Overview

Implementing Business Analysis (BA) in organizations needs to be a planned and organized project. It consists of three phases with each one having many sub steps. Phase 1 determines the organizational target and primary group that will be primarily responsible for BA and who will be given initial training in the skills and knowledge needed to implement BA including Quality and Continuous Improvement methods. Phase 2 consists of training the personnel and in Phase 3 BA begins to be applied.

 

Phase 1: Determination of the organizational target and primary group

The first question that needs to be answered is what does BA mean in the organization? The answer needs to come from executive vision. Without high level vision and support, no BA effort will survive. Next, a determination of who the BA group will be and where they will “live” needs to be decided. It is usually a good idea to place the BA group in an area of the organization that easily reaches all components and reports to a senior executive.

 

Phase 2: Training

The training phase essentially needs to consist of a core curriculum and additional training as necessary. Although actual training needs vary from organization to organization, we have found that three basic types of training are needed. First is an orientation or awareness program that introduces the concepts of BA. Second is a skills building program(s) that enables members to collect, analyze data and apply quantitative measures to requirements and work processes and to create improvement. Third is a program that helps clarify new roles and expectations and provides the essential tools and techniques for re-engineering in a more supportive and participative environment.

 

Training delivery should begin with senior managers and cascade down throughout the organization. It is strongly suggested that the training be provided to intact work groups. This approach allows them to discuss their own unit's mission, improvement opportunities, and any barriers that might impede their progress. An example of possible training follows:

 

Orientation Training

The Orientation Training could consist of half day sessions and introduces participants to the BA process. This training will assure an understanding of the organization's mission, vision, values, and objectives relating to BA. Participants will form an understanding of their roles in contributing to on-going process improvement. Next, orientation explains the background and concepts of BA, the state of BA and why the company is investing in BA. A final objective of the orientation is that employees will know both what is expected of them and what they can expect.