*Knowledge Area (KA)<\/p>\n
Each KA contains tasks and each task has (a):<\/p>\n
- \n
- Purpose<\/li>\n
- Description<\/li>\n
- Inputs<\/li>\n
- Elements<\/li>\n
- Guidelines and Tools<\/li>\n
- Techniques<\/li>\n
- Stakeholders<\/li>\n
- Outputs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
By the way, there are 30 tasks.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s an \u201celement\u201d you ask? Great question! Elements are key concepts associated with the task; I personally call them \u201cconsiderations.\u201d They can be process steps, tools, characteristics of the task; in other words, \u201cstuff to consider\u201d when performing that task. Just to make things more fun, elements can belong to more than one task but mean different things given the specific task.<\/p>\n
The BABOK\u00ae also defines 11 different types of stakeholders who the business analyst may engage while performing the tasks (Business Analyst, oddly enough, is one of the eleven!).<\/p>\n
The entire content of the BABOK\u00ae is fair game for the exam (which is the focus of the next blog). In short, passing the CCBA\u00ae and CBAP\u00ae exams are dependent upon the test-taker\u2019s ability to apply the knowledge to scenarios and case studies. It\u2019s not enough to just regurgitate information; the emphasis is on applying the information. To that end, it\u2019s important to understand the terminology so \u201cwords\u201d don\u2019t act as an impediment to and potentially threaten your success! Note: The ECBA\u2122 exam is knowledge-based.<\/p>\n
I want to take a moment and call out the Business Analysis Core Concept Model\u2122 (BACCM\u2122). The BACCM\u2122 consists of six terms that have a common meaning to all business analysts (BAs). These concepts help BAs discuss business analysis approaches and activities in general in along with the relationships between the six concepts (using common terminology). The six concepts are listed below with their generic definitions; the definitions are \u201ccustomized\u201d for and within each Knowledge Area.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nThe BABOK\u00ae also differentiates between requirements and designs.<\/p>\n
- \n
- A requirement is a \u201cusable representation of a need.\u201d Do you remember the definition of a \u201cneed?\u201d See, you\u2019re already connecting the dots!<\/li>\n
- A design is a \u201cusable representation of a solution\u201d and focuses on understanding how value will be realized IF the solution is built. A design also helps the BA confirm and elicit more requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Also worthy of note: There is only ONE \u201cplan\u201d that is listed as an output; typically, plans are called \u201capproaches.\u201d<\/p>\n
As you can see, the BABOK\u00ae is jam-packed with the terminology the certification candidate will need to get under their belt! Language both reflects and shapes reality so understanding the terminology will help the exam candidate get into IIBA\u2019s head!<\/p>\n
The former principals of Watermark Learning, Elizabeth and Richard Larson, authored a desk reference entitled, \u201cHow to Talk BA\u201d which is available from Watermark Learning and most other book distributors. That publication is great to have within arm\u2019s reach for ready reference. Our certification prep course offerings and associated materials are written to demystify the BABOK\u00ae and help the exam candidate fluently \u201cspeak BA!\u201d The CBAP Certification Study Guide and Study Tables (v 3.0 for both) are provided to students who participate in our CCBA\/CBAP Certification Preparation course and are available for purchase through Watermark Learning and again, most other book distributors (Elizabeth and Richard Larson).<\/p>\n
We at Watermark Learning look forward to \u201ctalking BA\u201d with you soon!<\/p>\n