A Holistic Approach toInformation Technology Challenges

Christian D Kobsa

The Business Analysis & Project Management Connection

An Introduction

Definitions of Holistic:

“Relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, ordissection into parts.”

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Definitions of Business:

“A person, partnership, or corporation engaged in commerce, manufacturing, or a service; profit-seeking enterprise or concern.”

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Definitions of Analysis:

“The division of a physical or abstract whole into its constituent parts to examine or determine their relationship or value.”

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International Institute of Business Analysis Definition:

“Business analysis is the set of tasks and techniques used to work as a liaison among stakeholders in order to understand the structure, policies, and operations of an organization, and to recommend solutions that enable the organization to achieve its goals.“

- Official BABOK Guide, Version 2.0

Business Analyst as a Liaison:

A liaison is the person responsible to maintaincontact or connection through communicationsbetween units of any type of organization in order to ensure concerted action, cooperation, etc.

A liaison is a person who initiates and maintains such a contact or connection.

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Business Analysis Involves…

Identification of business problems and solutions

Elicitation of needs and constraints from stakeholders

Analysis of stakeholder needs to define requirements for a solution

Assessment and validation of potential and actual solutions

Management of the product or service requirements scope

Definition of a Project:

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“A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.“

- Official PMBOK Guide, Version 4.0

Definition of Project Management:

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“Project Management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements.“

- Official PMBOK Guide, Version 4.0

Project Phases/Groups: Initiating

Planning

Executing

Monitoring & Controlling

Closing

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Project Mgmt Includes: Identifying requirements

Addressing various needs, concerns, and stakeholder expectations

Balancing competing project constraints:

Scope

Quality

Schedule

Budget

Resources

Risk

The Triple Constraint:

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Scope

Schedule Budget

… to be continued …

Come back soon!

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