Sticky Situations: How do Business Analysts Influence Ethics?

We’ve all found ourselves in sticky situations at work—those grey areas between right and wrong that really test our ethical boundaries. The nature of BA work, facilitating change and protecting stakeholder value, launches BAs into the middle of many sticky...

Building Better Requirements

Strong requirements management practices remain a critical component of project success. In fact, poor requirements management is the #2 most commonly-cited reason for project failure according to “PMI’s Pulse of the Profession: Requirements...

Don’t Force Typical Templates on Packaged Software Projects

One of the most interesting trends I’ve seen in my business analysis career is the shift from custom software development to package software implementation. Traditionally, large corporations created in-house teams that supported business functions by developing...

Bridging the Gap Between Waterfall and Agile

Do BAs really need different skill sets based on which approach or methodology their project is using? This question has been floating around my mind for at least a year now. So, I will pose it to you–what do you think? PMs and BAs who have been in the industry...

7 Habits of Highly Effective Business Analysts

Highly effective BAs, regardless of their skill level or years of experience, consistently hone their craft. Guided by curiosity and passion, great BAs are always on the lookout for growth opportunities—ways to strengthen and sharpen their skills. This focus on...