ISEB Business Analysis Training

Qualifications and Training Explained

Focus on Training

Tel: 0845 450 6120

Web: www.focus-on-training.co.uk

ITIL and PRINCE2 are Trade Marks of the Office of Government Commerce 2010 Focus on Training 1

ISEB Business Analysis Training

Business Analysis is where business management skills and IT systems skills meet.
Its an important area for most organisations as their reliance on efficient processes and systems increases. Individuals with the right blend of skills can make a major contribution to effective use of resources and the delivery of high quality services. The most widely recognised Business Analysis training and qualifications are accredited by ISEB the examination arm of the British Computer Society. This guide explains the ISEB courses which are available and how the ISEB Business Analysis Diploma operates.

Prepared by: Rex Gibson Development Director

About:
Focus on Training specialises in provision of Best Practice training within the fields of IT Service Management and Project Management. A comprehensive range of ITIL, ISEB, Microsoft, PRINCE2, and other training courses from leading accredited training organisations can be booked at its website:
www.focusprojects.co.uk/itsm

The ISEB is a division of the BCS offering qualifications which recognise the skills of IT professionals. Exams and associated training are widely available and providers are accredited to ensure high and consistent standards.
www.iseb-exams.com

Rex Gibson leads the IT team at Focus. He has successfully executed major business change and IT projects, and has managed international engineering companies with significant IT dependency.
info@focus-on-training.co.uk

Version 1.07 October 2010

Focus on Training

Tel: 0845 450 6120

Web: www.focus-on-training.co.uk

ITIL and PRINCE2 are Trade Marks of the Office of Government Commerce 2010 Focus on Training 2

Contents

1. Why Business Analysis? 2. Becoming a Business Analyst 3. Why ISEB? 4. Training, Exams and Resources 5. FAQs 6. Core Modules What will I Learn?
6.1. 6.2. Business Analysis Essentials Requirements Engineering

7. Specialist Practitioner Modules What will I Learn?

7.1. 7.2. 7.3. 7.4. Modelling Business Processes Systems Modelling Techniques Benefits Management & Business Acceptance Systems Development Essentials

8. Specialist Foundation Modules What will I Learn?

8.1. 8.2. 8.3. 8.4. Organisational Context Foundation in Business Analysis Foundation in IT Enabled Business Change Foundation in IS Project Management

Focus on Training

Tel: 0845 450 6120

Web: www.focus-on-training.co.uk

ITIL and PRINCE2 are Trade Marks of the Office of Government Commerce 2010 Focus on Training 3

1. Why Business Analysis?

Successful organisations today understand how to integrate their IT systems and broader business processes to deliver differentiated products and services to their customers. At one level it may simply be about incremental quality improvement and cost savings; it may also involve more profound business re-engineering to support a step change in business model. The skills to achieve this are complex and multidisciplinary. Twenty years ago the systems analyst documented existing paper based processes and then automated these through computerised systems. Todays business analysts can be vital agents for change. They help identify change needs; capture and communicate requirements; evaluate and optimise business processes in line with organisational objectives; ensure defined requirements are delivered by IT; and they support the implementation process across different functional departments through to final business acceptance.

2. Becoming a Business Analyst

The Business Analyst needs to build practical experience and formal training which spans the above areas: Business objectives and processes including sales, operations and finance Information Systems analysis, design and deployment Communications

Focus on Training

Tel: 0845 450 6120

Web: www.focus-on-training.co.uk

ITIL and PRINCE2 are Trade Marks of the Office of Government Commerce 2010 Focus on Training 4

Whilst most Business Analysts will have an IT background this is not strictly necessary. Change managers, project managers and those with more general business skills may well be positioned to enhance their understanding of the more technical systems development and modelling skills. Moreover, it is increasingly common for Business Analysts to be positioned outside of the IT department reflecting the pervasive and integral role of IT within todays organisations. There is also a strong and growing use of Business Analysts in consultancy and interim management roles. Few Business Analysts have started their career in this role. Most will have a foundation in areas such as systems development, technical analysis, operational research, quality improvement, or financial analysis. The usual requirement is for individuals to extend best practice skills into a range of areas where they are less proficient. This calls for practical and modular training rather than highly academic input. The range of courses developed by the ISEB meets this need and the associated exams provide independent validation of your capabilities.

3. Why ISEB?
The ISEB is the examination board of the British Computer Society and it specialises in training and exams for IT professionals. ISEB exams cover 8 major IS areas and over 250,000 exams have been delivered globally. Business Analysis and IS Consultancy is one of the most popular ISEB categories. There are a series of short courses with exams which can be selected according to training requirement. Courses involve 2 to 4 days of training and an exam can be taken either as part of the course or at a separate session later. The benefit of this modular approach is: Flexibility to concentrate on the topics you require Training inputs run alongside your work based experience Each module provides a well regarded certification

Those pursuing a career as a Business Analyst are likely to seek the ISEB Business Analysis Diploma. This requires completion of 2 core modules and 2 specialist options. The compulsory courses are Business Analysis Essentials and Requirements Engineering. The specialist modules are divided into two groups and candidates choose one from each. Candidates will then sit an oral exam with the ISEB which tests their ability to communicate effectively and to apply knowledge to their own work environment.

Focus on Training

Tel: 0845 450 6120

Web: www.focus-on-training.co.uk

ITIL and PRINCE2 are Trade Marks of the Office of Government Commerce 2010 Focus on Training 5

A change in the structure of the Business Analysis Diploma was introduced in November 2009. This need not impact anyone who started studying for the qualification before this date. The new structure means that the Organisational Context course is no longer compulsory and there are more specialist options. Delegates who already hold the CBAP qualification from the International Institute of
Business Analysis need only take Business Analysis Essentials and one Practitioner Specialism.

4. Training, Exams and Resources

Training is delivered by specialist providers who have been accredited by the ISEB. The courses are delivered in a conventional instructor led classroom environment. Both public scheduled and company specific on-site training is available. Focus offers ISEB Business Analysis training from most of the UKs accredited trainers, enabling you to find and book the course most convenient for you. ISEB Accreditation for Business Analysis allows training providers flexibility in the style of course materials and course formats. Call Focus if you are looking for advice on which course is likely to be most suitable. Sections 6 and 7 of this paper provide an overview of each of the Business Analysis modular courses.

Focus on Training

Tel: 0845 450 6120

Web: www.focus-on-training.co.uk

ITIL and PRINCE2 are Trade Marks of the Office of Government Commerce 2010 Focus on Training 6

There is a one hour open book exam associated with each course. The exams are based on a business scenario and 15 minutes reading time is allowed. The pass mark for these written exams is 50%. [The knowledge based Foundation courses involve a one hour closed book multiple choice exam with pass mark of 65%.] The oral exam for the Diploma is arranged directly with the ISEB. It comprises a 50 minute session, conducted by 2 examiners. The oral exam must be taken no later than 12 months after notification of the final modular exam result. The courses do not use a definitive manual but you will receive copies of course materials. In addition, the ISEB has a recommended reading list for each course which is available on their website. The following book provides a useful introductory guide providing workable skills and techniques, underpinned with academic theory. Business Analysis Editors: D. Paul and D. Yeates Publication Date: July 2010 Publisher: BCS ISBN: 978-1-902505-70-1
http://books.focus-on-training.co.uk/catalog/browse.asp?id=160150

5. FAQs
Do I need to pass multiple exams to obtain my Certificate? No. Each module provides its own ISEB certification. It is only if you want the ISEB Diploma in Business Analysis that you need to pass four modules and sit the oral exam. Which order should I take the modules? It is not essential to take the modules in a given order. Most people prefer to take Business Analysis Essentials or Requirements Engineering first since they deliver very practical skills and help provide a framework for broader understanding of Business Analysis. Why is there a Foundation AND an Essentials Course? The Foundation is a good starting point for those with little background in Business Analysis. Under the latest qualification structure, it does count towards the Diploma as a specialist option. It is not a substitute for the Business Analysis Essentials course which is a more advanced course addressing strategic business issues.

Focus on Training

Tel: 0845 450 6120

Web: www.focus-on-training.co.uk

ITIL and PRINCE2 are Trade Marks of the Office of Government Commerce 2010 Focus on Training 7

Are there fast track routes to obtaining the ISEB Diploma? Yes. Focus offers a 10 day residential course which covers all 4 modules and the price includes the exam fees for the four written exams. We also have a 5 day course which covers the requirements and exams for both Business Analysis Essentials and Requirements Engineering. And there are regular opportunities to take all four certificates in two successive weeks on non residential courses in London. Is it cheaper to book a package of courses to obtain the Diploma? Yes. You will significantly reduce the cost of your training and exams if you are able to book and pay for a series of modular courses in advance. The package price, course dates and scope will vary by provider. Contact Focus on enquiries@focus-ontraining.co.uk to find out what options are available. Why does the course duration differ for the same modular course? The ISEB recommends a minimum number of hours training for a given syllabus but it is up to training providers to set the course length according to the needs of delegates. This means that course durations vary; the course content will be consistent and we recommend that if you have a choice, you select according to your confidence level in the subject matter. When is the exam taken? The exam is often taken on the final day of the course. There are however some trainers who prefer to arrange the exam as a separate event a few weeks after the classroom training. Check the course details on the Focus website. Is the exam fee included in the price of a course? Take care. Trainers will often present the exam as an optional extra. Because we find that nearly all our delegates wish to sit the exam Focus prices include the exam fee (except where the exam is arranged as a separate event). Are there any pre-requisites? There are no absolute pre-requisites for the Business Analysis courses but the Focus website will indicate the target audience for which the training is most suited. To obtain the Diploma it is necessary to attend the ISEB oral exam within 12 months of completing the 4 required modules. Do previous version ISEB Certificates count towards the Diploma? They may do. The ISEB publishes an equivalence chart on its website. For example, Business Organisation will serve as an alternative to the current Organisational Context module.

6. Core Modules What will I Learn? 6.1. Business Analysis Essentials

Demonstrate understanding of business strategy and strategic analysis techniques Explain techniques to investigate an organisations business systems
Focus on Training Tel: 0845 450 6120 Web: www.focus-on-training.co.uk

ITIL and PRINCE2 are Trade Marks of the Office of Government Commerce 2010 Focus on Training 8

Make recommendations for business improvement Understand the contents of a rigorous business case Identify how business requirements may be supported by IT systems

6.2. Requirements Engineering

Describe the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in the requirements engineering process Understand requirements elicitation techniques Document and prioritise requirements for an information system Explain the importance of linking requirements to the Business Case Understand the principles of requirements management and validation

7. Specialist Practitioner Modules What will I Learn? 7.1. Modelling Business Processes
Identify and model core business processes Analyse the tasks within a business process Identify applicable performance measures Identify managerial issues related to business processes Evaluate and improve business processes

7.2. Systems Modelling Techniques

Justify the need for IT systems modelling and modelling techniques Develop models of systems functionality Develop models of systems data Develop a dynamic model Evaluate models against business objectives and systems requirements and appreciate their interrelationships

Focus on Training

Tel: 0845 450 6120

Web: www.focus-on-training.co.uk

ITIL and PRINCE2 are Trade Marks of the Office of Government Commerce 2010 Focus on Training 9

7.3. Benefits Management & Business Acceptance

Structure a business case and explain the importance of alignment with business strategy Understand the different categories of benefit, and the benefit owners Develop appropriate test specifications and testing plans Plan for implementation of business change Review benefit achievement and assess potential for further benefits delivery

7.4. Systems Development Essentials

Interpret business requirements and produce systems requirements Quality assure systems requirements and design test cases Understand commonly used development lifecycles and be able to describe the detailed structure and activities of at least one Identify different architectures for systems development solutions Explain how CASE tools might be used to support the development methodology

8. Specialist Foundation Modules What will I Learn? 8.1. Organisational Context

Identify different types of business organisation Explain the advantages and disadvantages of different management structures Describe the role of key functions within organisations Interpret the key elements of the balance sheet and profit & loss account Apply investment appraisal, costing and cash flow forecasting techniques

Focus on Training

Tel: 0845 450 6120

Web: www.focus-on-training.co.uk

ITIL and PRINCE2 are Trade Marks of the Office of Government Commerce 2010 Focus on Training 10

8.2. Foundation in Business Analysis

An introduction to Business Analysis suitable for those intending to study the higher level BA courses or for those specialising in areas such as Systems Development Business system and business process modelling Requirements engineering Business case development Management of change

8.3. Foundation in IT enabled Business Change

Appreciate the processes and roles involved The inter relationship between IT and organisational effectiveness The principles of business change design Implementation processes and benefits management Modelling techniques to support effective IT enabled change

8.4. Foundation in IS Project Management

Characteristics of IS projects Project Lifecycles and Implementation Options Project Planning and control Quality, Estimating, & Risk Project Organisation and Communication

Visit the Focus website where you can browse and book accredited Business Analysis training throughout the UK
http://www.focus-on-training.co.uk/business-analysis-training/courses/skillarea/12/

Focus on Training

Tel: 0845 450 6120

Web: www.focus-on-training.co.uk

ITIL and PRINCE2 are Trade Marks of the Office of Government Commerce 2010 Focus on Training 11