Overview
What do Business Analysts do? What skills and competencies do they require to do their role? This 4-day Foundation level course provides delegates with an overview of the role of the Business Analyst who acts as the link between business needs, stakeholders and IT within change initiatives.
The 4-day course provides an introduction to Business Analysis using examples and exercises based on a simple case study. You will have the opportunity to build your knowledge through group exercises and consider the tools and techniques available to Business Analysts to assist them in their role.
At the end of the course you may sit a multiple-choice examination to obtain the BCS Business Analysis Foundation Certificate. This qualification provides a foundation to the BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis and covers the knowledge-based element of the qualification.
This course is ideal for those wishing to explore the range of Business Analysis tools and techniques, as well as receive an industry recognised certification.
Prerequisites
No experience required so this course is perfect for anyone new to Business Analysis or anyone wishing to understand the role better (we also offer a faster-paced 3-day version of the same course - this is more suitable for those already having completed courses in the Diploma stream and/or those with some experience)
Pre-course reading completed
Ability to commit to some homework (reading and revision) per night during the course (approx. 1 hour per evening)
Pre-course reading
Delegates will be provided with pre-course reading prior to attending the course. If you have not received your pre-reading material within one week of the start of your course, please contact your Account Manager or info@qa.com.
Photographic Identification
If you are taking the BCS exam you must bring photographic identification with you (passport, driving license or student card), as it is a BCS requirement to produce it for the invigilator prior to the exam. Failure to produce a valid form of photographic identification will result in a candidate not being able to sit the exam. For any questions about what form of identification is acceptable please contact your Account Manager or the QA Examination Administration team on 44 (0)1793 696273.
BCS Reasonable Adjustments policy
BCS allow additional time for candidates who have a disability or whose native language differs to that of the examination paper. Full details are provided in the BCS Reasonable Adjustments Policy which is available to view on the BCS website. If you believe you qualify for this then please notify the Exam Administration team on the details below as early as possible. At least two weeks' notice will be required for processing this request. Delegates failing to advise QA and provide evidence when requested, may not be allowed the additional support offered via the BCS policy. QA Exam Administration can be contacted by email exam.admin@qa.com or by phone +44(0) 1793 696162.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course you will be able to:
- Recognise the skills and competencies required of the business analyst
- Describe how a business strategy is developed, analysed and implemented
- Adopt a business analysis process model approach to change initiatives
- Consider the perspectives of key individuals who will be affected or are interested in the change project and document their views
- Use techniques for the analysis and modelling of business systems
- Use techniques to elicit, analyse, model, validate, document and manage requirements
- Describe the contents of a business case which would be used to justify a project
Course Outline
Day One:
- Introduction to Business Analysis
- The role of the Business Analyst - Skills and Competencies Introducing Strategy Analysis
- Introducing the Business Analysis Process Model
- Investigation Techniques
Day Two:
- Investigation Techniques (cont.)
- Stakeholder Analysis and Management
- Modelling Business Processes
Day Three
- Defining the Solution
- Making a Business and Financial Case
- Establishing the Requirements
- Documenting and Managing Requirements
Day Four:
- Modelling Requirements
- Delivering the Requirements
- Delivering the Business Solution Exam
Examinations
BCS Business Analysis Foundation Exam (One Hour Multiple Choice)
QA reserves the right to improve the specification and format of its courses for the benefit of its customers without notice to the customer.
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting (more details in the link below) to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.