CCBA® and CBAP® Certifications Study Guide: Expert tips and practices in business analysis to pass the certification exams on the first attempt

Cover
Title Page
Copyright and Credits
Dedication
About Packt
Contributors
Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1: Planning for Success
	Benefits of the CCBA® or CBAP® designations
		Improved confidence
		Recognition in the workplace
		Better career opportunities
		An entirely new career focus
	Visualization as a powerful study tool
		You get what you focus on
		Setting your certification goal
		The ideal timeframe for preparation
			How familiar are you with the BABOK® Guide v3 today?
			What is your preferred learning style?
			Are you a confident learner or a conservative learner?
			Have you done a lot of business analysis study before?
	Key concepts for creating a good study plan
		#1 Working backward
		#2 Knowing your own learning style
		#3 Being practical and choosing a routine activity
		#4 Limiting the scope of study during each session
		#5 Having the right materials and study tools
		#6 Having goals and measuring progress
	Your study plan framework 
		Creating your custom study plan
			Tips for when you draft your plan
				Baseline days
				Revision days
				Rest days
			Ready to get started
	Summary
		Benefits of certification
		Visualization as a study tool
		Key concepts when you create a study plan
		Your study plan framework
	Knowledge quiz
		Answers
Chapter 2: Exam Application Requirements
	A competency-based certification model
	CCBA® application requirements
	CBAP® application requirements
	Additional requirements for CCBA® and CBAP® applicants 
	The exam 
		Application process
	Summary
		Competency-based certification model
		CCBA® application requirements
		CBAP® application requirements
		Additional CCBA® and CBAP® requirements
	Knowledge quiz
		Answers
Chapter 3: Study Tools
	BABOK® v3.0 Guide structure
		Business analysis key concepts
		Knowledge areas
		Underlying competencies
		Techniques
		Perspectives
	Summary
		Navigating through the main sections of the BABOK® Guide
		Knowledge areas
		Underlying competencies, techniques, and perspectives
	Knowledge quiz
		Answers
Chapter 4: What to Expect From the Exam
	Exam blueprints
	Question types
	Summary
		Exam blueprints
		Question types
	Knowledge quiz
		Answers
Chapter 5: Business Analysis Foundation Concepts
	Understanding business analysis
		Who is a business analyst?
	The Business Analysis Core Concept Model™ 
		Change
		Need
		Solution
		Stakeholder
		Value
		Context
	Key terms 
		Business analysis
		Business analysis information
		Design
		Organization
		Enterprise
		Plan
		Requirement
		Risk
	Stakeholders
		Business analyst
		Customer
		Domain subject matter expert
		End user
		Implementation subject matter expert
		Operational support
		Project manager
		Regulator
		Sponsor
		Supplier
		Tester
	Requirements classification schema
		Business requirements
		Stakeholder requirements
		Solution requirements
		Transition requirements
	Requirements and designs
	Summary 
		Business analysis and Business Analyst
		Business Analysis Core Concept Model
		Key terms
		Stakeholders
		Requirements classification schema
	Knowledge quiz
		Answers
Chapter 6: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring
	Understanding Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring
	The Business Analysis Core Concept Model™  
		Change
		Need
		Solution
		Stakeholder
		Value
		Context
	Task: Plan Business Analysis Approach
		The elements of Plan Business Analysis Approach
			Element 1: Planning the approach
				A predictive approach
				An adaptive approach
			Element 2: Formality and the level of detail of business analysis deliverables 
			Element 3: Business analysis activities
			Element 4: The timing of business analysis work
			Element 5: Complexity and risk
			Element 6: The acceptance of the business analysis approach and plan
		The inputs and outputs of this task
	Task: Plan Stakeholder Engagement
		The number of stakeholders
		The elements of Plan Stakeholder Engagement
			Element 1: Performing stakeholder analysis 
				Roles matter
				Attitudes of stakeholders
				The decision-making authority
			Element 2: Defining stakeholder collaboration
			Element 3: Stakeholder communication needs
			The inputs and outputs of this task
	Task: Plan Business Analysis Governance
		The elements of Plan Business Analysis Governance
			Element 1: Decision-making
			Element 2: Changing the control process
			Element 3: Planning a prioritization approach
			Element 4: Planning for approvals
		The inputs and outputs of this task
	Task: Plan Business Analysis Information Management
		The elements of Plan Business Analysis Information Management
			Element 1: The organization of business analysis information
			Element 2: The level of abstraction
			Element 3: Planning a traceability approach
			Element 4:  Planning for requirements' reuse
			Element 5:  Storage and access
			Element 6: Requirements attributes
		The inputs and outputs of this task
	Task: Identify Business Analysis Performance Improvements
		The elements of Identify Business Analysis Performance Improvements
			Element 1: Performance analysis
			Element 2: Assessment measures
			Element 3: Analyzing results
			Element 4: Recommended actions for improvement
			The inputs and outputs of this task
	Summary
		The Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring knowledge area
		The Plan Business Analysis Approach task
		The Plan Stakeholder Engagement task
		The Plan Business Analysis Governance task
		The Plan Business Analysis Information Management task
		The Identify Business Analysis Performance Improvements task 
	Knowledge quiz
		Case study: The GO technology payment program
		Answers
Chapter 7: Elicitation and Collaboration
	Understanding elicitation and collaboration
	The Business Analysis Core Concept Model™
		Change
		Need
		Solution
		Stakeholder
		Value
		Context
	Task: Prepare for Elicitation
		Purpose
		Elements 
			Element 1: Understand the scope of elicitation 
			Element 2: Select elicitation techniques
			Element 3: Set up logistics
			Element 4: Secure supporting material
			Element 5: Prepare stakeholders
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Conduct Elicitation
		Purpose 
			Types of elicitation
				Collaborative 
				Research
				Experiments
		Elements
			Element 1: Guide elicitation activity 
			Element 2 – Capture elicitation outcomes
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Confirm Elicitation Results
		Purpose 
		Elements
			Element 1: Compare elicitation results against source information
			Element 2: Compare elicitation results against other elicitation results
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Communicate Business Analysis Information
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: Determine objectives and format of communication
				Formats of packages
			Element 2: Communicate the business analysis package
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Manage Stakeholder Collaboration
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: Gain agreement on commitments
			Element 2: Monitor stakeholder engagement
			Element 3: Collaboration
		Inputs and outputs
	Summary
		Task: Prepare for elicitation
		Task: Conduct elicitation
		Task: Confirm elicitation results
		Task: Communicate business analysis information
		Task: Manage stakeholder collaboration
	Knowledge quiz 
		Real-world case study – cardholder portal project
		Answers
Chapter 8: Requirements Life Cycle Management
	What is Requirements Life Cycle Management?
	The Business Analysis Core Concept Model™  
		Change
		Need
		Solution
		Stakeholder
		Value
		Context
	Task: Trace Requirements
		Purpose
		Why trace requirements?
		Elements
			Element 1: Level of formality
			Element 2: Relationships
			Element 3: Traceability Repository
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Maintain Requirements
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: Maintain requirements
			Element 2: Maintain attributes
			Element 3: Reusing requirements 
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Prioritize Requirements
		Purpose
			Why do we need to prioritize requirements?
		Elements
			Element 1: Basis of prioritization
				Benefit 
				Penalty
				Cost
				Risk 
				Dependencies 
				Time sensitivity 
				Stability
				Regulatory or policy compliance 
			Element 2: Challenges of prioritization
			Element 3: Continual prioritization
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Assess Requirements Changes
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: Assessment formality 
				Predictive and adaptive approaches
			Element 2: Impact analysis
			Element 3: Impact resolution
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Approve Requirements
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: Understand stakeholder roles
			Element 2: Conflict and issue management 
			Element 3: Gain consensus
			Element 4: Track and communicate approval
		Inputs and outputs
	Summary
		Task: Trace Requirements
		Task: Maintain Requirements
		Task: Prioritize Requirements
		Task: Assess Requirements Changes
		Task: Approve Requirements
	Knowledge quiz
		Real-world case study: Car booking system project
		Answers
Chapter 9: Strategy Analysis
	What is Strategy Analysis?
	The Business Analysis Core Concept Model™  
		Change
		Need
		Solution
		Stakeholder
		Value
		Context
	Task: Analyze Current State
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: Business needs
			Element 2: Organizational structure and culture
			Element 3: Capabilities and processes
			Element 4: Technology and infrastructure
			Element 5: Policies
			Element 6: Business architecture
			Element 7: Internal assets
			Element 8: External influences
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Define Future State
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: Business goals and objectives
			Element 2: The scope of the solution space
			Element 3: Constraints
			Element 4: Organizational structure and culture
			Element 5: Capabilities and processes
			Element 6: Technology and infrastructure
			Element 7: Policies
			Element 8: Business architecture
			Element 9: Internal assets
			Element 10: Identify assumptions
			Element 11: Potential value
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Assess Risks
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: Unknowns
			Element 2: Constraints, assumptions, and dependencies
			Element 3: Negative impact on the value
			Element 4: Risk tolerance
			Element 5: Recommendations
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Define Change Strategy
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: Solution scope
			Element 2: Gap analysis
			Element 3: Enterprise readiness assessment
			Element 4: Change strategy
			Element 5: Transition states and release planning
		Inputs and outputs
	Summary
		Learning outcome: Strategy Analysis 
		Learning outcome: Analyze Current State
		Learning outcome: Define Future State
		Learning outcome: Assess Risks
		Learning outcome: Define Change Strategy
	Knowledge quiz
		Case Study: Police criminal record management system
		Answers 
Chapter 10: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition
	What is Requirements Analysis and Design Definition?
	Business Analysis Core Concept Model™
		Change
		Need
		Solution
		Stakeholder
		Value
		Context
	Task: Specifying and modeling requirements
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: The model requirements 
				Matrices 
				Diagrams
			Element 2: Analyzing the requirements 
			Element 3: Representing requirements and attributes
			Element 4: Implementing the appropriate levels of abstraction 
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Verifying the requirements
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: The characteristics of the requirements and the design quality 
			Element 2: The verification activities
			Element 3: Checklists
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Validating the requirements
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: Identifying assumptions 
			Element 2: Defining measurable evaluation criteria
			Element 3: Evaluating the alignment against the solution scope
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Defining the requirements architecture
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: The requirements architecture viewpoints and views 
			Element 2: Template architectures 
			Element 3: Completeness
			Element 4: Relating and verifying the requirements relationships
			Element 5: The business analysis information architecture
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Defining the design options
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: Defining the solution approaches
			Element 2: Identifying the improvement opportunities 
				Increasing efficiencies 
				Improving access to information
				Identifying additional capabilities
			Element 3: Requirements allocation
			Element 4: Describing the design options 
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Analyzing the potential value and recommending a solution
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: The expected benefits 
			Element 2: The expected costs
			Element 3: Determining the value
			Element 4: Assessing the design options and recommending a solution
				Available resources
				Constraints on the solution
				Dependencies between requirements
		Inputs and outputs
	Summary
		The learning outcome for the Requirements Analysis and Design Definition knowledge area
		The learning outcome for specifying and modeling requirements  
		The learning outcome for verifying requirements
		The learning outcome for validating requirements
		The learning outcome for defining the requirements architecture
		The learning outcome for defining the solution options
	Knowledge quiz
		Case study – a health solutions company 
		Answers
Chapter 11: Solution Evaluation
	What is Solution Evaluation?
	Business Analysis Core Concept Model™
		Change
		Need
		Solution
		Stakeholder
		Value
		Context
	Task: Measure Solution Performance
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: Defining solution performance measures 
				Quantitative measures
				Qualitative measures
			Element 2: Validating performance measures
			Element 3: Collecting performance measures
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Analyzing Performance Measures
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: Solution performance versus desired value 
			Element 2: Risks 
			Element 3: Trends
			Element 4: Accuracy
			Element 5: Performance variations
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Assessing Solution Limitations
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: Identify internal solution component dependencies
			Element 2: Investigate solution problems
			Element 3: Impact assessment
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Assessing Enterprise Limitations
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: Enterprise culture assessment 
			Element 2: Stakeholder impact analysis 
				Function
				Location
				Concerns
			Element 3: Organizational structure changes
			Element 4: Operational assessment
		Inputs and outputs
	Task: Recommending Actions to Increase the Solution Value
		Purpose
		Elements
			Element 1: Adjust solution performance measures
			Element 2: Recommendations 
		Inputs and outputs
	Summary
		Learning outcome: Solution evaluation
		Learning outcome: Task – Measuring solution performance
		Learning outcome: Task – Analyzing performance measures
		Learning outcome: Task – Assessing solution limitations
		Learning outcome: Task – Assessing enterprise limitations
		Learning outcome: Task – Recommending actions to increase the solution value
	Knowledge quiz
		Case study: Mobile pay
		Answers
Chapter 12: Underlying Competencies
	What are the underlying competencies?
	Analytical thinking and problem-solving
		Core competency 1: Creative thinking
		Core competency 2: Decision-making
		Core competency 3: Learning
		Core competency 4: Problem-solving
		Core competency 5: Systems thinking
		Core competency 6: Conceptual thinking
		Core competency 7: Visual thinking
	Exploring behavioral characteristics
		Core competency 1: Ethics
		Core competency 2: Personal accountability 
		Core competency 3: Trustworthiness
		Core competency 4: Organization and time management
		Core competency 5: Adaptability
	Business knowledge
		Core competency 1: Business acumen
		Core competency 2: Industry knowledge
		Core competency 3: Organization knowledge
		Core competency 4: Solution knowledge
		Core competency 5: Methodology knowledge
	Communication skills
		Core competency 1: Verbal communication
		Core competency 2: Non-verbal communication
		Core competency 3: Written communication
		Core competency 4: Listening
	Interaction skills 
		Core competency 1: Facilitation
		Core competency 2: Leadership and influencing
		Core competency 3: Teamwork
		Core competency 4: Negotiation and conflict resolution
		Core competency 5: Teaching
	Exploring tools and technology
		Core competency 1: Office productivity tools and technology
		Core competency 2: Business analysis tools and technology 
		Core competency 3: Communication tools and technology
	Summary
		Learning outcome – underlying competencies
		Learning outcome – analytical thinking and problem-solving
		Learning outcome – behavioral characteristics
		Learning outcome – business knowledge
		Learning outcome – communication skills
		Learning outcome – interaction skills
		Learning outcome – tools and technology
	Knowledge quiz
		Case study – a day in the life of a business analyst
			Situation 1
			Situation 2
			Situation 3
			Situation 4
		Questions
		Answers
Chapter 13: Techniques (Part 1)
	Techniques for the exam
	Acceptance and evaluation criteria
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Backlog management
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Balanced scorecards
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Benchmarking and market analysis
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Brainstorming
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Business capability analysis
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Business cases
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
			Need assessment
			Desired outcomes
			Assessing the alternatives
			Recommending a solution 
	Business model canvas
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique
		When should you apply this technique?
	Business rules analysis
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Collaborative games
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Concept modeling
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Data dictionary
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Data flow diagrams
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Data mining
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Data modeling
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
			Key concepts
		In what situations should you apply this technique?
	Decision analysis
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Decision modeling
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Document analysis 
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Estimation
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Financial analysis
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
			Financial calculations
		When should you apply this technique?
	Focus groups
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Functional decomposition
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Glossary
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Interface analysis
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Interviews
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Summary
Chapter 14: Techniques (Part 2)
	Item tracking
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Lessons learned
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique
		When should you apply this technique?
	Mind mapping
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Non-functional requirements analysis
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Observation
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Organizational modeling
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Prioritization
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Process analysis
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Process modeling
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique
		When should you apply this technique?
	Prototyping
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Reviews
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Risk analysis and management
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Roles and permissions matrix
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Root cause analysis
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Scope modeling
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Sequence diagrams
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Stakeholder lists, maps, or personas
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	State Modeling
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Surveys or questionnaires
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	SWOT analysis
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Use cases and scenarios
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	User stories
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Vendor assessments
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Workshops
		What is the purpose of this technique?
		Key things to know when using this technique 
		When should you apply this technique?
	Summary
Chapter 15: Mock Exam Questions: Case Studies
	Case study 1 – Global online platform
		Questions
	Case study 2 – Offender management system
		Questions
	Case study 3 – Health and fitness app
		Questions
	Case study 4 – Business case for a retail company
		Problem statement
		Desired outcome
		Questions
	Answers
		Answers – Case study 1 – Global online platform
		Answers – Case study 2 – Offender management system
		Answers – Case study 3 – Health and fitness app
		Answers – Case study 4 – Business case for a retail company
Chapter 16: Mock Exam Questions: Theory
	Questions
		Answers
Chapter 17: Your Future with a Success Mindset
	Planning your next salary increase
		People get increases, not qualifications
		The employee viewpoint 
		Understanding the employer's point of view
		Why do you want an increase?
			The "What if?" game
		Understanding the fear of failure
		What does this have to do with salary increases? 
	Understanding the process
		Before you ask for an increase
			Being of value
			There is a right way to brag
				Is that fair? 
		Making your intentions clear
			So, what does this mean?
			Defining your goal
			Knowing the rules of the game
			Why your employer is likely to give you an increase when you ask
	Summary
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Index