March 4, 2009

Rethinking the Roleof the Business Analyst

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 2

AGENDA

• Shaw’s quest for agility• Current state• The topic at hand• Business analyst challenges• The evolution of the business analyst• Open discussion

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 3

Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst

Credit: Titan Quest Iron Lore Entertainment

Shaw’s quest for agility…

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 4

Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst

Credit: imapix – flickr.com

Need to quickly adapt to change

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 5Credit: Philippe-Sainte-Laudy – flickr.com

Our projects needed to improve:• Delivering on budget

• Delivering on time

• Meeting customer expectations

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 6Credit: radio-rover – flickr.com

Need to turn on a dime

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 7Credit: Orodreth_99 – flickr.com

…better, faster, cheaper and more fun!

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 8

The BIG BANG! Approach:• “We will be Agile by…”• Agile training offered to teams• Theoretical vs. applied• Intent was correct but we rushed to adopt

Credit: mark chadwick art – flickr.com

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 9

Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst

Good Practice ≠ Success

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 10Credit: santiMB –

fli k

How does the Business Analyst fit into the agile world?

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 11

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 12

Here’s what we know• Analysis

• Lightweight requirements

• Consideration of user goals & objectives

• User acceptance

• Essential documentation only

• Business engagement

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 13Credit: regolare – flickr.com

The ultimate goal: working software!!

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 14Credit: Titan Quest Iron Lore Entertainment

Business Analyst Challenges

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 15Credit: liel-bomberg – flickr.com

Broad focus instead of deep dive

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 16Credit: Sw33t-Fr3ak –

fli k

The “Minute Takers”

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 17Credit: blmurch – flickr.com

Subject Matter Expert trap

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 18Credit: Carsten Knoch– flickr.com

Engagement with other team members

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 19

March 4, 2009

Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst

1March 4, 2009 Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 19

So what’s next for the Analyst?

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 20

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 21

March 4, 2009

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 22Credit: NoNo-Joe – Flickr.com

Business Advocate? Architect?

Credit: Alexander Drachamann– flickr.com

March 4, 2009 | Rethinking the Role of the Business Analyst 24

Thank You!

Practice Leadership TeamHeather Karp - Practice Leader, Business AnalystRam Swaminathan - Practice Leader, DevelopmentDavid Cranstone - Practice Leader, Quality AssuranceChad Fournier - Practice Leader, User Experience