

TA056

Security Software Software designed to prevent unauthorised access; installation considerations.

TA064

Service Management Standards

Standards for service management, such as the IT Infrastructure Library and the BSi Code of Practice.

TA081

Software Testing Techniques

Testing techniques used to plan and execute software tests of all application components (functional and non-functional) to verify that the software satisfies specified requirements and to detect errors.

TA054

Strategic Planning for Information and Communications Systems

The psychology and practicalities of the process of defining the long term business information requirements of an organisation in a methodical way that will produce clearly defined options and action plans for the use of IT-enabled business processes.

TA050

Systems Development Environment

Introduction to systems development including: development lifecycles and methodologies, organisation interfaces, project and programme management, risk management, and change control.

TA027

Training Needs Analysis Methods and techniques for the analysis of individual training/development needs, of (typically) IT practitioners.

TA067

Professional Development ActivitiesTitle Description Code

"Research" Assignments

Exploring a topic which is not part of own normal responsibilities, and presenting findings to colleagues.

PDFK04

Community Work Participating in community or civic affairs. PDFB06

Deputising Standing in for supervisor or manager on a temporary basis during vacation or other period of absence.

PDFB04

Extra Mural Activities Undertaking activities outside working environment which can help to develop professional skills or offer additional insight into or

PDFB02


understanding of own working role.

Extra Mural Studies Undertaking self study or attending evening classes or vacation school in subjects relevant to but not directly related to own role eg foreign language courses.

PDFB03

Gaining Knowledge of Activities of Employing Organisation

Developing an understanding of the commercial, administrative and/or industrial activities undertaken by the employing organisation.

PDFK05

Gaining Knowledge of Broader IT Issues

Increasing and maintaining currency of knowledge of broader IT issues through reading, attending seminars, special studies, temporary assignments etc.

PDFK07

Gaining Knowledge of IT Concepts and Techniques

Undertaking study, training and, where possible, practice in IT concepts and techniques external to own function.

PDFK06

Gaining Strategic Knowledge of Employing Organisation

Developing a comprehensive understanding of the business environment in which the employing organisation operates, and its position, policies and direction in relation to the external world.

PDFK08

International Experience

Carrying out professional duties abroad, for employing organisation. PDFB09

Job Rotation and Special Assignments

Undertaking temporary periods in other roles, inside or outside of IT, particularly those which offer a new perspective on own function or exposure to other environments and cultures.

PDFB05

Management Development

Undertaking training and practice in and gaining an understanding of the skills and techniques required to manage all or part of an organisation, including business and financial management, management of change and strategic planning. This will require both on and off the job training and may include participation in an appropriate development programme such as MBA.

PDFS06

Mentoring Acting as a mentor, advising those for whom there is no direct responsibility on matters to do with work and career.

PDFB08

Negotiating and Influencing

Undertaking training and practice in negotiating with and influencing others.

PDFS04

Participation in Professional Body Affairs

Taking an active part in professional body affairs at branch, specialist group or committee level.

PDFP02

Project Assignments Participating in a project team, working group or task force established to deal with a specific problem or issue - especially valuable if the group is inter-disciplinary.

PDFB07

Publications Contributing to professional and technical journals. PDFP03

Standards and Legislation

Participating in working groups, committees etc responsible for the production, maintenance or oversight of relevant standards or legislation.

PDFP05

Teaching and Tutoring

Teaching, lecturing, tutoring, coaching, formally or informally, in area of own expertise.

PDFP04

Team Leadership Undertaking training and practice in the skills required to lead teams, including motivation, direction, delegation, appraisal, counselling and developing others.

PDFS05

Qualifications


Qualification Title Awarding Body DescriptionContact Details

Code

Certificate in Modelling Business Processes

Information Systems Examination Board

www.iseb.org.uk QU200

Certification Solution Consultant SAP - Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing

www.sap.com QU141

Diploma in Business Analysis Information Systems Examination Board


Foundation Certificate in IT-Enabled Business Change (available 2006)

Information Systems Examination Board


Skills Framework for the Information Age (c) SFIA Foundation 2003 and SFIAPlus (c) The British Computer Society 2004.

Software (c) InfoBasis Limited.


business systems analyst

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