Business Analysis Techniques

Description

You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for a comprehensive review of the book, Business Analysis Techniques: 99 Essential Tools for Success.

About the Book

This book describes 99 business analysis techniques and explains the context in which they are used within a business analysis effort. Each of these techniques are specific “tools” that can applied at various stages of a project life cycle.

There are 7 chapters: Business Strategy and Objectives, Investigate Situation, Consider Perspectives, Analyse Needs, Evaluate Options, Define Requirements and Manage Change.

Each chapter represents a stage in the business analysis process which are further divided into logical sections. Within each of the logical sections the relevant business analysis techniques are described.

In addition to showing how the various techniques fit within business analysis process the book is designed to serve as quick reference. For example you may have heard of MoSCoW prioritisation technique but need a reminder of how it works. Supported by examples and diagrams, Business Analysis Techniques: 99 Essential Tools for Success can be used as a quick reference guide for each business analysis technique.

The Negatives

From reading reviews and forums, here are the negative things other business analysts have said about this book.

• There’s no integrated case study.
• The techniques covered in the Define Requirements chapter are better served in other requirements books.
• The ‘Glossary’ technique is missing altogether.
• The book is good at describing the business analysis techniques at a high level but does not go into the finer detail required to understand and implement the techniques.

The Positives

• Here are the positive things that business analysts are saying about the book.
• Each technique is carefully explained with the help of diagrams and practical examples.
• Great book for a quick reference. Full of techniques and tools for business analysis. A must for anyone who is looking for quick and concise book.
• It’s excellent for describing business and change orientated techniques.
• A great book to keep at your desk. It acts as a great reminder about some of the useful techniques available.

Overall, What Do I Think?

I agree that the detail is “light weight” and that’s a negative for me too. This means that sometimes I have to further research a technique in other books or on-line.

However considering the amount of techniques covered this book, it is by far the best out there for business analysis tools and techniques.

The material is presented clearly, it’s very easy to follow and it makes an excellent memory jogger.

It contains good examples with diagrams which helps me understand each step of the business analysis process.

I highly recommend Business Analysis Techniques: 99 Essential Tools for Success to any business analyst.