RECENT NEWS:

In the article, Business Analysts: Role Changes Require New Skill Sets published on July 28, 2009, author Thomas Wailgum, CIO.com, talks about the shifting skill set that today's BA needs to succeed. This is based on research conducted by Forrester Research and The International Institute of Business Analysis. Research suggests a rise in Agile Methodologies and Lean concepts. Check out the article to find out more!

Thomas Wailgum, CIO.com, reported earlier this year in April Why Business Analysts Are So Important for IT and CIOs Wailgum references the Forrester report as it sheds light on the BA’s critical liaison role that unites business and IT.
ARCHIVED NEWS:

Published in the online Data Administrator Newsletter in November of 2007 Stephan Streitberger addresses successful business practices as a guideline for Business Analysts in his article, Business Analysis: A Guide to Better Business Requirements

Stephan Streitberger wrote an earlier article in April of 2007, also published in TDAN.com entitled, Business Analysis: A Guide to Aligning IT & Business Strategy. In this article Streitberger discusses the problems that arise with the development approach and some strategies for resolution.

Michael Hugos, Computer World, wrote the article entitled, The Rise of the Business Analyst – Again. This piece takes a look at the importance of the BA's role, published February 2007.

BABOK TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION:

The BABOK stands for the Business Analyst Body of Knowledge and it is a reference guide for Business Analysts that includes current best practices. It was first published in 2005 by the International Institute of Business Analysis and it continues to be reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the field. The IIBA developed a certification that can be obtained by Business Analyst professionals called the CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional). The certification is obtained by exhibiting knowledge in the area of Business Analysis, completing the application process, and passing a 3 hour exam of 150 questions, which is based on the BABOK. Click here for the official IIBA certification page.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES:

October 19 – October 22 in Boston at Project Summit & BusinessAnalystWorld: Boston

METHODOLOGIES:

According to recent studies there is a rise in the use of Agile Methodologies in Software Development projects. Click here to learn more about Agile.

LINKS:

Are you interested in sharpening your MS office skills? Microsoft offers training videos on their website including the most recent MS Office 2007 Suite of Products, such as PowerPoint, Project, and Visio. Click here to start learning!

SQL is a hot skill that many companies require now for BAs. Check out this SQL tutorial makes it easy to understand and even has an online SQL interpreter so you can practice what you’re learning!