March 6, 2007

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

Level: Intermediate

Many organizations are formalizing the role of the Business Analyst. The IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis) is a professional organization for Business Analysts. How does the emergence of this role impact data architects and data base administrators? How do Business Analysts work with Data Architects and DBAs? Business Analysts without any technology/data experience must be trained, not only about how to document data requirements, but more importantly, to understand why data requirements are so important. Project teams must be reconfigured to make the best use of this new role. Business Analysts are much more valuable to the team when they have learned how to gather, analyze, organize, and document data requirements. They need standard formats for documenting data and communicating the data needs to the solution developers. Business Analysts have outstanding communication and analytical skills that if properly utilized increase the success of most application development projects.

• The emerging role of the Business Analyst
• How the Business Analyst fits with other project team roles
• Similarities and differences in skills of Business Analysts versus Data Architects
• Leveraging the skills of the Business Analyst
• Recommended templates for Business Analysts to document data requirements

Barbara Carkenord is the President of B2T Training and has been involved with Business Analysis for more than 20 years. Barbara earned her M.B.A from the University of Michigan and her B.A. (Professional Management) from Albion College. She has spoken at many industry conferences on topics relating to business and data analysis. Barbara began her career in the Information Technology area as a Programmer, Systems Analyst, Business Analyst, and Project Manager. She possesses detailed knowledge and experience in many structured approaches and methodologies. She developed most of the B2T Training course materials, in conjunction with our training staff. Her experience covers many industries including insurance, banking, and manufacturing.