ISEB Business Analysis Training and Qualifications 1.07

Focus on Training Tel: 0845 450 6120 Web: www.focus-on-training.co.uk

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ISEB Business Analysis Training Qualifications and Training Explained




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IISSEEBB BBuussiinneessss AAnnaallyyssiiss TTrraaiinniinngg Business Analysis is where business management skills and IT systems skills meet.

It’s an important area for most organisations as their reliance on efficient processes and

systems increases. Individuals with the right blend of skills can make a major contribution to

effective use of resources and the delivery of high quality services.

The most widely recognised Business Analysis training and qualifications are accredited by

ISEB – the examination arm of the British Computer Society. This guide explains the ISEB

courses which are available and how the ISEB Business Analysis Diploma operates.

Prepared by:

Rex Gibson Development Director

Version 1.07 October 2010

About:

Focus on Training specialises in provision of Best Practice training within the

fields of IT Service Management and Project Management. A comprehensive

range of ITIL, ISEB, Microsoft, PRINCE2, and other training courses from leading

accredited training organisations can be booked at its website: www.focusprojects.co.uk/itsm

The ISEB is a division of the BCS offering qualifications which recognise the

skills of IT professionals. Exams and associated training are widely available and

providers are accredited to ensure high and consistent standards. www.iseb-exams.com

Rex Gibson leads the IT team at Focus. He has successfully executed major

business change and IT projects, and has managed international engineering

companies with significant IT dependency. [email protected]




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Contents

1. Why Business Analysis?

2. Becoming a Business Analyst

3. Why ISEB?

4. Training, Exams and Resources

5. FAQs

6. Core Modules – What will I Learn?

6.1. Business Analysis Essentials

6.2. Requirements Engineering

7. Specialist Practitioner Modules – What will I Learn?

7.1. Modelling Business Processes

7.2. Systems Modelling Techniques

7.3. Benefits Management & Business Acceptance

7.4. Systems Development Essentials

8. Specialist Foundation Modules – What will I Learn?

8.1. Organisational Context

8.2. Foundation in Business Analysis

8.3. Foundation in IT Enabled Business Change

8.4. Foundation in IS Project Management




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1. Why Business Analysis?

Successful organisations today understand how to integrate their IT systems and

broader business processes to deliver differentiated products and services to their

customers. At one level it may simply be about incremental quality improvement

and cost savings; it may also involve more profound business re-engineering to

support a step change in business model.

The skills to achieve this are complex and multidisciplinary. Twenty years ago the

“systems analyst” documented existing paper based processes and then automated

these through computerised systems. Today’s “business analysts” can be vital

agents for change. They help identify change needs; capture and communicate

requirements; evaluate and optimise business processes in line with organisational

objectives; ensure defined requirements are delivered by IT; and they support the

implementation process across different functional departments through to final

business acceptance.

2. Becoming a Business Analyst

The Business Analyst needs to build practical experience and formal training which

spans the above areas:

- Business objectives and processes including sales, operations and finance

- Information Systems analysis, design and deployment

- Communications




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Whilst most Business Analysts will have an IT background this is not strictly

necessary. Change managers, project managers and those with more general

business skills may well be positioned to enhance their understanding of the more

technical systems development and modelling skills. Moreover, it is increasingly

common for Business Analysts to be positioned outside of the IT department –

reflecting the pervasive and integral role of IT within today’s organisations. There

is also a strong and growing use of Business Analysts in consultancy and interim

management roles.

Few Business Analysts have started their career in this role. Most will have a

foundation in areas such as systems development, technical analysis, operational

research, quality improvement, or financial analysis. The usual requirement is for

individuals to extend best practice skills into a range of areas where they are less

proficient. This calls for practical and modular training rather than highly academic

input.

The range of courses developed by the ISEB meets this need – and the associated

exams provide independent validation of your capabilities.

3. Why ISEB?

The ISEB is the examination board of the British Computer Society and it specialises

in training and exams for IT professionals. ISEB exams cover 8 major IS areas –

and over 250,000 exams have been delivered globally.

Business Analysis and IS Consultancy is one of the most popular ISEB categories.

There are a series of short courses with exams which can be selected according to

training requirement.

Courses involve 2 to 4 days of training and an exam can be taken – either as part of

the course or at a separate session later. The benefit of this modular approach is:

- Flexibility to concentrate on the topics you require

- Training inputs run alongside your work based experience

- Each module provides a well regarded certification

Those pursuing a career as a Business Analyst are likely to seek the ISEB Business

Analysis Diploma. This requires completion of 2 core modules and 2 specialist

options. The compulsory courses are Business Analysis Essentials and

Requirements Engineering. The specialist modules are divided into two groups and

candidates choose one from each. Candidates will then sit an oral exam with the

ISEB which tests their ability to communicate effectively and to apply knowledge to

their own work environment.




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A change in the structure of the Business Analysis Diploma was introduced in

November 2009. This need not impact anyone who started studying for the

qualification before this date. The new structure means that the Organisational

Context course is no longer compulsory – and there are more specialist options.

Delegates who already hold the CBAP qualification from the International Institute of Business Analysis need only take Business Analysis Essentials and one Practitioner

Specialism.

4. Training, Exams and Resources

Training is delivered by specialist providers who have been accredited by the ISEB.

The courses are delivered in a conventional instructor led classroom environment.

Both public scheduled and company specific on-site training is available. Focus

offers ISEB Business Analysis training from most of the UK’s accredited trainers,

enabling you to find and book the course most convenient for you.

Sections 6 and 7 of this paper provide an overview of each of the Business Analysis

modular courses.

ISEB Accreditation for Business Analysis allows training providers

flexibility in the style of course materials and course formats. Call Focus if

you are looking for advice on which course is likely to be most suitable.




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There is a one hour open book exam associated with each course. The exams are

based on a business scenario and 15 minutes reading time is allowed. The pass

mark for these written exams is 50%.

[The knowledge based Foundation courses involve a one hour closed book multiple

choice exam with pass mark of 65%.]

The oral exam for the Diploma is arranged directly with the ISEB. It comprises a 50

minute session, conducted by 2 examiners. The oral exam must be taken no later

than 12 months after notification of the final modular exam result.

The courses do not use a definitive manual but you will receive copies of course

materials. In addition, the ISEB has a recommended reading list for each course

which is available on their website. The following book provides a useful

introductory guide providing workable skills and techniques, underpinned with

academic theory.

Business Analysis

Editors: D. Paul and D. Yeates

Publication Date: July 2010

Publisher: BCS

ISBN: 978-1-902505-70-1

http://books.focus-on-training.co.uk/catalog/browse.asp?id=160150

5. FAQs

Do I need to pass multiple exams to obtain my Certificate?

No. Each module provides its own ISEB certification. It is only if you want the

ISEB Diploma in Business Analysis that you need to pass four modules and sit the

oral exam.

Which order should I take the modules?

It is not essential to take the modules in a given order. Most people prefer to take

Business Analysis Essentials or Requirements Engineering first since they deliver

very practical skills and help provide a framework for broader understanding of

Business Analysis.

Why is there a Foundation AND an Essentials Course?

The Foundation is a good starting point for those with little background in Business

Analysis. Under the latest qualification structure, it does count towards the

Diploma as a “specialist” option. It is not a substitute for the Business Analysis

Essentials course which is a more advanced course addressing strategic business

issues.




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Are there fast track routes to obtaining the ISEB Diploma?

Yes. Focus offers a 10 day residential course which covers all 4 modules and the

price includes the exam fees for the four written exams. We also have a 5 day

course which covers the requirements and exams for both Business Analysis

Essentials and Requirements Engineering. And there are regular opportunities to

take all four certificates in two successive weeks on non residential courses in

London.

Is it cheaper to book a package of courses to obtain the Diploma?

Yes. You will significantly reduce the cost of your training and exams if you are

able to book and pay for a series of modular courses in advance. The package price,

course dates and scope will vary by provider. Contact Focus on enquiries@focus-on-

training.co.uk to find out what options are available.

Why does the course duration differ for the same modular course?

The ISEB recommends a minimum number of hours training for a given syllabus but

it is up to training providers to set the course length according to the needs of

delegates. This means that course durations vary; the course content will be

consistent and we recommend that if you have a choice, you select according to

your confidence level in the subject matter.

When is the exam taken?

The exam is often taken on the final day of the course. There are however some

trainers who prefer to arrange the exam as a separate event a few weeks after the

classroom training. Check the course details on the Focus website.

Is the exam fee included in the price of a course?

Take care. Trainers will often present the exam as an optional extra. Because we

find that nearly all our delegates wish to sit the exam Focus prices include the exam

fee (except where the exam is arranged as a separate event).

Are there any pre-requisites?

There are no absolute pre-requisites for the Business Analysis courses but the Focus

website will indicate the target audience for which the training is most suited. To

obtain the Diploma it is necessary to attend the ISEB oral exam within 12 months

of completing the 4 required modules.

Do previous version ISEB Certificates count towards the Diploma?

They may do. The ISEB publishes an equivalence chart on its website. For

example, “Business Organisation” will serve as an alternative to the current

“Organisational Context” module.

6. Core Modules – What will I Learn?

6.1. Business Analysis Essentials

Demonstrate understanding of business strategy and strategic

analysis techniques

Explain techniques to investigate an organisation’s business systems




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Make recommendations for business improvement

Understand the contents of a rigorous business case

Identify how business requirements may be supported by IT systems

6.2. Requirements Engineering

Describe the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in the

requirements engineering process

Understand requirements elicitation techniques

Document and prioritise requirements for an information system

Explain the importance of linking requirements to the Business Case

Understand the principles of requirements management and

validation

7. Specialist Practitioner Modules – What will I Learn?

7.1. Modelling Business Processes

Identify and model core business processes

Analyse the tasks within a business process

Identify applicable performance measures

Identify managerial issues related to business processes

Evaluate and improve business processes

7.2. Systems Modelling Techniques

Justify the need for IT systems modelling and modelling techniques

Develop models of systems functionality

Develop models of systems data

Develop a dynamic model

Evaluate models against business objectives and systems

requirements and appreciate their interrelationships




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7.3. Benefits Management & Business Acceptance

Structure a business case and explain the importance of alignment

with business strategy

Understand the different categories of benefit, and the benefit

owners

Develop appropriate test specifications and testing plans

Plan for implementation of business change

Review benefit achievement and assess potential for further benefits

delivery

7.4. Systems Development Essentials

Interpret business requirements and produce systems requirements

Quality assure systems requirements and design test cases

Understand commonly used development lifecycles and be able to

describe the detailed structure and activities of at least one

Identify different architectures for systems development solutions

Explain how CASE tools might be used to support the development

methodology

8. Specialist Foundation Modules – What will I Learn?

8.1. Organisational Context

Identify different types of business organisation

Explain the advantages and disadvantages of different management

structures

Describe the role of key functions within organisations

Interpret the key elements of the balance sheet and profit & loss

account

Apply investment appraisal, costing and cash flow forecasting

techniques




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8.2. Foundation in Business Analysis

An introduction to Business Analysis suitable for those intending to

study the higher level BA courses – or for those specialising in areas

such as Systems Development

Business system and business process modelling

Requirements engineering

Business case development

Management of change

8.3. Foundation in IT enabled Business Change

Appreciate the processes and roles involved

The inter relationship between IT and organisational effectiveness

The principles of business change design

Implementation processes and benefits management

Modelling techniques to support effective IT enabled change

8.4. Foundation in IS Project Management

Characteristics of IS projects

Project Lifecycles and Implementation Options

Project Planning and control

Quality, Estimating, & Risk

Project Organisation and Communication

Visit the Focus website where you can browse and book accredited Business Analysis training throughout the UK http://www.focus-on-training.co.uk/business-analysis-training/courses/skillarea/12/

Documents

ISEB Business Analysis Training and Qualifications 1.07