IIBA CBAP Certified Business Analysis Professional Exam Practice Test

 Informal communication is a type of communication that is spontaneous, casual, and unstructured. It can be useful for building rapport, trust, and collaboration among the business analysis team and the stakeholders. However, it can also pose some risks and challenges for the business analysis process. One of the dangers that Holly may experience with informal communication is that stakeholders may miss information and the requirements could become ambiguous. This is because informal communication is often not documented, verified, or validated. It may also lack clarity, consistency, and completeness. As a result, stakeholders may have different or conflicting understandings of the requirements, the solution scope, and other concerns. This can lead to errors, rework, delays, and dissatisfaction in the project. Therefore, Holly should balance informal communication with formal communication, which is a type of communication that is planned, structured, and documented. Formal communication can help to ensure the accuracy, quality, and traceability of the requirements and the solution. It can also help to communicate the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the stakeholders and the business analyst. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 4: Elicitation and Collaboration, page 169-170.

Formal & Informal Business Communication | Bizfluent, paragraph 3

Analysis of Informal Communication Networks – A Case Study | Business …, paragraph 2

8.3 Glance at Genre: Informal and Formal Analytical Reports, paragraph 1

 Verify scope is a process to determine the completeness of the project work and to gain the customer’s acceptance to move the project forward. Verify scope involves reviewing the deliverables and comparing them with the requirements and the scope baseline. It also involves obtaining the formal acceptance of the deliverables from the customer or sponsor. Verify scope helps to ensure that the project meets the expectations and needs of the customer or sponsor, and to avoid scope creep or rework12. Phase gate review is a process to evaluate the progress and performance of the project at predefined points or milestones. Phase gate review involves assessing the deliverables, risks, issues, and resources of the project against the criteria and objectives of each phase. It also involves deciding whether to continue, terminate, or modify the project. Phase gate review helps to ensure that the project is aligned with the business strategy and value, and to control the quality and scope of the project13. Inspection of key results is a process to measure and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the project work and deliverables. Inspection of key results involves checking the work and deliverables for defects, errors, or deviations from the standards and specifications. It also involves identifying and implementing corrective actions to improve the quality and effectiveness of the work and deliverables. Inspection of key results helps to ensure that the project meets the quality requirements and standards, and to prevent or reduce the cost of poor quality14. Quality control is a process to monitor and control the quality of the project work and deliverables. Quality control involves performing quality audits, inspections, tests, and measurements to verify that the work and deliverables conform to the quality requirements and standards. It also involves identifying and implementing quality improvements to enhance the quality of the work and deliverables. Quality control helps to ensure that the project satisfies the customer or sponsor expectations and needs, and to increase the customer or sponsor satisfaction1 . References: CBAP® Handbook, CBAP® Exam Prep Study Guide, Project Management Institute, Inspection of Key Results - iiba.org, [Quality Control - iiba.org]

Risky requirements are those that have a high probability of causing problems or failures in the project. By addressing them early in the prioritization, the project team can identify and resolve any issues before they affect the rest of the requirements or the project deliverables. This way, the project can avoid rework, delays, and cost overruns that may result from risky requirements. References: CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, Chapter 6: Requirements Analysis, page 203. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®) Handbook, page 6.

Categorizing and ranking requirements is a technique of prioritizing requirements based on multiple criteria and dimensions. Categorizing requirements by type of work can help to group the requirements that have similar characteristics, such as functional, non-functional, technical, or business requirements. Ranking requirements within each category by ease of implementation to difficulty of implementation can help to determine the effort, time, and resources needed to implement the requirements, as well as the potential risks and dependencies. This approach can help Zoe to plan the solution delivery and to balance the scope, quality, cost, and schedule of the project. References: BABOK Guide v3, page 52; CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, page 160.

 An assumption is a factor that is considered to be true, real, or certain for the purpose of planning, analysis, or evaluation, without having absolute proof or evidence. Assumptions are made when there is uncertainty or ambiguity about the future state of the organization or the solution. Assumptions can affect the feasibility, viability, and desirability of the solution, as well as the risks and benefits associated with it. The business analyst must document the assumptions and their characteristics and risks, in case they prove to be invalid or inaccurate, and impact the solution performance or outcome. References: BABOK Guide v3, page 36; CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, page 74.

A feasibility study is a type of document that evaluates the potential solution alternatives and their expected benefits, costs, risks, and impacts on the organization and its stakeholders. A feasibility study also provides data and statistics to support the analysis and recommendations. A feasibility study helps the decision makers to select the most viable and beneficial solution for the business need.

References:

CBAP Handbook, page 10, section 3.4.2.3

BABOK Guide, page 100, section 6.1.5.2

 According to the BABOK® Guide, one of the tasks of defining the business need is to review the requirements stated documentation and ensure that it reflects the actual business requirements, not a description of the solutions. This is important because the business need should be based on the underlying problem or opportunity, not on a predetermined solution. The other options are not relevant to this task. References: BABOK® Guide, v3, p. 30; CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, p. 36.

 Business goals and objectives are the desired outcomes that the organization wants to achieve through the project. They are not the same as the solution requirements, which describe the features and functions of the solution. Business goals and objectives are also not the same as the project scope, which describes the work that needs to be done to deliver the solution. Business goals and objectives are the ends, not the means, of the project. References:

IIBA BABOK Guide, section 5.1.1, page 97

CBAP/CCBA Study Guide, chapter 5, page 217

According to the BABOK Guide, the business analyst must ensure that any information captured on a whiteboard or other temporary medium is transferred to a more permanent medium before it is lost or erased. This is part of the documentation and communication of the elicitation results. The other options are not required by the BABOK Guide, though they may be useful in some situations. References: BABOK Guide, Version 3, Section 4.4.6, p. 121; Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) Handbook, p. 6.

 Work performance information is the input of Monitor and Control Risks that acquires information from performance measurements and evaluates it to provide variance analysis and forecasting. Work performance information includes information such as the status of deliverables, implementation status for change requests, and forecasted estimates to complete. This information helps the business analyst to monitor and control the risks associated with the project and the solution. References: BABOK® Guide, p. 116; Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) | Coursera, Course 3, Week 2, Video: “Risk Analysis and Management”

Risk identification is a process that can start with the source of problems or with the problem itself. Risk identification is the process of determining the risks that may affect the project or the solution, and documenting their characteristics. Risk identification can be performed by analyzing the sources of risks, such as the project environment, the stakeholders, the requirements, the assumptions, the constraints, or the dependencies. Risk identification can also be performed by analyzing the problems or issues that may arise during the project or the solution, such as the gaps, conflicts, ambiguities, uncertainties, or changes. Risk identification helps to create a list of potential risks and their causes, impacts, and probabilities for further analysis and response planning12. Risk estimation is a process that follows risk identification. Risk estimation is the process of assessing the likelihood and impact of the identified risks, and prioritizing them according to their severity. Risk estimation helps to quantify the level of risk exposure and the expected value of the risk for decision making12. Risk analysis is a process that follows risk estimation. Risk analysis is the process of evaluating the identified and prioritized risks, and determining the appropriate responses to them. Risk analysis helps to develop strategies and actions to avoid, reduce, transfer, or accept the risks, and to allocate resources and contingency reserves for risk management12. Risk management is a process that encompasses risk identification, risk estimation, risk analysis, and risk monitoring and control. Risk management is the process of planning, identifying, analyzing, responding to, and monitoring and controlling the risks throughout the project or the solution lifecycle. Risk management helps to minimize the negative effects and maximize the positive opportunities of the risks, and to ensure the project or the solution objectives are met12. References: CBAP® Handbook, CBAP® Exam Prep Study Guide

The prepare for elicitation process is a technique to understand the scope of the elicitation activity, select appropriate techniques, and plan for (or procure) appropriate supporting materials and resources. The inputs for this process are the following12:

Stakeholder list: This is the identification and description of the individuals and groups who have an interest or influence in the project. It defines their roles, responsibilities, expectations, and level of involvement in the elicitation activity.

Business need: This is the problem or opportunity that the project intends to address. It provides the context and rationale for the elicitation activity and helps to define the scope and objectives of the project.

Solution scope: This is the set of capabilities and features that a solution must deliver in order to meet the business need. It defines the boundaries and assumptions of the project and helps to identify the stakeholders and sources of information for the elicitation activity.

Stakeholder concerns are not an input, but an output of the prepare for elicitation process. They are the issues or questions that the stakeholders have regarding the project or the solution. They are used as an input for the conduct elicitation process, where they are addressed or answered during the elicitation activity. References: Prepare for Elicitation - iiba.org, Preparing for elicitation – The Functional BA

 The solution development team is appearing to change the prioritization of the requirements based on overstated complexity of the project work. This means that they are exaggerating the difficulty and effort involved in implementing a certain portion of the requirements, in order to lower their priority or avoid doing them altogether. This may indicate that the team does not want to implement those requirements for some reason, such as lack of interest, skills, resources, or alignment with the solution vision. This may also result in a loss of trust and collaboration between the business analyst and the solution development team, and a compromise of the quality and value of the solution.

The other options are not correct. A. Changing the prioritization of the requirements based on the past project is not what the solution development team is appearing to do, as they are insisting that this is a different type of requirements than the previous project. C. Getting the requirements removed from the project scope is not what the solution development team is appearing to do, as they are not explicitly asking for that, but rather expressing the difficulty of the requirements. D. Having the business analyst report the difficulty of the project work to the project customer is not what the solution development team is appearing to do, as they are not suggesting that, but rather complaining about the complexity of the project work. References:

Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) Certification Study Guide, page 131, section 4.2.3 Requirements Prioritization

Prioritizing Requirements - IIBA®

How to Prioritize Requirements: Techniques, Tools, and Examples

 A process configuration is a type of flowchart that shows all the processes and the interfaces that interact with the project processes. A process configuration provides a visual overview of the project scope, boundaries, inputs, outputs, and dependencies. It helps the business analyst to understand the project context, identify the stakeholders, and define the requirements. A process configuration is different from a Pareto chart, which is a type of chart that shows the frequency and impact of problems or issues in a process. A Pareto chart helps the business analyst to prioritize the problems or issues and focus on the most significant ones. A process configuration is also different from a control chart, which is a type of chart that shows the variation and performance of a process over time. A control chart helps the business analyst to monitor and control the process quality and identify the causes of variation. A process configuration is not a quality baseline, which is a document that defines the quality standards and criteria for the project or the solution. A quality baseline helps the business analyst to measure and evaluate the quality of the requirements and the solution. A process configuration is not a RACI chart, which is a type of matrix that shows the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders in a project or a process. A RACI chart helps the business analyst to clarify the expectations and accountabilities of the stakeholders and improve the communication and collaboration among them. References:

[CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition], Chapter 6: Enterprise Analysis, page 217-218.

Business Analysis: Key Definitions & Strategy Analysis, paragraph 3

Business Analysis: Process Modeling, paragraph 1

Process Configuration - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics, paragraph 1

Process Configuration - Project Management Knowledge, paragraph 1

 A requirements management plan is a business analysis plan that defines and describes the process to be followed in managing the solution scope and requirements. It includes the following items12:

The requirements structure and traceability

The requirements prioritization and approval process

The requirements change control process

The requirements communication and reporting process

The requirements validation and verification process

The requirements configuration management process

The requirements reuse and disposal process

A requirements management plan is an important component of the business analysis plan, as it helps to ensure that the requirements are aligned with the business needs and objectives, and that they are delivered and maintained in a consistent and effective way. References:

Requirements Management Plan - IIBA®

Requirements Management Plan Template

The future value of the requirements is not a factor that will help with the decision analysis approach to the requirements prioritization process. The future value of the requirements is the expected benefit or return that the requirements will provide in the long term, which may depend on various assumptions and uncertainties. The future value of the requirements is not a reliable or objective criterion for comparing and selecting the best decision for the requirements outcome.

The other three factors are essential for the decision analysis approach to the requirements prioritization process. The values, goals, and objectives that are relevant to the requirements are the desired outcomes and criteria that the stakeholders want to achieve or satisfy with the solution. The consequences of each possible decision are the impacts and risks that each option will have on the organization and its stakeholders. The nature of the decision that must be made is the type and complexity of the decision, such as whether it is strategic, operational, or tactical, and whether it involves multiple alternatives, trade-offs, or uncertainties. These factors help the business analyst to evaluate and compare the options and to select the best one that maximizes the value and minimizes the risk of the solution. References:

BABOK® Guide, p. 66-67

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, p. 133

Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) | Coursera, Course 1, Week 2, Video: “Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring”

 A business case is a document that provides justification for undertaking a project, programme or portfolio. It evaluates the benefit, cost and risk of alternative options and provides a rationale for the preferred solution. The purpose of the business case is to communicate the value of the solution to the organization and help the decision-makers decide whether to approve the project or not. The business case should include the following elements:

Executive summary: A brief overview of the problem, opportunity, solution, benefits, costs, risks and recommendations.

Introduction: A description of the background, context, scope and objectives of the project.

Analysis: A detailed analysis of the current state, future state, gap, options, criteria, assumptions and constraints.

Evaluation: A comparison of the options based on the criteria, such as financial, strategic, operational, technical, social and environmental factors.

Recommendation: A clear statement of the preferred option and the reasons for choosing it over the others.

Implementation: A description of the implementation plan, including the schedule, resources, roles, responsibilities, governance, change management and risk management.

Appendices: Any supporting information, such as data, calculations, charts, diagrams, references, etc.

References:

Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) Guide, Version 3, Chapter 3: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring, Section 3.4: Plan Business Analysis Approach, Task 3.4.3: Define Business Analysis Process, Technique 3.4.3.1: Decision Analysis, p. 66-67.

What is business case? | APM

How to Write a Business Case: Template & Examples | Adobe Workfront

The requirements management plan is a document that describes how the requirements will be elicited, analyzed, documented, validated, and managed throughout the project. The requirements management plan also defines the criteria and process for prioritizing the requirements, based on factors such as value, risk, urgency, dependency, and stakeholder preference. The requirements management plan guides the business analyst through the process of prioritizing the requirements and ensuring that they are aligned with the project objectives and the stakeholder needs. References: BABOK Guide v3, page 36; CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, page 74.

 The project manager is the stakeholder who is responsible for assessing the solution scope to determine the project scope. The solution scope defines the features and functions of the product or service that will meet the business needs and requirements. The project scope defines the work that needs to be done to deliver the solution. The project manager is the person who plans, executes, monitors, and controls the project activities, and ensures that the project scope is aligned with the solution scope, the project objectives, and the stakeholder expectations. References: BABOK Guide v3, page 36; CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, page 74.

A change log is a tool that helps to manage and monitor the changes that affect the requirements, the solution, or the project. A change log tracks all characteristics and status of changes that have been received, such as the source, description, priority, impact, approval, and resolution of the changes. A change log can help to ensure that the changes are properly documented, communicated, and controlled, and that they are aligned with the stakeholder needs and expectations. References: BABOK Guide v3, page 54; CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, page 161.

Decision analysis is not an input, but a technique that can be used to assess proposed solutions. Decision analysis involves evaluating the feasibility, benefits, risks, and impacts of various solution options and selecting the best one based on predefined criteria and stakeholder preferences. The inputs for the assess proposed solution process are requirements, assumptions and constraints, and solution options. Requirements are the desired capabilities and conditions of the solution. Assumptions and constraints are the factors that affect the solution design and implementation. Solution options are the alternative ways to meet the requirements within the assumptions and constraints. References:

BABOK® Guide, p. 121-122

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, p. 295-296

Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) | Coursera, Course 2, Week 4, Video: “Assess Proposed Solution”

Brainstorming is a technique to generate a large number of ideas or options for a problem or opportunity in a short time. It involves a group of stakeholders who share their thoughts and suggestions without criticism or evaluation. Brainstorming helps to identify options, factors, delays, and ideas for a solution by encouraging creativity, diversity, and collaboration. Benchmarking is a technique to compare the current state of a process, product, or service with a desired or best practice state. It involves identifying the performance indicators, standards, and targets for improvement. Benchmarking helps to identify gaps, opportunities, and best practices for a solution by providing a reference point or a baseline. Data flow diagrams are a technique to model the flow of data and information through a system or process. They involve identifying the sources, destinations, processes, and stores of data and information, and the relationships among them. Data flow diagrams help to identify inputs, outputs, transformations, and storage of data and information for a solution by providing a visual representation of the system or process. Business rules analysis is a technique to identify, express, validate, refine, and organize the rules that shape day-to-day business behavior and guide operational business decision making. Business rules are specific, actionable, testable directives that support a business policy. Business rules analysis helps to identify rules, policies, decisions, and constraints for a solution by providing a clear, consistent, and separated expression of the business logic. References: 9 Elicitation Techniques Used by Business Analysts – Tips and Guidance, CBAP® Handbook, Requirements Elicitation - Where to start as a Business Analyst?

Surveys are a type of requirements elicitation technique that involves sending a set of questions or statements to a large group of stakeholders and collecting their responses. Surveys can be conducted using various modes, such as online, email, phone, or paper. Surveys are useful for capturing the feelings and thoughts of a large and diverse population of stakeholders, identifying the common needs and wants of the majority, and analyzing the trends and patterns of the responses. Surveys can also help to gather quantitative and qualitative data, measure the level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction, and obtain feedback on the existing or proposed solution. Surveys are different from interviews, which are a type of requirements elicitation technique that involves asking questions and documenting the responses from a single person or a small group of people. Interviews are useful for exploring the in-depth and detailed information from the key stakeholders, probing deeper into their needs and expectations, and clarifying any ambiguities or inconsistencies. Interviews can also help to establish rapport and trust with the stakeholders, observe their non-verbal cues, and tailor the questions according to the context and situation. Surveys are also different from trend analysis, which is a type of requirements elicitation technique that involves examining the historical or current data and information to identify the changes and developments over time. Trend analysis can help to understand the past and present performance and behavior of the system or the process, predict the future outcomes and scenarios, and anticipate the opportunities and threats. Trend analysis can also help to validate and verify the requirements, evaluate the feasibility and viability of the solution, and support the decision making and planning. Surveys are not focus groups, which are a type of requirements elicitation technique that involves inviting a group of stakeholders to a moderated discussion on a specific topic or issue. Focus groups can help to generate a large number of ideas and opinions, find solutions for a specific problem, and stimulate the interaction and debate among the participants. Focus groups can also help to gain insights and perspectives from different stakeholders, identify the areas of agreement or disagreement, and foster a sense of involvement and ownership. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 4: Elicitation and Collaboration, page 180-181.

Top 10 Most Common Requirements Elicitation Techniques, paragraph 9

Software Engineering | Requirements Elicitation - GeeksforGeeks, paragraph 6

Elicitation Technique Guide | Info-Tech Research Group, paragraph 1

Requirements Elicitation Technique (RET) : 10+ Effective RET - Skillcubator, paragraph 4

Dependencies between requirements are an important consideration to include in the assessment of the solution, as they may affect the delivery options and the value realization of the solution. Dependencies between requirements are the relationships or interconnections among the requirements that indicate that one requirement is contingent on another requirement. Dependencies may be logical, temporal, or resource-based. Dependencies may influence the order, timing, and feasibility of the solution delivery, as well as the benefits and risks associated with the solution. Therefore, the business analyst should identify, analyze, and manage the dependencies between requirements as part of the solution assessment.

Historical information, experience of the implementation team, and enterprise environmental factors are also relevant factors to consider in the solution assessment, but they are not as specific as dependencies between requirements. Historical information may provide insights into the past performance, lessons learned, and best practices of similar projects or solutions. Experience of the implementation team may affect the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of the solution delivery. Enterprise environmental factors may include the organizational culture, structure, policies, processes, and systems that may influence the solution design and implementation. However, these factors are more general and may not directly relate to the tradeoffs between delivery options or the value realization of the solution. References:

BABOK® Guide, p. 123-124, 128-129

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, p. 299-300, 304-305

Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) | Coursera, Course 2, Week 4, Video: “Assess Proposed Solution”

 Surveys are a conduct stakeholder analysis technique that is useful for identifying shared characteristics of a stakeholder group. Surveys are structured questionnaires that are distributed to a large number of stakeholders to collect quantitative and qualitative data about their needs, expectations, preferences, and opinions. Surveys can help to identify common patterns, trends, and themes among the stakeholder group, as well as to measure the level of agreement, satisfaction, or importance of the requirements. Surveys can also be used to segment the stakeholder group based on their characteristics, such as roles, responsibilities, interests, or influence.

Scope modeling, brainstorming, and interviews are other conduct stakeholder analysis techniques, but they are not as effective as surveys for identifying shared characteristics of a stakeholder group. Scope modeling is a technique that defines the boundaries and context of the business domain and the solution. Brainstorming is a technique that generates a large number of ideas or solutions in a creative and collaborative way. Interviews are a technique that involves one-on-one or group discussions with the stakeholders to elicit detailed information about their needs, expectations, preferences, and opinions. These techniques are more suitable for exploring the specific and individual characteristics of the stakeholders, rather than the general and collective ones. References:

BABOK® Guide, p. 104-105, 377-378

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, p. 49-50, 52

Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) | Coursera, Course 1, Week 3, Video: “Stakeholder Analysis”

The specify and model requirements process is the process of defining and describing the requirements in detail and representing them in different formats, such as textual, graphical, or mathematical. The primary purpose of this process is to analyze the functioning of an organization and to provide an insight into opportunities for improvement. By specifying and modeling the requirements, the business analyst can identify the gaps, issues, and needs of the organization and its stakeholders, and propose solutions that can address them. The specify and model requirements process also helps to communicate, validate, and verify the requirements with the stakeholders and ensure that they are aligned with the business goals and objectives. References:

BABOK® Guide, p. 50-51

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, p. 153-154

Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) | Coursera, Course 2, Week 1, Video: “Specify and Model Requirements”

 Functional decomposition is a technique that helps the business analyst understand the scope of the work by breaking down the scope into smaller work products. Functional decomposition is the process of identifying the high-level functions or capabilities of a solution and then dividing them into lower-level functions or sub-functions. This technique helps to create a hierarchical structure of the solution scope, which can be used to define the requirements, design the solution, and plan the project. Functional decomposition can also help to identify the dependencies, interfaces, and risks among the functions or sub-functions of the solution. References:

BABOK Guide v3, section 10.25, page 512-513

Solution Scope – An Insight, section 1.2, paragraph 2

Software Project Scope | Solution Scope in Business Analysis, paragraph 2

The opportunity cost is the value of the best alternative forgone when choosing one option over another. In this case, the opportunity cost of choosing solution A is the value of solution B minus the value of solution A, which is $565,000 - $456,000 = $109,000. This means that by choosing solution A, the organization is giving up the potential benefit of $109,000 that could have been gained from solution B. References: CBAP Certification Study Guide v3.0, page 33; BABOK Guide v3, page 16.

 According to the BABOK® Guide, a risk is “an uncertain event or condition that, if it occurs, has a positive or negative effect on one or more project objectives such as scope, schedule, cost, and quality” (p. 10). A risk can have both positive and negative impacts, depending on the perspective of the stakeholders and the objectives of the solution. For example, a risk of adopting a new technology may be that it increases the productivity of the employees (positive) but also requires more training and maintenance (negative). A risk analysis in the business case should consider both the probability and the impact of the risks, as well as the strategies to mitigate or exploit them. References: BABOK® Guide, p. 10, 114-115; Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) | Coursera, Course 3, Week 2, Video: “Risk Analysis and Management”

The plan business analysis activities process involves defining the tasks and resources needed to perform the business analysis work. The inputs to this process are the business analysis approach, the organizational process assets, the stakeholder list, roles, and responsibilities, and the business analysis performance assessment. The list of identified risks is not an input to this process, but rather an output of the identify risks process, which is part of the business analysis planning and monitoring knowledge area. References: BABOK Guide v3, page 37; CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, page 75.

The BA should handle the change request by adding the feature to the product backlog for future prioritization. The product backlog is a list of features, functions, and requirements that are desired for the solution, but have not yet been planned or implemented. The product backlog is constantly updated and prioritized by the product owner, who represents the voice of the customer and the stakeholders. The BA should collaborate with the product owner to capture and document the change request and add it to the product backlog. The product owner will then decide when and how to prioritize the feature for the next iteration or release, based on the value and urgency of the feature and the feedback from the stakeholders. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 3: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring, Section 3.2: Plan Business Analysis Approach, p. 90-91

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 3: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring, Section 3.2: Plan Business Analysis Approach, p. 58-59

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 4: Elicitation and Collaboration, Section 4.6: Communicate Business Analysis Information, p. 124-125

A BA should identify any potential constraints that may affect the requirements or the solution and communicate them to the relevant stakeholders for resolution. In this case, the policies are a constraint that may prevent the implementation of the requirement or require a change to the policies. The BA should review the constraint with management and seek their guidance on how to proceed. The BA should not modify the policies or the requirements without proper approval or justification. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 5: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, page 214

Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK ®) Guide, Version 3, Section 5.2: Analyze Current State, page 112

Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) | Coursera, Course 3: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, Week 2: Analyze Current State, video: “Identify Constraints”

 In addition to existing regulations and contracts, the BA also checks the policies of the organization that may constrain the project. Policies are the guidelines or principles that govern the decision making and actions of the organization. They reflect the values, vision, and mission of the organization and provide a framework for achieving its goals and objectives. Policies can also influence the scope, feasibility, and acceptance of the project and its solution. Therefore, the BA should identify and analyze the policies that are relevant to the project and ensure that they are aligned with the requirements and the solution. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 5: Strategy Analysis, Section 5.1: Analyze Current State, p. 206-207

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 5: Strategy Analysis, Section 5.1: Analyze Current State, p. 106-107

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 10: Solution Evaluation, Section 10.3: Assess Enterprise Limitations, p. 277-278

A balanced scorecard is a technique that helps to measure the performance of an organization or a change strategy using four perspectives: financial, customer, internal process, and learning and growth. A balanced scorecard helps to align the strategic objectives of the organization with the operational activities and the metrics that indicate the progress and success of the change. A balanced scorecard also helps to communicate the vision and goals of the change to the stakeholders and to monitor and evaluate the results. A decision modeling is a technique that helps to analyze and compare the possible outcomes of different courses of action using criteria such as costs, benefits, risks, and impacts. A financial analysis is a technique that helps to assess the feasibility and viability of a change initiative using quantitative measures such as return on investment, net present value, payback period, and break-even point. A business case is a technique that helps to justify the need for a change and to provide the rationale and evidence for selecting a preferred solution. A business case typically includes the problem or opportunity statement, the objectives and scope of the change, the alternatives and their evaluation, the recommended solution and its benefits, costs, risks, and impacts, and the implementation plan and timeline. References: BABOK Guide v3, Chapter 10: Techniques, Section 10.4: Balanced Scorecard, p. 496-497; Section 10.9: Business Case, p. 506-508; Section 10.16: Decision Modelling, p. 518-520; Section 10.23: Financial Analysis, p. 529-531.

 The organizational culture and type of information being approved are two factors that the BA should consider when defining the approval process. The organizational culture reflects the values, beliefs, and behaviors that guide the decision-making and actions of the stakeholders in the organization. The type of information being approved refers to the nature, scope, and impact of the information that requires approval from the relevant authorities. Both factors can influence the level of authority, responsibility, and accountability that are involved in the approval process, as well as the criteria, methods, and tools that are used to facilitate the approval process. The BA should align the approval process with the organizational culture and the type of information being approved to ensure that the process is effective, efficient, and consistent. References:

Approval Process: Key Governance Procedure, Business Group on Health

Developing an effective governance operating model, Deloitte

What is a Governance Process?, WalkMe

The elicitation technique that the BA should select to enable the customer and the key stakeholders to visualize the final product is prototyping. Prototyping is a technique that involves creating a simplified or partial version of the solution that can demonstrate its features, functions, and appearance. Prototyping can help to elicit, validate, and verify the requirements, as well as to obtain feedback and approval from the stakeholders. Prototyping can also help to reduce the risks, costs, and time of the project by identifying and resolving any issues or gaps before the final implementation of the solution. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 4: Elicitation and Collaboration, Section 4.2: Conduct Elicitation, p. 167-168

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 4: Elicitation and Collaboration, Section 4.2: Conduct Elicitation, p. 103-104

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 6: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, Section 6.4: Model Requirements, p. 161-162

 A purchase solution approach is one that involves acquiring a COTS software package from an external vendor or provider, rather than developing a custom solution in-house. A purchase solution approach can offer several benefits, such as faster delivery, lower cost, higher quality, and reduced risk. However, a purchase solution approach also has some drawbacks, such as limited customization, dependency on the vendor, compatibility issues, and licensing fees. A BA should evaluate the pros and cons of a purchase solution approach against the business needs and requirements, and compare it with other possible solution approaches, such as outsource, exploit, or create. References:

Evaluating Candidate COTS Packages, ArgonDigital

Seven Insights: Agile and Custom Off The Shelf (COTS) packaged software, Kenny & Company

COTS Software Procurement Methodology, IGI Global

A current state diagram, also known as an as-is process diagram, is a visual representation of the existing processes and workflows of a business or a system. It can help the BA to understand how the current system operates, what are the inputs, outputs, activities, roles, and interactions involved, and what are the pain points, issues, or gaps that need to be addressed. A current state diagram can help the BA to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the current system by highlighting the areas of efficiency, effectiveness, quality, and customer satisfaction, as well as the areas of waste, redundancy, complexity, and inconsistency1234. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the current system, the BA can then define the requirements and design the future state solution that will improve the current situation and meet the stakeholder needs12. References:

1: BABOK Guide v3, Chapter 10: Techniques, Section 10.36: Scope Modeling

2: BABOK Guide v3, Chapter 10: Techniques, Section 10.37: State Modeling

3: What Is Current State Analysis? Benefits and Steps(https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/current-state-analysis)

4: The basics of documenting and analyzing your as-is process(https://www. lucidchart.com/blog/as-is-process-analysis)

 A change control process is a technique that helps to manage the changes to the requirements or the solution throughout the project lifecycle. A change control process defines the roles and responsibilities, the criteria and procedures, the tools and techniques, and the documentation and communication for handling the changes. A change control process helps to ensure that the changes are properly identified, analyzed, approved, implemented, verified, and tracked. A change control process can help the BA to keep this situation from occurring in the future by creating a clear and consistent mechanism for managing the changes and avoiding any unauthorized or uncontrolled changes that may affect the quality or scope of the solution. A risk strategy is a technique that helps to identify, analyze, and manage the uncertainties and threats that may affect the project or the solution. A risk strategy defines the risk appetite, tolerance, and thresholds, the risk identification and assessment methods, the risk response and monitoring plans, and the risk roles and responsibilities. A risk strategy can help the BA to mitigate the potential impacts of the changes, but it does not prevent the changes from occurring. A prioritization approach is a technique that helps to rank the requirements or solution options based on their relative importance, urgency, value, or dependency. A prioritization approach defines the criteria and methods, the tools and techniques, and the roles and responsibilities for prioritizing the requirements or solution options. A prioritization approach can help the BA to determine the optimal scope and sequence of the solution delivery, but it does not control the changes to the requirements or solution options. A stakeholder engagement plan is a technique that helps to plan and manage the interactions and communications with the stakeholders throughout the project. A stakeholder engagement plan defines the stakeholder identification and analysis, the stakeholder communication and collaboration methods, the stakeholder feedback and approval mechanisms, and the stakeholder roles and responsibilities. A stakeholder engagement plan can help the BA to ensure that the stakeholders are informed, engaged, and satisfied with the project progress and outcomes, but it does not regulate the changes requested by the stakeholders. References: BABOK Guide v3, Chapter 10: Techniques, Section 10.11: Change Control Process, p. 510-512; Section 10.51: Risk Analysis and Management, p. 567-569; Section 10.38: Prioritization, p. 550-552; Section 10.24: Focus Groups, p. 532-533.

The BA is using this technique to manage stakeholder collaboration. This technique is known as affinity diagram, which is a technique that helps organize and categorize a large number of ideas, issues, or requirements into logical groups based on their natural relationships or common themes. Affinity diagram can help to manage stakeholder collaboration by facilitating brainstorming, encouraging participation, building consensus, and resolving conflicts among the stakeholders. Affinity diagram can also help to elicit, analyze, and prioritize requirements, but that is not the primary purpose of this technique. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 4: Elicitation and Collaboration, Section 4.3: Confirm Elicitation Results, p. 175-176

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 4: Elicitation and Collaboration, Section 4.3: Confirm Elicitation Results, p. 108-109

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 9: Underlying Competencies, Section 9.3: Collaboration and Teamwork, p. 350-351

An elicitation activity plan is a technique that helps to plan and prepare the activities and tasks that are required to elicit the information and requirements from the stakeholders. An elicitation activity plan defines the objectives, scope, approach, methods, techniques, tools, resources, schedule, and deliverables of the elicitation process. An elicitation activity plan can help the BA to create an output of the initial meeting with experts, as it can help to identify the stakeholders, their roles and responsibilities, their information and communication needs, their availability and preferences, and their expectations and constraints. An elicitation activity plan can also help the BA to select the most appropriate and effective elicitation techniques, such as interviews, workshops, observation, or document analysis, to obtain the relevant and reliable information and requirements from the experts. An entity relationship diagram is a technique that helps to represent the data and information needs of an organization or a solution using graphical or textual symbols and relationships. An entity relationship diagram shows the entities that are relevant to the domain, the attributes that describe the entities, and the relationships that exist between the entities. An entity relationship diagram can help the BA to define and analyze the data requirements, but it is not an output of the initial meeting with experts. A current state flowchart is a technique that helps to create a graphical representation of the activities and tasks that are performed to achieve a specific goal or outcome in the current state of the organization or the solution. A current state flowchart shows the sequence and flow of the activities and tasks, the roles and responsibilities of the performers, the inputs and outputs of each activity or task, and the rules and conditions that govern the process. A current state flowchart can help the BA to understand and document the current state of the delivery process, but it is not an output of the initial meeting with experts. An information management approach is a technique that helps to plan and manage the storage, access, distribution, and retention of the information and requirements throughout the project lifecycle. An information management approach defines the format, structure, level of detail, and quality of the information and requirements, the tools and techniques to be used, the roles and responsibilities of the information and requirements owners and users, and the policies and procedures to be followed. An information management approach can help the BA to ensure the consistency, accuracy, completeness, and security of the information and requirements, but it is not an output of the initial meeting with experts. References: BABOK Guide v3, Chapter 10: Techniques, Section 10.12: Elicitation Activity Plan, p. 513-514; Section 10.19: Data Modeling, p. 525-527; Section 10.43: Process Modeling, p. 557-559; Section 10.14: Information Management Approach, p. 516-517.

 The information management approach is a document that describes how the business analysis information will be stored, accessed, distributed, and maintained throughout the project. It includes the details of the tools, formats, standards, and processes for managing the information. The BA will update the information management approach to reflect the changes in how the user stories will be organized and made more accessible for the next sprint. This will help to ensure that the information is consistent, accurate, and available for the stakeholders. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 3: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring, Section 3.4: Plan Business Analysis Information Management, p. 101-102

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 3: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring, Section 3.4: Plan Business Analysis Information Management, p. 64-65

 A communications management plan is a document that describes how the business analyst will communicate with the stakeholders throughout the project. It includes information such as the timing and frequency of communication, the location and mode of communication, the tools and techniques to be used, the delivery methods and formats, and the stakeholders’ preferences and needs. A communications management plan helps to ensure that the stakeholders are informed, engaged, and satisfied with the project progress and outcomes. A stakeholder collaboration plan is a document that describes how the business analyst will collaborate with the stakeholders to elicit, analyze, validate, and manage the requirements. A business analysis plan is a document that describes how the business analyst will conduct the business analysis activities, such as the scope, approach, deliverables, tasks, resources, and schedule. A stakeholder analysis plan is a document that describes how the business analyst will identify, analyze, and prioritize the stakeholders and their needs, expectations, and influence. References: BABOK Guide v3, Chapter 2: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring, Section 2.5: Plan Business Analysis Communication, p. 38-40; Chapter 3: Business Analysis Governance and Information Management, Section 3.1: Plan Business Analysis Governance, p. 50-51.

 Quantitative and qualitative data are two types of data that can help the end users evaluate the effectiveness of a solution. Quantitative data are numerical, measurable, and objective, such as cost, time, scope, quality, and customer satisfaction. Qualitative data are descriptive, subjective, and interpretive, such as feedback, opinions, perceptions, and experiences. By using both types of data, the end users can assess the solution from different perspectives and dimensions, and compare the results with the predefined success criteria for the initiative. References:

Project Success Criteria Guide, Smartsheet

7 Project Success Criteria Examples, Indeed.com

IIBA BABOK Guide, Section 5.4, Evaluate Solution Performance

 A data flow diagram is a technique that helps to create a high-level overview of a business process by showing the movement and transformation of data between entities and processes. A data flow diagram uses graphical symbols and arrows to represent the sources and destinations of data, the processes that manipulate data, the data stores that store data, and the data flows that transfer data. A data flow diagram can help the BA to understand the current state of the business process, to identify the data requirements and dependencies, and to communicate the data logic and structure to the stakeholders. An entity relationship diagram is a technique that helps to represent the data and information needs of an organization or a solution using graphical or textual symbols and relationships. An entity relationship diagram shows the entities that are relevant to the domain, the attributes that describe the entities, and the relationships that exist between the entities. An entity relationship diagram can help the BA to define and analyze the data requirements, but it does not show the movement and transformation of data between entities and processes. A scope model is a technique that helps to define the boundaries and context of a project or a solution. A scope model shows the elements that are within the scope, the elements that are out of scope, and the interfaces and interactions between the elements. A scope model can help the BA to clarify the scope and objectives of the project or solution, but it does not show the movement and transformation of data between entities and processes. A process model is a technique that helps to represent the activities and tasks that are performed to achieve a specific goal or outcome. A process model shows the sequence and flow of the activities and tasks, the roles and responsibilities of the performers, the inputs and outputs of each activity or task, and the rules and conditions that govern the process. A process model can help the BA to define and analyze the business process, but it does not show the movement and transformation of data between entities and processes. References: BABOK Guide v3, Chapter 10: Techniques, Section 10.18: Data Flow Diagrams, p. 522-524; Section 10.19: Data Modeling, p. 525-527; Section 10.42: Scope Modeling, p. 554-556; Section 10.43: Process Modeling, p. 557-559.

The BA should use the stakeholder engagement approach to help determine the formality of the assessment process to be followed to understand the impacts of the scope change. Stakeholder engagement is a technique that helps the BA identify, analyze, and communicate with the stakeholders who are affected by or have influence on the project. By engaging the stakeholders, the BA can understand their needs, expectations, interests, and concerns regarding the scope change, and tailor the assessment process accordingly. The BA can also use stakeholder engagement to obtain feedback, buy-in, and approval for the scope change, and manage any conflicts or issues that may arise. References:

IIBA BABOK Guide, Section 10.24, Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder Engagement: A Key Technique for Business Analysts, BA Times

Stakeholder Engagement in Business Analysis, Business Analyst Learnings

 The BA should recommend to assign the feature a lower priority for future release. This means that the feature will not be included in the initial release of the solution, but it may be considered for later releases depending on the availability of resources, the feedback from the stakeholders, and the alignment with the business objectives. This approach can help to balance the value and the effort of the feature, as well as to avoid scope creep and unnecessary complexity in the initial release. The other options are not the best recommendations, as they may either ignore the needs of the stakeholders, disrupt the existing business process, or increase the risk and cost of the project. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 6: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, Section 6.3: Prioritize Requirements, p. 255-256

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 6: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, Section 6.3: Prioritize Requirements, p. 155-156

 A use case diagram is a technique that helps to depict the interactions between a system and its actors using graphical symbols and relationships. A use case diagram shows the actors that are involved in the system, the use cases that represent the functions or services that the system provides, and the associations that indicate how the actors and use cases are related. A use case diagram can be used with a state diagram to verify that all functions are defined to work with entity “User” for the different roles, as it can help to identify the use cases that correspond to the states and transitions of the entity, and to ensure that the use cases are complete, consistent, and accurate. A sequence diagram is a technique that helps to represent the sequence and timing of the messages that are exchanged between the objects or components of a system. A sequence diagram shows the objects or components that participate in the interaction, the messages that are sent and received by the objects or components, and the time order of the messages. A sequence diagram can help to illustrate the dynamic behavior and logic of the system, but it does not show the interactions between the system and its actors. A functional diagram is a technique that helps to represent the functions or processes that are performed by a system or a solution using graphical symbols and relationships. A functional diagram shows the functions or processes that are relevant to the domain, the inputs and outputs of each function or process, and the decomposition and hierarchy of the functions or processes. A functional diagram can help to define and analyze the functional requirements, but it does not show the interactions between the system and its actors. A data flow diagram is a technique that helps to create a high-level overview of a business process by showing the movement and transformation of data between entities and processes. A data flow diagram uses graphical symbols and arrows to represent the sources and destinations of data, the processes that manipulate data, the data stores that store data, and the data flows that transfer data. A data flow diagram can help to understand and document the data logic and structure of the business process, but it does not show the interactions between the system and its actors. References: BABOK Guide v3, Chapter 10: Techniques, Section 10.50: Use Case Diagram, p. 564-566; Section 10.49: Sequence Diagram, p. 562-563; Section 10.22: Functional Decomposition, p. 528-529; Section 10.18: Data Flow Diagrams, p. 522-524.

Plate architecture is a structural system consisting of plates, which are planar, two-dimensional components that only transfer forces in the direction of their level. Plate architecture can help the BAs ensure that the requirements collectively support one another and do not conflict, as it provides a clear and consistent representation of the relationships and dependencies among the requirements. Plate architecture can also help the BAs identify and resolve any gaps, overlaps, or inconsistencies in the requirements, as well as facilitate the communication and verification of the requirements with the stakeholders 12. References:

Plate (structure), Wikipedia

Top Architectural Plates: A Comprehensive Guide 2023, AMTHY

The next step for the BA after selecting a passive approach for establishing performance metrics is to identify the performance measures. Performance measures are the indicators that are used to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of a process, a solution, or an outcome. They can be quantitative or qualitative, and they can be based on various criteria, such as time, cost, quality, customer satisfaction, or compliance. The BA should identify the performance measures that are relevant, measurable, achievable, and aligned with the objectives and requirements of the project. The BA should also define the baseline and target values for each performance measure, as well as the data sources and collection methods. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 7: Solution Evaluation, Section 7.1: Measure Solution Performance, p. 307-308

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 7: Solution Evaluation, Section 7.1: Measure Solution Performance, p. 267-268

Before the BA can proceed with any analysis of the features, they need to confirm that the feature requests are valid and aligned with the product vision and goals. Customer support calls may not reflect the actual needs and preferences of the target market, and may include requests that are out of scope or inconsistent with the product strategy. Therefore, the BA should first validate the feature requests with the product owner and other stakeholders, and eliminate any irrelevant or invalid ones. References:

BABOK Guide v3, section 7.2.2.1: “The business analyst validates that the requirements and designs are aligned with the business need and the solution scope.”

Guide to building a product roadmap (with template and examples), section “How to create a product roadmap”: “The first step in creating a product roadmap is to define the product vision. This is the overarching goal or purpose of the product, and it should guide all subsequent decisions and actions.”

The BA should provide process models as artifacts that can be used organization wide for the long-term. Process models are graphical representations of the activities, inputs, outputs, and interactions of a business process. They can help to document, analyze, improve, and communicate the current and future states of a process. They can also serve as a basis for developing other artifacts, such as requirements, test cases, user manuals, and training materials. Process models can be useful for various stakeholders, such as business users, managers, developers, testers, and trainers, to understand and optimize the business process. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 6: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, Section 6.4: Model and Validate Requirements, p. 263-264

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 6: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, Section 6.4: Model Requirements, p. 159-160

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 9: Solution Evaluation, Section 9.5: Assess Organizational Readiness, p. 261-262

Based on the table in the image, the total cost for each company over the three years can be calculated by adding the Year 0 license costs, Years 1 and 2 total license costs, and implementation costs. For Company A, the total cost is $323,458 (Year 0) + $270,092 (Years 1 and 2) + $28,500 (Phase Ia) + $55,000 (Phase Ib) + $121,500 (Phase 2) = $798,550. For Company B, it’s $373,555 (Year 0) + $202,056 (Years 1 and 2) + ($1.500 150 days of implementation)= $578611 which is less than the insurance company’s maximum budget of $310000. For Company C it’s = ($400244+$214096+($31.50159))= $695439 which exceeds the budget. References: The answer is derived from a direct calculation based on the provided information in the image and does not reference specific CBAP learning documents or resources.

As part of identifying enterprise limitations, the BA should perform a stakeholder impact and operational analysis. This technique involves assessing how the proposed change will affect the stakeholders and the current operations of the enterprise. It can help to identify the potential benefits, costs, risks, and issues of the change, as well as the readiness and resistance of the stakeholders. The BA should consider the impact of the change on the following aspects of the enterprise:

Strategy and goals

Processes and policies

Structure and roles

Culture and values

Systems and technology

Performance and quality

In this case, the BA should analyze how the merger proposal will impact the stakeholders and operations of Manufacturer O, especially in the scenario of Manufacturer K moving headquarters and closing the current Manufacturer O site. The BA should also consider the impact of the regulatory environment and the potential changes in the future. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 5: Strategy Analysis, Section 5.1: Analyze Current State, p. 207-208

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 5: Strategy Analysis, Section 5.1: Analyze Current State, p. 107-108

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 10: Solution Evaluation, Section 10.5: Assess Organizational Readiness, p. 281-282

The company’s response to the vendor’s request is to deny it because of the company’s risk aversion. Risk aversion is the tendency to avoid or minimize exposure to uncertain or potentially negative outcomes. A conservative company with rigorous risk control plans and internal audit rules would be highly risk-averse and would not grant remote access to quality and production data to an external vendor, even if the vendor provides routine maintenance for the core business application. Remote access could pose security, privacy, and compliance risks for the company and its data, and the company would prefer to restrict and control the access and maintenance to be on-site. The company would not accept the vendor’s request, even if the company has an urgent problem to solve or if the immediate remote access could resolve the issue, because the company would prioritize risk mitigation over convenience or efficiency. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 7: Solution Evaluation, Section 7.2: Analyze Performance Measures, p. 311-312

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 7: Solution Evaluation, Section 7.2: Analyze Performance Measures, p. 269-270

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 10: Solution Evaluation, Section 10.3: Assess Enterprise Limitations, p. 277-278

 A business process model is a graphical representation of the activities, flows, events, and decisions that make up a business process. It can help to describe the current and future states of the process, identify the inputs, outputs, roles, and resources involved, and analyze the performance, value, and quality of the process. A business process model is a useful requirements viewpoint for presenting the requirements for an auto insurance product to domain and implementation SMEs, as it can show how the product will support the business goals, meet the customer needs, and integrate with the existing systems and processes. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 6: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, Section 6.4: Model and Validate Requirements, p. 263-264

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 6: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, Section 6.4: Model Requirements, p. 159-160

 The first step for the BA is to understand the current state of the service provider’s business operations and the root causes of the reduced profit margin. This will help the BA to identify the problems and opportunities for improvement, as well as to establish a baseline for measuring the effectiveness of the proposed solutions. The BA can use various techniques to conduct the current state analysis, such as document analysis, interviews, observation, surveys, and SWOT analysis. The other options are not the first step, as they are either focused on the future state or the solution, without understanding the current situation and the underlying needs. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 3: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring, Section 3.2: Plan Business Analysis Approach, p. 93-94

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 5: Strategy Analysis, Section 5.1: Analyze Current State, p. 106-109

The stakeholders that were missed in the requirements are the end users. End users are the people who will use the solution or be affected by its outcomes. They are a key source of requirements, as they can provide valuable insights into the needs, expectations, preferences, and pain points of the solution. The BA should elicit requirements from the end users, as well as validate and verify them with their feedback. The BA should also ensure that the end users are involved throughout the project lifecycle, from planning to testing to implementation. The other options are not the stakeholders that were missed, as they are either not directly related to the solution or not the primary source of requirements. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 2: Business Analysis Key Concepts, Section 2.3: Stakeholders, p. 59-60

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 2: Business Analysis Key Concepts, Section 2.3: Stakeholders, p. 28-29

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), Version 3, Chapter 4: Elicitation and Collaboration, Section 4.1: Prepare for Elicitation, p. 97-98

The BA should not rely on a single source of data or a limited observation period to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of a system. The BA should conduct further analysis to ensure that the data is reliable, valid, and representative of the actual situation. The BA should also consider other factors that may affect the demand for the ticket booking service, such as seasonality, promotions, customer preferences, etc. The BA should use a variety of techniques, such as interviews, surveys, data mining, etc., to gather more information and confirm or refute the initial findings. References:

CBAP® Handbook, page 6, section 4. Review the Exam Blueprint

BABOK® Guide, page 35, section 3.2.2. Data Analysis

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, page 243, section 7.3.2. Data Analysis Techniques

 A fishbone diagram is a technique that helps identify, explore, and display the possible causes of a specific problem or quality characteristic. It can also be used to analyze the root causes of a problem or a gap between the current and desired states of a solution. By using a fishbone diagram, the BA can understand the reason why the performance of the solution does not meet the expected benefits and identify potential corrective actions. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 10: Solution Evaluation, page 393

Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK ®) Guide, Version 3, Section 10.23: Fishbone Diagrams, page 382-383

Business Analysis Governance is the set of processes, rules, and decision-making rights that define how business analysis work is performed and how business analysis deliverables are approved and managed. It also defines the roles and responsibilities of the business analysis stakeholders and how they collaborate and communicate. In a predictive approach, change requests are usually subject to formal approval and impact analysis, which can be time-consuming and burdensome for the project manager. The business analyst could propose to revisit the Business Analysis Governance approach and suggest ways to streamline or simplify the change management process, such as delegating some approval authority, prioritizing or grouping change requests, or adopting a more adaptive approach that allows for more flexibility and feedback. References: CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 2: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring, p. 59-60; BABOK Guide v3, Chapter 2: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring, Section 2.5: Plan Business Analysis Governance, p. 40-41.

 In the context of a parcel tracking solution, non-functional requirements are crucial as they define the system’s performance, security, usability, etc., ensuring that the solution adds value to both the business and its customers. These requirements ensure that the system is efficient, reliable, and secure and meets user expectations in terms of experience while aligning with legal and regulatory standards. References: The answer can be verified from the following sources:

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide) Version 3, Chapter 4: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, p. 115-116; Chapter 5: Requirements Classification Schema, p. 174-175.

Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide, Chapter 5: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, p. 120-121, 127-128.

Dependencies are the relationships among requirements that indicate that one requirement is reliant on another requirement for its implementation, verification, or validation. Dependencies can influence the prioritization of requirements, as some requirements may need to be implemented before others to ensure the functionality, quality, or feasibility of the solution. In this case, the requirement ‘parsing of data’ must be implemented before other requirements, which means that it has a dependency relationship with them. Therefore, the BA has given this requirement a high priority to reflect its importance and urgency. References: Prioritization techniques in business analysis, CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, BABOK Guide

A survey is an elicitation technique that involves collecting information from a large number of stakeholders by using a predefined set of questions. Surveys can be conducted online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Surveys are useful for gathering quantitative data, such as ratings, rankings, frequencies, or percentages. Surveys can also include open-ended questions to gather qualitative data, such as opinions, feedback, or suggestions. Surveys are suitable for situations where the stakeholders are geographically dispersed, have limited availability, or have similar roles or perspectives. In this case, the BA wants to gather information from 30 international facilities, which implies a large and diverse group of stakeholders. A survey would allow the BA to reach out to them efficiently and effectively, and to measure their satisfaction with their jobs. References: 9 Elicitation Techniques Used by Business Analysts – Tips and Guidance, Top 5 Requirements Elicitation Techniques for Business Analysts, The 50 Techniques You Must Master to Become A CBAP, CCBA® and CBAP® Certifications Study Guide

An operational assessment is an input that is required to perform the assessment of enterprise limitations. An operational assessment is a technique that evaluates the current state of the business operations and identifies the gaps, issues, and opportunities for improvement. An operational assessment can help to determine how the solution will affect the existing business processes, policies, procedures, roles, and responsibilities, and how these factors may limit the value realization of the solution. An operational assessment can also help to identify the dependencies, assumptions, constraints, risks, and issues that may arise from the implementation of the solution and how they can be addressed or mitigated.

The other options are not inputs for the assessment of enterprise limitations, but rather outputs or outcomes of the task. Potential value is the expected benefit that the solution will provide to the enterprise and the stakeholders, and it is determined by comparing the current state and the future state of the enterprise. Solution performance analysis is a technique that measures and evaluates the actual performance of the solution against the expected performance and the business objectives. Organizational structure is the arrangement of the roles, responsibilities, and relationships within the enterprise, and it may be affected or changed by the solution.

References:

[BABOK Guide v3], Section 8.4: Assess Enterprise Limitations, p. 206-207

Measure Solution Performance, Task Card: Assess Enterprise Limitations, p. 2

How to assess enterprise limitations – The Functional BA, Blog Post, November 2019

Data mining is a technique that involves analyzing large data sets to discover patterns and trends that can provide useful information or insights123

The BA used data mining to find the source of the increase in claims by examining the documentation of the 1000 claims that were filed during the pilot period. The BA found that the majority of the claims were caused by severe winter storms in one region of the country, which were beyond the control of the customers.

Document analysis is a technique that involves reviewing and evaluating existing documents to elicit information and identify requirements.

The BA did not use document analysis to find the source of the increase in claims because this technique is more suitable for analyzing the content and structure of the documents, not the data within them.

Survey is a technique that involves collecting information from a sample of stakeholders using a predefined set of questions.

The BA did use survey to understand the customer feedback and preferences on the site and the promotions, but not to find the source of the increase in claims. The survey did not ask the customers about the reasons for their claims or the impact of the winter storms.

Decision modelling is a technique that involves defining and analyzing the criteria, options, and outcomes of a decision.

The BA did not use decision modelling to find the source of the increase in claims because this technique is more suitable for evaluating the alternatives and consequences of a decision, not the causes and effects of a problem.

Interviews are a common and effective technique for eliciting requirements from stakeholders1234.

Interviews allow the BA to gain an in-depth understanding of the business needs and create the opportunity for a discussion and clarification on any statements made by the stakeholder5.

Interviews enable the BA to ask open-ended questions, probe for details, and uncover hidden or implicit requirements that the stakeholder may not be aware of or may not express otherwise124.

Interviews can also help the BA to establish rapport and trust with the stakeholder, which can facilitate the collaboration and communication throughout the project12.

Interviews can be used to verify facts, clarify ambiguity, trigger enthusiasm, engage end users, identify requirements and solicit opinions and ideas3.

The other options are not as good as option D because:

Option A is not a good approach because it assumes that the current solution is suitable for the PGA department without validating it with the actual users. Deploying the solution without eliciting user requirements may result in low user satisfaction, low adoption, and poor performance. Surveying users for improvement proposals after the deployment may be too late or too costly to implement changes.

Option B is better than option A, but it still relies on the assumption that the current solution can meet the PGA needs with minimal customization. Utilizing the solution in a test environment with actual data may help elicit some feedback, but it may not capture all the requirements or address all the issues that the users may have. Moreover, this approach may require more time and resources than conducting interviews.

Option C is also better than option A, but it may not be sufficient to collect the requirements from the sponsor and domain subject matter experts only. The sponsor may not represent the views and needs of all the users, and the domain subject matter experts may not be familiar with the current solution or the future state of the process. Collecting the requirements from a wider range of stakeholders, including the end users, can help ensure that the solution is aligned with the business goals and user expectations.

 Success measures are the criteria that are used to evaluate the performance and value of a solution. They are derived from the business objectives and the expected benefits of the project. They help to determine whether the solution meets the needs and expectations of the stakeholders, and whether it delivers the desired outcomes and benefits. Success measures can be quantitative or qualitative, and they should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

The other options are not correct because they are not the outputs of the initial analysis that the BA has been conducting. Business needs are the problems or opportunities that the organization wants to address with the project. Solution requirements are the capabilities and qualities that the solution must have to meet the business needs. Solution limitations are the constraints or risks that affect the solution’s performance or value. These aspects are more related to the scope and design of the solution, which are not yet defined at this point. References:

[A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide), Version 3], Chapter 6: Strategy Analysis, pp. 134-135, 140-141; Chapter 7: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, pp. 152-153, 158-159, 164-165; Chapter 8: Solution Evaluation, pp. 178-179, 184-185.

[Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide], Chapter 3: Needs Assessment, pp. 46-47; Chapter 5: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, pp. 123-124, 133-134, 140-141; Chapter 6: Solution Evaluation, pp. 157-158, 163-164.

The mortgage origination process can be identified for the process improvement initiative because it has a success rate of 70%, which is less than the 75% benchmark set by the financial institution. The data shows that this process has the highest number of total rejects (135), with documentation, verification, collateral, and funding being the reasons for rejection. The BA’s recommendation of using documentation checklists would address one of the major causes of rejects and potentially increase the success rate of this process. References: The answer and explanation are inferred from the provided data in the image, as well as the following sources:

Process Improvement Steps - Process Improvement Guide - Planview, Web Article, January 2023

7 Types of Process Improvement Methodologies [2023] • Asana, Web Article, January 2023

Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) Specialization, Online Course, December 2023

Performance variance is the difference between the actual and expected results of a business activity or process. In this case, the business sponsor expected that the promotions would be viewed by at least 30% of the customers and that they would help reduce claims. However, the actual results showed that only 5% of the customers viewed the promotions and that claims increased by 20%. The business sponsor wanted to understand the reasons for this discrepancy and how to improve the effectiveness of the promotions.

Option D shows the correct use of the extend relationship between the two use cases. This means that the “Send notification” use case is an optional extension of the “Setup new supervisor” use case, and it only occurs under certain conditions. The arrow points from the base use case (“Setup new supervisor”) to the extension use case (“Send notification”), as per the UML notation. Option C is incorrect because it reverses the direction of the arrow, implying that the “Send notification” use case is the base use case and the “Setup new supervisor” use case is the extension use case, which does not make sense. Options A and B are incorrect because they use the include relationship, which means that the “Send notification” use case is a mandatory part of the “Setup new supervisor” use case, and it always occurs whenever the “Setup new supervisor” use case is executed. This does not reflect the requirement that the notifications are sent only under specific conditions. References:

[A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide), Version 3], Chapter 10: Techniques, pp. 424-425.

[UML 2.5 Specification], Chapter 18: Use Cases, pp. 637-638.

 This requirement implies that the new web-based system will provide faster and easier access to the company’s financial information, which is an improvement over the current client-based system.

The BA should recommend continuing with the implemented solution, as it is the most feasible and cost-effective option among the given choices. Retiring the implemented solution would mean losing the value that the business is already recognizing from the system, as well as wasting the resources that were invested in the project. Conducting elicitation or planning stakeholder engagement would not necessarily improve the performance of the system, and would incur additional costs and efforts. Therefore, the BA should advise the business to accept the current level of performance and focus on maximizing the value of the system, unless a more viable alternative becomes available in the future. References: The answer can be verified from the following sources:

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide) Version 3, Chapter 7: Strategy Analysis, p. 230-231; Chapter 8: Solution Evaluation, p. 280-281.

Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide, Chapter 6: Solution Evaluation, p. 157-158.

After completing the initial analysis, the BA will be presenting the expected benefits of the project to the leadership. This is because the BA has already analyzed the current state, the problem domain, and the business objectives of the project, and has identified the value proposition for the customer base. The expected benefits are the measurable outcomes that will indicate the success of the project and the achievement of the business objectives. They will also help to justify the investment and resources required for the project. The expected benefits should be aligned with the strategic goals of the organization and the needs of the stakeholders.

The other options are not correct because they are not the focus of the initial analysis. The project timeline, deliverables, and resource staffing are more related to the planning and execution phases of the project, and they depend on the scope and requirements of the project, which are not yet defined at this point. The BA will be involved in these aspects later in the project, but they are not the primary outputs of the initial analysis. References:

[A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide), Version 3], Chapter 3: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring, pp. 36-37, 42-43; Chapter 6: Strategy Analysis, pp. 130-131, 134-135, 140-141.

[Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide], Chapter 3: Needs Assessment, pp. 41-42, 46-47; Chapter 4: Business Analysis Planning, pp. 67-68, 72-73.

 In this scenario, the distributor is under pressure to fully meet the year-round market demand in order to stay in business. The primary objective is not directly related to making more profit, defeating competitors, or stabilizing its performance but rather ensuring that customer orders are fulfilled even during peak demand periods. This aligns with one of the key aspects of business analysis - understanding and prioritizing the needs and expectations of stakeholders (in this case, customers) to deliver value. References: Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) Learning documents or resources available at 1 and 2

 A transition state diagram is a tool that helps the BA understand the changes needed to keep the majority of the stores open. A transition state diagram is a visual representation of the current state, the future state, and the intermediate states of a business process or a system. It shows the activities, events, triggers, and outcomes that occur in each state, as well as the transitions and dependencies between states. A transition state diagram can help the BA plan and manage the remodeling project by identifying the optimal sequence and timing of the phases, the risks and issues that may arise in each state, the impact of the changes on the stakeholders and the customers, and the measures to ensure business continuity and operational efficiency throughout the project. References:

[BABOK Guide v3], Section 10.29: Transition State Diagram, p. 413-414

[CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition], Chapter 4: Requirements Elicitation and Collaboration, p. 163-164

[Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) Specialization], Course 2: Business Analysis: Requirements Elicitation and Analysis, Week 4: Requirements Analysis Techniques, Video: Transition State Diagrams

 The BA failed to consider the informal relationships that exist among the stakeholders, such as the communication channels, the influence networks, the power dynamics, and the cultural norms that may affect the acceptance and adoption of the solution. Informal relationships are often not reflected in the formal organizational structure, but they can have a significant impact on the behavior and performance of the stakeholders. The BA should have identified and analyzed the informal relationships as part of the stakeholder analysis and change management activities, and should have designed the solution to accommodate or leverage them. References: CBAP Handbook, CBAP Study Guide, BABOK Guide

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are a technique that involves defining and measuring specific, quantifiable, and relevant indicators of the performance and progress of a program, project, or solution. KPIs can help to validate the desired outcomes by:

Comparing the actual results of the solution against the expected or target results, such as the increase in sales and customer retention

Evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the solution in achieving the business objectives and meeting the stakeholder needs

Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the solution and the areas for improvement or optimization

Communicating and reporting the performance and value of the solution to the stakeholders and the decision-makers

Some examples of KPIs that could be used to validate the desired outcomes of the restructured pricing model are:

Sales growth rate: The percentage change in sales over a given period of time

Customer retention rate: The percentage of customers who remain loyal to the company over a given period of time

Customer lifetime value: The net profit generated by a customer over the duration of their relationship with the company

Customer satisfaction score: The degree to which customers are satisfied with the company’s products, services, and interactions

References:

[BABOK Guide v3], Section 7.5: Validate Solution, p. 186-187

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 5: Solution Assessment and Validation, p. 211-212

Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) Specialization, Course 4: Business Analysis: Solution Evaluation, Week 2: Solution Performance Assessment, Video: Solution Performance Metrics

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) - Definition, Types & Examples, Blog Post, June 2023

This is because the enhancements aim to provide the following capabilities to the subscriber:

Ability to integrate online maps and GPS technology with the mobile application in real time to display location of service providers in the subscriber’s vicinity that participate in the subscriber’s plan network.

Ability for the subscriber to lookup the service providers by specifying either a postal code or a search area radius in miles.

Ability for the subscriber to initiate the download of fee information for one or more service providers in a single request.

These capabilities would enable the subscriber to find and compare the service providers that are convenient and affordable for them, thus addressing their business need.

A change in the requirement is a situation where the requirement is different from what was originally agreed upon by the stakeholders. This can happen due to various reasons, such as changing business needs, stakeholder feedback, regulatory changes, or technical constraints. To assess the change, the BA needs to conduct an impact analysis using traceability, which is a technique that involves identifying and documenting the relationships among requirements, stakeholders, solution components, and other artifacts. Traceability can help the BA to determine the scope, cost, schedule, quality, and risk implications of the change, and to communicate them to the relevant stakeholders for approval or rejection. The other options are not the best actions for assessing the change, as they are more suitable for different purposes, such as closing a defect that is not a defect, evaluating the potential threats and opportunities of the change, or finding the underlying cause of the defect. References: CBAP Handbook, CBAP Study Guide, BABOK Guide

future state will

be defined at a level of detail that:

• allows for competing strategies to achieve the future state to be identified

and assessed,

• provides a clear definition of the outcomes that will satisfy the business

needs,

• details the scope of the solution space,

• allows for value associated with the future state to be assessed, and

• enables consensus to be achieved among key stakeholders.

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide) Version 3, Chapter 5: Strategy Analysis, p. 176-177; Chapter 10: Root Cause Analysis, p. 356-359.

Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide, Chapter 5: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, p. 122-123, 129-130.

A complete requirement is one that provides all the information necessary for the reader to understand it without ambiguity or confusion. This requirement is incomplete because it does not specify what constitutes an incident-related event, who are the appropriate stakeholders, what is the expected timeliness and reliability of the notification, and how the notification should be delivered. These details are essential for designing and testing the solution that meets the requirement. References: CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 3, page 87; CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, Chapter 3, page 86.

Tracing requirements is a task that involves identifying and documenting the relationships among requirements, stakeholders, solution components, and other artifacts. Tracing requirements can help the BA to discover the issues of missing or unsupported functionality, as it allows the BA to track the origin, allocation, dependencies, and impact of each requirement. By tracing requirements, the BA can ensure that the requirements are aligned with the business need and objectives, and that they are implemented and verified in the solution. The other options are not the tasks that the BA used to discover the issues, as they are more related to the definition, elicitation, or evaluation of the requirements, rather than the tracing of the requirements. References: Task: Trace Requirements, CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, BABOK Guide

The EA is interested in how the existing solution integrates with other data sources, such as the asset management system. Therefore, the requirement should specify how the incident records are linked to the equipment records in the asset management system. Option D does that by stating that the incident records use the Equipment ID as a foreign key to relate to the equipment records. Option A is too vague and does not indicate how the association is established. Option B implies that the incident records duplicate the equipment information, which is not desirable for data integrity and consistency. Option C does not specify where the Equipment ID comes from or how it is used to link the incident records to the equipment records. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 6: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, page 223.

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide | Wiley, Chapter 6: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, page 223.

The type of analysis that the BA has just conducted is impact analysis. Impact analysis is a technique that evaluates the potential effects of implementing a particular change in the existing business operations, in this case, changing the premiums and associated discounts offered to customers. Impact analysis helps to:

Assess the feasibility and viability of the proposed change

Identify the benefits and costs of the change for the organization and the stakeholders

Estimate the time and resources required to implement the change

Analyze the risks and issues associated with the change

Communicate and justify the change to the decision-makers and the affected parties

References:

[BABOK Guide v3], Section 6.2: Define Future State, p. 164-165

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 3: Strategy Analysis, p. 97-98

Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) Specialization, Course 3: Business Analysis: Strategy Analysis, Week 2: Define Future State, Video: Impact Analysis

Impact Analysis - How to Conduct an Impact Analysis in 5 Steps, Blog Post, June 2023

 Business architecture is the description of how an organization creates, delivers, and captures value for its stakeholders. It includes the business model, the value proposition, the value streams, the capabilities, and the organizational structure of the organization. By evaluating the business architecture, the BA can help determine the value of the project in relation to the current state and the desired future state of the organization. The BA can also identify the gaps and opportunities for improvement that the project can address. References:

IIBA BABOK Guide v3, Section 2.2.1: Business Architecture

[IIBA Business Analysis Competency Model], Section 3.1.1: Business Architecture Knowledge

The BA should recommend implementing a system that coordinates order processing activities in advance with all trips. This approach aims to ensure that orders are ready for loading when the trucks arrive, eliminating the waste of both the truck’s and driver’s time. By aligning order preparation with delivery schedules, the distributor can optimize resource utilization and improve efficiency. References: I need to search for specific references from Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) Learning documents or resources to provide an exact source.

The BA needs to perform a root cause analysis to analyze the performance of the application and provide recommendations. A root cause analysis is a technique that involves identifying and addressing the underlying causes of a problem or an issue, rather than the symptoms or the effects. A root cause analysis can help the BA to find out why the solution implemented three months ago has decreased performance as the volume of transactions has increased, and to propose and implement appropriate solutions to improve the performance and prevent the problem from recurring. The other options are not the best actions for the BA to take, as they are more suitable for different purposes, such as measuring the performance, evaluating the alternatives, or reviewing the existing metrics, rather than finding the root cause of the problem. References: Task: Assessing Solution Limitations, CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, BABOK Guide

The governance approach defines the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders involved in the business analysis activities, including who has the authority to make decisions and approve deliverables. In this case, the Director of Human Resources is not the decision maker, but one of the stakeholders who needs to be consulted and informed. The final decision should be made by those who have the decision-making authority as per the governance approach, which may include the sponsor, the Director of Finance, or other senior managers. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 2: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring, page 67

BABOK Guide, Version 3, Section 2.4: Governance, page 29

The lead BA should track approvals at the level of individual requirements, as this is the first step to address the root cause of the problem, which is the lack of agreement and clarity on the requirements. By tracking approvals at the level of individual requirements, the lead BA can identify which requirements are causing the most disagreement or confusion, and focus on resolving them with the relevant stakeholders. This can also help to reduce the number of reviews and sign-offs needed, as well as the time and effort spent on them. Tracking approvals at the level of individual requirements can also provide objective evidence of the progress and quality of the requirements, and support the communication and collaboration among the stakeholders.

The other options are not the best actions to take first. Escalating the problem to the executive management may be necessary at some point, but it is not the first thing to do, as it may create more conflict and pressure, and undermine the lead BA’s credibility and authority. Setting limits on duration of sign-offs and the number of reviews may be helpful to manage the expectations and deadlines, but it does not address the underlying issue of the requirements quality and agreement. Offering the stakeholders incentives to sign off documents sooner may be counterproductive, as it may encourage hasty or superficial approvals, and compromise the validity and value of the requirements. References: The answer can be verified from the following sources:

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide) Version 3, Chapter 6: Requirements Life Cycle Management, p. 202-203, 207-208, 211-212.

Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide, Chapter 4: Requirements Life Cycle Management, p. 97-98, 101-102, 105-106.

 A dependency is a relationship or a condition that affects the completion or the quality of a task or an activity. A dependency can be internal or external, mandatory or discretionary, or positive or negative. In this case, the inspector’s signoff on the initial deliverables is a dependency because it is a condition that must be met before the task can be completed. The inspector’s signoff is an external and mandatory dependency, as it involves an outside party and it is required by the project scope or contract. A dependency is not the same as an assumption (A), which is a factor that is considered to be true without proof, a milestone ©, which is a significant point or event in the project, or a constraint (D), which is a factor that limits the options or performance of the project. References:

What is a Dependency in Project Management? - Wrike, paragraph 1

Project Dependencies: Types, Examples, and Tips for Project Managers, paragraph 1

CBAP Certification Study Guide v3.0, Chapter 4: Requirements Life Cycle Management, Section 4.3: Trace Requirements, page 4-10

[A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide)], version 3, page 402, section 10.31.3.1

 A cost-benefits justification is a term that matches management’s request to include the projected costs and benefits to be realized and how those and benefits will be assessed and evaluated in the business case. A cost-benefits justification is a process that compares the costs of implementing a project or a solution with the benefits that it will generate, both in monetary terms. It helps to determine the feasibility, profitability, and return on investment of the project or solution, and to support the decision-making process. A cost-benefits justification also includes the methods and criteria for measuring and evaluating the costs and benefits, such as net present value, internal rate of return, payback period, or cost-benefit ratio12. References:

Cost-Benefit Analysis: A Quick Guide with Examples and Templates

Cost-Benefit Analysis: What It Is & How to Do It

 A stakeholder map is a strategic tool that helps to identify and analyze the stakeholders involved in a project or business initiative. It shows the level of interest, influence, power, and impact of each stakeholder, as well as their expectations, needs, and concerns. A stakeholder map also illustrates how the stakeholders are related to each other and to the solution, and how they may affect or be affected by the project outcomes. A stakeholder map can help to plan and manage stakeholder engagement, communication, and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle1234. References: 1: Stakeholder Analysis and Mapping: Getting Started Smartsheet1 2: What Is A Stakeholder Analysis? Everything You Need To Know2 3: Mastering Stakeholder Mapping: An Essential Guide for Stakeholder …4 4: Stakeholder Mapping | What is Stakeholder Mapping + Examples - Boréalis5

 A business analysis plan is a document that describes the scope of work, the deliverable Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), the activity list, and estimates for the business analysis activities. It also includes the business analysis approach, the roles and responsibilities of the business analyst and other stakeholders, the communication plan, the requirements management plan, the change management plan, and the risk management plan12. A business analysis plan is an important input for the business analysis execution and monitoring process, as it helps to guide and control the business analysis work, and to ensure that the business analysis deliverables meet the quality standards and stakeholder expectations3.

The other options are not correct. A project management plan is a document that describes how the project will be executed, monitored, and controlled. It covers the project scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, communication, risk, procurement, and stakeholder management. An implementation plan is a document that describes how the solution will be deployed, transitioned, and integrated into the business operations. It covers the implementation strategy, schedule, resources, tasks, roles, responsibilities, risks, and issues. A requirements management plan is a document that describes how the requirements will be elicited, analyzed, documented, validated, verified, prioritized, traced, and maintained throughout the project lifecycle. It is a component of the business analysis plan, not a separate document. References:

Business Analysis Plan - IIBA®

Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring - IIBA®

Business Analysis Execution and Monitoring - IIBA®

[Project Management Plan - PMI]

[Implementation Plan - PMI]

[Requirements Management Plan - IIBA®]

Before making a presentation about the requirements for a large software development project, Gary should determine an appropriate format for the presentation. This means he should consider the following factors:

The audience: Who are the stakeholders that will attend the presentation? What are their roles, interests, and expectations? How familiar are they with the project and the requirements? How much detail do they need to understand the requirements?

The purpose: What is the goal of the presentation? Is it to inform, persuade, or seek feedback from the stakeholders? What are the key messages and takeaways that Gary wants to convey?

The time: How much time does Gary have to present the requirements? How can he allocate the time effectively to cover the most important and relevant aspects of the requirements?

The tools: What tools and resources does Gary have to create and deliver the presentation? Does he have access to a projector, a laptop, a microphone, or a whiteboard? What software or applications does he need to use to create the presentation slides or documents?

The style: How can Gary make the presentation engaging, clear, and professional? What visual aids, diagrams, charts, or examples can he use to illustrate the requirements? How can he use colors, fonts, images, and animations to enhance the presentation? How can he structure the presentation to have a logical flow and a strong introduction and conclusion?

By determining an appropriate format for the presentation, Gary can ensure that he communicates the requirements effectively and efficiently to the stakeholders, and that he addresses their needs and concerns.

References:

How to Make Interesting Presentations for Software Projects, paragraphs 1-3

How To Write The Software Development Project Brief, steps 1-7

Complete Guide to Software Development Requirements, paragraphs 1-2

 Assessing the capability gaps is the business analysis process that involves comparing the current state and the future state of an organization to identify the gaps or differences that must be addressed by a solution. This process helps to understand the root causes of the problems, the needs and opportunities for improvement, and the feasibility and scope of the solution. In this question, the NGQ Company wants to analyze its ability to meet an identified business need, which implies that there is a gap between its current and desired performance. Therefore, assessing the capability gaps is the appropriate process to complete for the organization. References:

CBAP® Handbook, page 14, section 4.1.2.2

BABOK® Guide, page 30, section 3.2.1

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, page 94, section 3.2.1

Business Analysis Process Flow: Step by Step Tutorial, step 3. Analyze all the project relevant documents

A business case is a document that provides the rationale and justification for initiating a project or an investment. It describes the business problem or opportunity, the proposed solution, the expected benefits, costs, risks, and assumptions. A business case also includes an analysis of the alternatives and a recommendation for the best option. A business case helps management to make a go/no go decision based on the value proposition and the return on investment of the project. A business case is one of the key outputs of the enterprise analysis process, which involves defining the business need, assessing the capability gaps, determining the solution approach, defining the solution scope, and defining the business case1234. References: 1: BABOK Guide v3, section 3.4, pages 68-77 2: CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, chapter 4, pages 107-108 3: Business Analysis Techniques: Developing the Business Case, pages 25-26 4: How to Write a Business Case: 4 Steps to a Perfect Business Case Template

Prioritizing requirements by the likelihood of success is a technique that can help build confidence and trust among the project stakeholders, especially if the project is complex, risky, or has a long duration. By delivering some of the requirements that have a high chance of success early in the project, the business analyst can demonstrate the value of the project and the effectiveness of the business analysis process. This can also help reduce resistance to change and increase user satisfaction and adoption. Some of the other factors that can be used to prioritize requirements are business value, urgency, dependency, risk, cost, and effort. References:

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) Handbook, page 6, section 4. Review the Exam Blueprint.

BABOK Guide v3, page 34, section 4.2.3. Prioritize Requirements.

The number of communication channels in a project is an indicator of the complexity of communication among the stakeholders. It is calculated by using the following formula1:

Number of communication channels = N x (N - 1) / 2

Where N = Number of stakeholders

In this case, N = 435, so the number of communication channels is:

435 x (435 - 1) / 2 = 188,790

Therefore, the correct answer is A. 188,790. References:

Communication Channels in Project Management: Formula & Examples

Number of Communication Channels (+ PMP® Formula & Calculator)

 Functional is not a characteristic of a requirement, but a type of requirement. A functional requirement describes what the system or solution should do, such as the features, functions, behaviors, or capabilities1. A characteristic of a requirement is a quality or attribute that makes the requirement good or effective. There are different sources that list different characteristics of a requirement, but some of the common ones are: clear, complete, consistent, correct, feasible, modifiable, unambiguous, and testable2345. These characteristics help to ensure that the requirement is well-defined, understood, verified, and validated. References:

Functional vs Non-functional Requirements: What’s the Difference?

1.4 Characteristics of a Good Requirement - InformIT

How To Write a Good Requirement? 14 Qualities | Insights Spotter

Needs and Solutions, Requirements and Designs - IIBA®

Effectively! – Requirement Characteristics - ArgonDigital

Benchmarking is a business analysis approach that involves comparing one’s own performance, processes, or products with those of other organizations, especially the best performers or industry leaders, to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. Benchmarking can help business analysts understand the competitive landscape, identify best practices, set realistic goals, and measure progress. In this question, Sally and her business analysis team are using benchmarking to determine what the competition is offering and how they can increase their revenue by remaining competitive. References:

CBAP® Handbook, page 15, section 4.1.2.3

BABOK® Guide, page 32, section 3.2.3

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, page 96, section 3.2.3

What is a Competitive Analysis — and How Do You Conduct One?

 A business analysis communication plan is a document that describes how the business analyst will communicate with the stakeholders, including the stakeholder groups, communication needs, level of formality, frequency, format, and methods of communication. It is one of the outputs of the business analysis planning and monitoring knowledge area, and it helps to ensure that the stakeholders are informed, engaged, and satisfied with the business analysis process and deliverables. A business analysis communication plan is not the same as a project communication plan, which covers the overall communication needs of the project and is typically created by the project manager. A business analysis communication plan focuses on the specific communication needs related to the business analysis activities and requirements. References:

IIBA BABOK Guide v3, p. 36, 38, 40, 42

How to Create a Stakeholder Management Plan Smartsheet

CBAP 150 Practice Questions Flashcards, Question 5

How To Create an Effective Stakeholder Communication Plan

 Customer-facing activities are those that directly involve or affect the customers, such as sales, service, support, or marketing. These activities should be consistent across the organization, as consistency is a key factor for customer satisfaction and loyalty12. Customers expect to have the same level of service and quality every time they interact with a business, regardless of the channel, location, or employee. If some employees perform customer-facing activities in a different format than the others, it can create confusion, frustration, or distrust among the customers, and potentially damage the business reputation and revenue34. Therefore, this is a problem that can be addressed as part of an improvement opportunity. Jane, as a business analyst, can use passive observation to identify the variations in the customer-facing activities, and then analyze the root causes, impacts, and possible solutions. She can also use other techniques, such as interviews, surveys, or focus groups, to gather feedback from the customers and the employees, and understand their needs and expectations. She can then propose recommendations to standardize the customer-facing activities, and ensure that they align with the business goals, values, and policies5. References:

The three Cs of customer satisfaction: Consistency, consistency, consistency | McKinsey

How to create consistency in customer service | Zapier

How To Improve Customer Focus Using 8 Key Strategies

Consistent Communication: A Must-Have For Your Customer Service Team - Forbes

Important Client-Facing Skills: Definition and Examples

The change-driven approach is an agile method that focuses on delivering value to the customer in short iterations and adapting to changing requirements. The change-driven approach favors defining requirements through team interaction, as this allows for more collaboration, feedback, and learning among the stakeholders. The change-driven approach also uses minimal documentation and relies on working software as the primary measure of progress. The change-driven approach is suitable for projects that have high uncertainty, complexity, and volatility. References:

Business Analysis Approach (BA Planning & Monitoring)

Adapting Your Requirements Practices | StickyMinds

Requirements definition and management — English - SFIA

A RACI chart is a tool that helps to define and clarify the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in a project or a process. It stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed, which are the four types of tasks or activities that stakeholders can be involved in. A RACI chart is a matrix that lists the tasks or activities in the left column and the stakeholders or roles in the top row. For each task or activity, the RACI chart indicates who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, or Informed by using the letters R, A, C, or I. A RACI chart can help to improve communication, collaboration, and accountability among stakeholders, and to avoid confusion, duplication, or conflict of roles. A RACI chart can be used as part of the stakeholder analysis process, which is the process of identifying, categorizing, and assessing the stakeholders of a project or a process, and understanding their needs, expectations, and interests.

References:

RACI Chart - a how to guide to using RACI, paragraph 1

How the RACI Matrix Streamlines Stakeholder Engagement, paragraph 1

Stakeholder Wrangling 101: The RACI Framework, paragraph 1

[A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide)], version 3, page 30, section 2.51

A plan-driven approach to business analysis follows a sequential and linear process, where each phase must be completed before moving on to the next. This approach requires thorough planning upfront, reducing uncertainties later on. Therefore, communication in a plan-driven approach is likely to be formal, structured, and documented. Formal communication ensures that information is relayed in a clear, consistent, and accurate manner, and that stakeholders are aware of their roles and responsibilities. Formal communication also helps to manage changes, risks, and issues that may arise during the project lifecycle. Formal communication may include written reports, presentations, meetings, emails, and memos. References:

How to create a business analysis communication plan

How to Choose the Right Business Analysis Approach

Plan Business Analysis Approach - iiba.org

Defining the Business Analysis Approach in 2023 | Free Template

The business analysis approach is a plan that describes how the business analysis activities will be performed, including the deliverables, the team roles, the analysis techniques, the communication methods, the change management process, and the stakeholder engagement strategy. The business analysis approach does not define the requirements for solutions acceptance, which are the criteria that the solution must meet to be accepted by the stakeholders. The requirements for solutions acceptance are part of the solution scope, which is an output of the enterprise analysis tasks, not the business analysis approach. References:

[A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide)], version 3, page 24, section 2.21

[CBAP Certification Study Guide v3.0], Chapter 4: Requirements Life Cycle Management, Section 4.1: Plan Business Analysis Approach, page 4-22

Business Analysis Approach, paragraph 1

A work product is any output of the business analysis process that is used to communicate, document, or manage requirements1. Examples of work products include requirements documentation, interview questions and notes, meeting agendas and minutes, models, diagrams, matrices, traceability reports, and business cases2. Presentation slides are not a work product, as they are not used to capture or manage requirements, but rather to present or summarize them to an audience. Presentation slides may contain information from work products, but they are not work products themselves. References:

Work Product Definition & Meaning | Merriam-Webster Legal

Examples of ownership of work product clauses in contracts - Afterpattern

A capabilities gap assessment is a process of identifying and analyzing the gaps between the current and desired capabilities of an organization. It helps to determine what new capabilities are needed to achieve the business goals and objectives, and to seize the business opportunities1. A business opportunity is the chance to take advantage of an occurrence in the market for business gain. It involves some kind of favourable condition that can be used to create and implement ideas and innovations, solve problems, and maximize profits2.

If an organization does not have the necessary resources and technology to seize a business opportunity, the most likely course of action is to launch a new project. A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result3. By launching a new project, the organization can allocate the required resources and technology, define the project scope, schedule, and budget, and deliver the desired outcome. A new project can also help the organization to close the capabilities gap, improve its performance, and gain a competitive advantage in the market.

The other options are less likely or not feasible. Hiring additional resources or contractors may not be enough to close the capabilities gap, as they may not have the relevant skills, knowledge, or experience. Moreover, hiring may incur additional costs and risks for the organization. Moving onto the next opportunity may not be a wise decision, as it may result in losing a valuable chance to grow the business and satisfy the customer needs. Therefore, launching a new project is the best course of action for the organization. References:

Capabilities Based Assessment (CBA) - AcqNotes

What Is Business Opportunity? – Importance, Types … - Feedough

Project Management Basics: What Is a Project? | PMI

SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It is a widely used approach to assess the business goals and their validity and longevity. SMART helps to ensure that the business goals are clear, realistic, and aligned with the business vision and strategy. SMART also helps to monitor and evaluate the progress and outcomes of the business goals. By using SMART, business analysts can define the business needs and requirements more effectively, and communicate them to the stakeholders more efficiently12. References:

SMART Goals: Definition and Examples | Indeed.com

How to Set SMART Goals: Guide for Supervisors and Employees

 A change-driven approach to business analysis is one that adapts to the changing needs and priorities of the stakeholders and the business environment. It focuses on delivering business value in short iterations, rather than following a fixed and detailed plan. A change-driven approach is often associated with agile methodologies, such as Scrum, Kanban, or XP, which emphasize collaboration, feedback, and continuous improvement. A change-driven approach can help business analysts respond to uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, and deliver solutions that meet the customer’s expectations and satisfaction. References:

Defining Business Analysis, section 1.3.2, page 7

How to Choose the Right Business Analysis Approach, paragraph 4

Business Analysis Approach, paragraph 2

The Agile Business Analysis Approach Means…, paragraph 1

Defining the Business Analysis Approach in 2023, paragraph 2

 Brainstorming is a technique for generating creative ideas and solutions through intensive and freewheeling group discussion. One of the guidelines for effective brainstorming is to encourage quantity over quality, meaning that participants should try to generate as many ideas as possible without worrying about their feasibility or quality. Setting a limit of ten ideas may discourage further creativity and prevent the group from exploring other potential solutions. Therefore, the goal should be to come up with as many solutions as possible, not just ten ideas. References:

BABOK® Guide, section 10.25.3, page 404

Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) Handbook, page 6

Tips for Earning a Business Analysis Certification | IIBA®

A requirements trace matrix (RTM) is a tool that helps to ensure that the project’s scope, requirements, and deliverables remain consistent and aligned throughout the project lifecycle. It traces the requirements from their origin to their fulfillment by linking them to other project artifacts, such as design documents, test cases, and solution components. An RTM can also be used to verify that all requirements are met and to identify changes to the scope when they occur. An RTM is especially useful for smaller projects where there are few requirements, as it can help to track the progress and status of each requirement and avoid scope creep. A requirements trace matrix is not the same as a roles and responsibility matrix (A), a RACI matrix (B), or a coverage matrix ©, which are different types of matrices that serve different purposes in project management. References:

IIBA BABOK Guide v3, p. 30, 176, 264

Requirements Traceability Matrix – RTM - Project-Management.com

CBAP/CCBA/ECBA Certification Practice Test | MindsMapped, Question 6

 A solution approach is a description of the proposed method for delivering a solution that meets the business need. It is one of the outputs of the enterprise analysis tasks, along with business need, capability gaps, solution scope, and business case. A solution approach defines the type, nature, and complexity of the solution, and provides a high-level view of how the solution will be implemented. It also identifies the major components, features, and functions of the solution, as well as the key stakeholders, risks, assumptions, and constraints. A solution approach helps to evaluate the feasibility and viability of different solution options and compare them with the business need and expected benefits. References:

IIBA BABOK Guide v3, p. 30, 176, 264

An Overview of Enterprise Analysis - Modern Analyst

How Do You Know When You Are Doing Enterprise Analysis

A non-negotiable demand by a stakeholder during the requirements prioritization session is one that does not allow for any trade-offs, compromises, or alternatives. It is a demand that must be met regardless of the impact on other requirements, the feasibility of the solution, or the value to the organization. A stakeholder who insists that all requirements are ranked as high is making a non-negotiable demand, as this would prevent any meaningful prioritization and allocation of resources. Communication, cost-benefits ratio, and cost are not non-negotiable demands, as they can be negotiated, adjusted, or balanced with other factors during the requirements prioritization session. References: BABOK Guide v3, section 10.25 Requirements Prioritization; 1

 Process modeling is a technique that can be used to define and document the business analysis approach, as it describes the activities, tasks, inputs, outputs, and roles involved in the business analysis work. Process modeling can help to identify the scope, objectives, deliverables, dependencies, assumptions, constraints, and risks of the business analysis work. Process modeling can also help to communicate and validate the business analysis approach with stakeholders and ensure alignment with the project management approach. References: BABOK Guide v3, section 4.1.1.1, page 110; Business Analysis Techniques: Planning and Monitoring Business Analysis Work by Milena Pajic, section Using Process Modeling for Planning and Monitoring, page 171

Alternative generation is a business analysis element that tries to identify as many potential options as possible to meet the business objectives and fill identified gaps in capabilities. Alternative generation is part of the strategy analysis knowledge area, which involves defining the business need, assessing the current state, defining the future state, identifying solution options, and recommending a solution. Alternative generation helps to explore the possible ways to achieve the desired outcomes, and to evaluate the feasibility, viability, and suitability of each option. Alternative generation can use various techniques, such as brainstorming, benchmarking, market analysis, or SWOT analysis, to generate and compare different solution alternatives. References:

[A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide)], version 3, page 100, section 5.41

[CBAP Certification Study Guide v3.0], Chapter 5: Strategy Analysis, Section 5.4: Identify Solution Options, page 5-152

What Is Business Analysis and Why Is It Important? - Indeed, paragraph 4

More CBAP Preparation Questions – The Functional BA, question 4

 Quality control is not one of the reasons why trace requirements is useful, but a process that monitors and measures the quality of the project deliverables and outputs against the quality standards and criteria established in the quality management plan. Quality control is used to make certain that the project team members are completing the project work according to the project plan and meeting the stakeholder expectations. Quality control involves performing quality audits, inspections, tests, reviews, and validations to identify and correct any defects, errors, or deviations from the specifications1.

The other three options are valid reasons why trace requirements is useful. Trace requirements is a technique that involves establishing and documenting the relationships between requirements and other aspects of the product management process, such as design elements, test cases, releases, and incidents. Trace requirements is useful for the following purposes234:

Impact analysis: Trace requirements helps to evaluate the impact of a potential change or a problem on the requirements and the solution. By tracing the dependencies and links between requirements and other items, the business analyst can quickly and easily assess the scope, cost, time, and risk implications of the change or the problem, and plan the appropriate response actions.

Requirements coverage: Trace requirements helps to ensure that all the requirements are fulfilled by the solution and that all the solution components contribute to the requirements. By tracing the alignment and mapping between requirements and solution components, the business analyst can verify that the solution meets the stakeholder needs and expectations, and that there are no gaps or redundancies in the solution.

Requirements allocation: Trace requirements helps to assign requirements to solution components and to releases. By tracing the distribution and allocation of requirements to different parts of the solution and to different phases of the project, the business analyst can prioritize and schedule the requirements based on their value, risk, dependency, and complexity, and ensure that the solution is delivered incrementally and iteratively. References: 1: Project Quality Management: Processes & Tools | Villanova University5 2: Requirements Traceability - The What, Why and How | Netmind6 3: Requirements traceability – why and how to do it?7 4: Requirements traceability : What, why and how - Modern Analyst8

The number of communication channels in a project is an indicator of the complexity of communication among the stakeholders. It is calculated by using the following formula1:

Number of communication channels = N x (N - 1) / 2

Where N = Number of stakeholders

In this case, N = 65, so the number of communication channels is:

65 x (65 - 1) / 2 = 2080

Therefore, the correct answer is A. 2080. References:

Number of Communication Channels (+ PMP® Formula & Calculator)

According to the BABOK® Guide, the purpose of the Assess Proposed Solution task is to determine how well a proposed solution meets the business need and to identify any gaps, risks, or shortcomings before committing resources to its implementation. This task involves evaluating the solution against the requirements, the solution scope, and the solution acceptance criteria. Paul is performing this task by examining a single solution to determine its business value and feasibility. References: BABOK® Guide v3, Section 6.4: Assess Proposed Solution; CBAP® Handbook, Section 4: Review the Exam Blueprint.

The relationship between use cases “Create a role” and “Find a role” when there is a high level of formality is derive. This means that the use case “Find a role” is derived from the use case “Create a role”, because it is a sub-function or a variation of the main function. A derived use case is dependent on another use case and cannot be performed independently. A derived use case can also be called an extension, an inclusion, or a generalization of another use case. The other options are not valid relationships between use cases. Validate, necessity, and satisfy are relationships between requirements and other elements, such as stakeholders, objectives, or design components. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 7: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, page 293

Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) Guide, Version 3, Chapter 7: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, section 7.5: Specify and Model Requirements, page 135

Business Analysis Professional Resources, IIBA Resource Collection, Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) Guide

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Skillsoft Book, Chapter 7: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, page 293

A business process model is a graphical representation that captures all of the activities within a business, the inputs and outputs of each activity, and the required resources to complete each activity. It shows the sequence, dependencies, roles, and responsibilities of the activities, as well as the information and materials that flow between them. A business process model can help to document, analyze, improve, and automate the business processes that deliver value to the customers and stakeholders. A business process model can also help to align the business and IT strategies, and to identify the gaps and opportunities for innovation. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, page 279

Business Analysis Professional Resources | IIBA®, under Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK ®) Guide

All About Business Process Mapping, Flow Charts and Diagrams | Lucidchart, under What is business process mapping?

A run chart is a line graph that shows data points plotted in the order in which they occur. It shows the history and pattern of variation of a process over time. It can be used to perform trend analysis, which is the examination of data over time to identify patterns, changes, or shifts in the process. A run chart can help to identify process stability, variation, and improvement opportunities. A run chart is also known as a line chart, a trend chart, or a time series plot. References:

Run Chart: Creation, Analysis, & Rules - Six Sigma Study Guide

Line Graph | Introduction to Statistics | JMP

A Complete Guide to Line Charts | Tutorial by Chartio

The relationship between F1 and F2 is that they are mutually exclusive and dependent features. This means that the customer can only choose one of them, and the choice depends on their charging needs. If the customer wants to have their mobile device fully charged, they will select F1. If the customer only wants to have their mobile device partially charged, they will select F2 and specify the amount of charge they need. The customer cannot select both F1 and F2 at the same time, nor can they select neither of them. Therefore, F1 and F2 depend on each other and on the customer’s preference. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, page 47

Business Analysis Professional Resources | IIBA®, under Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK ®) Guide

Requirements Relationships - Business Analyst Learnings, under Mutually Exclusive Relationship

A presentation is a conversation between one or more speakers centering on one specific topic, such as a business analysis technique, a solution option, or a project status update. Presentations are used to communicate information, persuade stakeholders, or demonstrate a solution. Presentations can be delivered in various formats, such as slides, videos, or posters. Presentations are one of the 50 business analysis techniques described in the BABOK® Guide. References:

BABOK® Guide, section 10.41, Presentation

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, chapter 8, Elicitation and Collaboration Techniques, page 247

Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) | Coursera, course 3, Business Analysis: Elicitation and Collaboration, week 3, Presentation

The BA should set up additional activities to collaboratively resolve the variations in the elicitation results, as this will help to ensure that the information is accurate, consistent, and complete. The BA can use techniques such as reviews, workshops, or focus groups to confirm the elicitation results with the stakeholders, identify and address any gaps, conflicts, or ambiguities, and reach a consensus on the requirements12. The other options are not effective ways to resolve the variations. Identifying a few key stakeholders to resolve the conflicts may exclude other relevant stakeholders and create bias or resentment. Removing requirements that cause differences may result in losing important information or value. Weighting the results from the observation because it is more reliable may ignore other sources of information or perspectives.

The lessons learned document is a document that captures and documents the successes, opportunities for improvement, failures, and recommendations for improving the performance of future projects or project phases. The lessons learned document is updated throughout the project lifecycle, not just at a specific phase. Updating the lessons learned document throughout the project lifecycle helps to ensure that the valuable knowledge and experience gained from the project are recorded, shared, and applied in a timely and effective manner. It also helps to avoid repeating the same mistakes or missing the same opportunities in the current or future projects1. The lessons learned document is updated at the end of each project phase or iteration, or whenever a significant event or change occurs in the project. The lessons learned document is also reviewed and finalized at the end of the project, as part of the project closure process23. References:

CBAP® Handbook

Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK® Guide) - Version 3, section 7.6 Manage Project Closure

Lessons Learned - iiba.org

The business process model is also known as the activity model. It is a graphical representation that captures all of the activities within a business, the inputs and outputs of each activity, and the required resources to complete each activity. It shows the sequence, dependencies, roles, and responsibilities of the activities, as well as the information and materials that flow between them. A business process model can help to document, analyze, improve, and automate the business processes that deliver value to the customers and stakeholders. A business process model can also help to align the business and IT strategies, and to identify the gaps and opportunities for innovation. References:

Business Process Modeling: Definition, Benefits, and Examples - Kissflow, paragraph 1

Business process modeling - Wikipedia, paragraph 1

The business process model is also known as - VCEguide.com, answer B

 The medium is the portion of the communications model that could be defined as the translator. The medium is the channel or the tool that is used to transmit the message from the sender to the receiver. The medium can be verbal, written, visual, or a combination of these. The medium can also be electronic, such as email, phone, or video conference, or physical, such as paper, board, or face-to-face meeting. The medium acts as a translator by converting the message into a form that can be understood by the receiver. The medium also influences the effectiveness and efficiency of the communication, as different mediums have different advantages and disadvantages, such as speed, cost, feedback, and noise. References: IIBA BABOK Guide v3, section 2.2.2.3, page 25; CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, chapter 6, page 236; Free CBAP CBAP® Exam Questions - IIBA CBAP Exam - Study4Exam, question 251.

A responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) chart is a type of chart that shows the correlation between project team members and the work they’ve been assigned to complete. A RAM chart is a matrix that maps the project activities or deliverables to the project roles or resources. A RAM chart helps to define and clarify the roles and responsibilities of the project team members, as well as to identify the gaps, overlaps, or conflicts in the work assignments. A RAM chart is also known as a linear responsibility chart (LRC) or a resource allocation matrix (RAC). A RACI chart is a specific type of RAM chart that uses the RACI notation to indicate the level of involvement of each team member in each activity or deliverable. References: CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, chapter 6, page 237; CBAP Sample Questions, question 239.

 A requirement attribute is a characteristic or property of a requirement that provides additional information about it. Requirement attributes can help to manage, prioritize, trace, and verify the requirements. Some common requirement attributes are source, priority, status, owner, version, etc. One of the qualities of a good requirement is that it should be unambiguous, which means that it should have only one possible interpretation and avoid any confusion or misunderstanding. An unambiguous requirement is clear, precise, and consistent, and it can be easily verified and validated. An ambiguous requirement, on the other hand, can lead to errors, defects, rework, and conflicts among the stakeholders. References:

Characteristics of Effective Software Requirements and Software Requirements Specifications (SRS) - Jama Software, under Qualities of Good Requirements

The Four Attributes of High-Quality Requirements - ArgonDigital, paragraph 1

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, page 47

The stakeholders and the BA need to measure benefits, penalties, and costs to determine if the solution is providing expected value and ensure the accuracy of the measurements. Benefits are the positive outcomes or value that the solution delivers to the stakeholders or the organization. Penalties are the negative consequences or costs that the solution may incur if it fails to meet the requirements or expectations. Costs are the resources or expenses that are required to implement, operate, and maintain the solution. By measuring benefits, penalties, and costs, the stakeholders and the BA can assess the return on investment (ROI), the net present value (NPV), and the break-even point (BEP) of the solution, and compare them with the expected or planned values. This can help to evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and feasibility of the solution, and to identify any gaps, issues, or opportunities for improvement. Strategy, solution, and scope are not the best options to measure, because they are either too general, too abstract, or not directly related to the value of the solution. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 8: Solution Evaluation, page 337

Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) Guide, Version 3, Chapter 8: Solution Evaluation, section 8.2: Analyze Performance Measures, page 153

Business Analysis Professional Resources, IIBA Resource Collection, Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) Guide

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Skillsoft Book, Chapter 8: Solution Evaluation, page 337

Millstones are timeless events that show progress in the project. Millstones are significant points or achievements in the project lifecycle that indicate the completion of a major deliverable, phase, or stage. Millstones are typically achieved at the end of each phase in the project lifecycle, such as initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closure. Millstones help to measure and communicate the project status, performance, and results, and to ensure the alignment and satisfaction of the project stakeholders12. Achievements are the outcomes or results of the project that fulfill the project objectives and deliver value to the project stakeholders. Achievements are not necessarily timeless events that show progress in the project, as they may occur at any point in the project lifecycle, depending on the nature and scope of the project. Achievements help to evaluate and demonstrate the project success, quality, and benefits, and to justify the project investment and resources34. Phases are the stages or segments of the project lifecycle that divide the project into manageable and logical units. Phases are not timeless events that show progress in the project, as they are the periods of time during which the project activities and tasks are performed and the project deliverables are produced. Phases help to organize and structure the project work, scope, and schedule, and to apply the appropriate methods, tools, and techniques for each phase1 . Templates are the standardized documents or formats that are used to plan, execute, and control the project. Templates are not timeless events that show progress in the project, as they are the tools or aids that facilitate the project management processes and practices. Templates help to ensure the consistency, completeness, and quality of the project documentation, communication, and reporting1 . References:

CBAP® Handbook

Millstone - iiba.org

Achievement - iiba.org

Project Success - iiba.org

[Phase - iiba.org]

[Template - iiba.org]

A trigger for re-prioritization is an event or a change that affects the relative importance or urgency of the project’s requirements or deliverables1. A new initial public offering (IPO) in the stock market is an example of such an event, as it may create new opportunities or threats for the online stock trading system and its stakeholders. The project team may need to re-prioritize the requirements or deliverables to align with the new market conditions and stakeholder expectations. The other options are not triggers for re-prioritization, but rather project issues or risks that need to be managed or mitigated. References: 1

 Risk Analysis and Management is a technique that involves identifying, assessing, and treating the uncertainties and potential negative impacts that may affect the solution or the stakeholders. Risk Analysis and Management will enable the BA to record and handle the threats in the solution on an ongoing basis, because it can help the BA to quantify and prioritize the risks, determine the appropriate responses and mitigation strategies, and monitor and control the risk exposure and outcomes. Risk Analysis and Management can also help the BA to communicate and report the risk status and issues to the stakeholders and the organization, and to ensure that the solution delivers the expected value and benefits. Root Cause Analysis, Solution Performance Analysis, or Solution Scope are not the best options for recording and handling the threats in the solution on an ongoing basis, because they are either too specific, too general, or not directly related to the risk management process. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 8: Solution Evaluation, page 346

Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) Guide, Version 3, Chapter 8: Solution Evaluation, section 8.4: Assess Solution Limitations, page 158

Business Analysis Professional Resources, IIBA Resource Collection, Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) Guide

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Skillsoft Book, Chapter 8: Solution Evaluation, page 346

Interviewing is a quantitative risk analysis technique that relies on experience and past data to compute the probability and impact of risks on project objectives. Interviewing involves asking experts, stakeholders, or team members to provide their estimates of the likelihood and consequences of the identified risks, based on their knowledge, judgment, or historical records. Interviewing can be conducted individually or in groups, using structured or unstructured questions, and using qualitative or quantitative scales. Interviewing helps to obtain a range of possible outcomes and their probabilities, as well as to identify the assumptions and uncertainties behind the estimates. References: IIBA BABOK Guide v3, section 11.2.2.5, page 388; CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, chapter 5, page 232; CBAP Sample Questions, question 236.

The BA should ensure the business needs are articulated from the enterprise perspective, because this will help to align the needs with the strategic goals and objectives of the organization, and to ensure the needs are relevant, feasible, and beneficial for the enterprise as a whole. The other options are not the primary focus of the BA at this stage of defining the business opportunity. While traceability, solution description, and risk assessment are important aspects of business analysis, they are more relevant for later stages of the business analysis process, such as requirements analysis, solution design, and solution evaluation. References: CBAP Handbook, CBAP Study Guide, BABOK Guide

An enterprise readiness assessment is a process of evaluating the current state of an organization and its readiness to adopt a new system or change12. It helps to identify the gaps, risks, and opportunities that may affect the success of the project3. Before eliciting requirements for a new system, the BA needs to understand the current situation, the stakeholders, the culture, the processes, and the potential impacts of the change4. This will help the BA to define the scope, objectives, and approach for the requirements elicitation. 

 An unstructured interview is a type of elicitation that allows each stakeholder to freely discuss their role in a particular process. An unstructured interview is a flexible and informal conversation that does not follow a predefined set of questions or topics. An unstructured interview allows the interviewer to explore the stakeholder’s perspectives, opinions, needs, and expectations in depth. An unstructured interview also allows the interviewer to adapt to the stakeholder’s responses and follow new lines of inquiry. An unstructured interview is useful for eliciting tacit knowledge, complex information, and emotional aspects of the stakeholder’s role. References: IIBA BABOK Guide v3, section 4.2.5, page 115; CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, chapter 4, page 177; CBAP Sample Questions, question 238.

 A baseline schedule is derived from a schedule model to meet the project execution plan and achieve management approval for use as a baseline. A schedule model is a representation of the project activities, durations, dependencies, and resources that shows how the project will be executed over time. A baseline schedule is a specific version of the schedule model that is approved and frozen as a reference point for measuring and controlling the project progress and performance. A baseline schedule reflects the agreed-upon scope, cost, and schedule of the project and serves as a basis for comparison and change management. References: CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, chapter 6, page 234; CBAP Sample Questions, question 252.

An activity network diagram is a method of displaying the timelines of all the various subtasks that are involved in any project. It shows the sequence and dependencies of the subtasks, as well as their durations and start and finish times. An activity network diagram can help to identify the critical path, which is the longest path of subtasks that determines the minimum time required to complete the project. An activity network diagram can also help to monitor and control the project progress, identify and manage risks, and optimize the use of resources. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, page 47

Critical Path Mapping with Activity Network Diagrams

How To Create a Project Timeline in 8 Easy Steps, under Step 4: Choose a project timeline format

Risk analysis is the process of defining and analyzing the dangers to individuals, businesses, and government agencies posed by potential natural and human-caused adverse events. Risk analysis involves identifying the sources and consequences of risk, estimating the likelihood and severity of risk events, and evaluating the effectiveness and feasibility of risk mitigation strategies. Risk analysis can be applied to various domains, such as IT, finance, security, health, environment, etc. Risk analysis can help to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and enhance performance and resilience. One of the aspects of risk analysis is to measure the maturity level of the security program, which is the degree of development and capability of the security processes and controls that protect the organization from threats and vulnerabilities. A security maturity model is a framework that defines the stages or levels of security maturity and provides a roadmap for improvement. A security maturity model can help to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the security program, prioritize the actions and resources, and benchmark the progress and impact of the security program. References:

Security Maturity Models: Levels, Assessment, and Benefits, paragraph 1

Maturity Model | SANS Security Awareness, paragraph 1

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, page 47

A Gantt chart is a graphical tool that represents the duration of activities against a calendar. It shows the start and end dates, dependencies, and progress of each activity in a project. A Gantt chart can help project managers to plan, schedule, monitor, and control the project activities. It can also help to identify the critical path, which is the longest sequence of activities that determines the minimum time required to complete the project. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, page 47

What Is a Gantt Chart? | Definition & Examples | APM

Activity Duration Estimates: Definition, Importance and Techniques - Indeed, under What are activity duration estimates?

The HAZOP technique, which stands for Hazard and Operability Study, is a qualitative technique that involves a disciplined analysis of the event sequences that could transform a potential hazard into an accident. The HAZOP technique is a systematic and structured method of identifying and evaluating the possible deviations from the intended design, operation, or functionality of a system, process, or product. The HAZOP technique uses a set of guide words, such as no, more, less, as well as, part of, and reverse, to generate different scenarios of what could go wrong and why. The HAZOP technique helps to identify the causes, consequences, and safeguards of the deviations, and to recommend the appropriate actions or controls to prevent or mitigate the hazards12. A failure mode and effects criticality analysis (FMECA) is a qualitative technique that involves an extension of the failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) by adding a criticality rating to each failure mode. A FMECA is a method of identifying and evaluating the potential failures of a system, process, or product, and their impacts on the performance, safety, or reliability of the system, process, or product. A FMECA helps to prioritize the failures based on their severity and frequency, and to determine the corrective actions or preventive measures to reduce or eliminate the failures13. A failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is a qualitative technique that involves a systematic analysis of the potential failures of a system, process, or product, and their effects on the performance, safety, or reliability of the system, process, or product. An FMEA is a method of identifying and evaluating the causes, modes, and consequences of the failures, and the existing or planned controls to detect or prevent the failures. An FMEA helps to improve the design, operation, or functionality of the system, process, or product, and to reduce the risk of failures14. A preliminary risk analysis (PRA) is a qualitative technique that involves a high-level assessment of the risks that may affect a project or a solution. A PRA is a method of identifying and evaluating the sources, events, and impacts of the risks, and the existing or planned responses to the risks. A PRA helps to determine the feasibility and viability of the project or the solution, and to establish the scope and objectives of the risk management process15. References:

CBAP® Handbook

HAZOP Technique - iiba.org

Failure Mode and Effects Criticality Analysis - iiba.org

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis - iiba.org

Preliminary Risk Analysis - iiba.org

Risk management is the process of identifying, analyzing, responding, and monitoring the risks that may affect the project or the organization. Risk management helps to minimize the negative impacts and maximize the positive opportunities of the uncertainties and assumptions. Risk management involves setting the risk tolerance, which is the level of risk exposure that the organization is willing to accept. Risk management also involves identifying the potential risks, which are the factors that may jeopardize the project or the organization’s objectives. Risk management also involves prioritizing the tolerance for risk, which is the order of importance of the risks based on their probability and impact. Risk management is an iterative and continuous process that should be performed throughout the project life cycle and at different levels of the organization. References: [IIBA BABOK Guide v3], section 11.1, page 384; CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, chapter 5, page 227; CBAP Sample Questions, question 232.

 A program charter is a document that communicates from the program-level perspective – a clear understanding and statement of the technical objectives and the end products, services, or results of the work to be performed. A program charter is similar to a project charter, but it applies to a program, which is a group of related projects that are managed in a coordinated way to obtain benefits and control that are not available from managing them individually. A program charter defines the program vision, mission, goals, scope, benefits, stakeholders, roles and responsibilities, governance structure, risks, and success criteria. A program charter provides the direction and guidance for the program and serves as a reference point for future decisions and changes. A program charter is usually created by the program sponsor or the customer, in collaboration with the program manager and the business analyst, and approved by the key stakeholders. References: [IIBA BABOK Guide v3], section 5.1.1, page 161; CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, chapter 6, page 233; Free CBAP CBAP® Exam Questions - IIBA CBAP Exam - Study4Exam, question 249.

A cause-and-effect diagram, also known as an Ishikawa diagram or a fishbone diagram, is a graphical tool that visualizes the result of a root cause analysis study. It helps to identify, sort, and display the possible causes of a specific problem or quality issue. It can also be used to explore the root causes of a problem or a desired outcome. The diagram looks like the skeleton of a fish, hence the name fishbone diagram. The effect or problem is shown as the fish’s head, and the causes are shown as the bones along the spine. The diagram helps to organize the causes into categories, such as people, processes, equipment, materials, environment, etc. The diagram can be created by brainstorming the causes and grouping them into major categories. The diagram can then be analyzed to identify the most likely or significant causes of the problem or outcome. References:

Root Cause Analysis: Definition, Examples & Methods | Tableau, under Approaches to Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause Analysis, Ishikawa Diagrams and the 5 Whys - isixsigma.com, paragraph 1

Root Cause Analysis - Practical Action, paragraph 1

 A RACI chart is a matrix that defines the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders involved in a task or a process. RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. A RACI chart helps to clarify who is responsible for performing the work, who is accountable for the outcome, who needs to be consulted for input or feedback, and who needs to be informed of the progress or results. A RACI chart is important to ensure that the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders are tracked and communicated, and that there is no confusion, duplication, or omission of tasks. References: [IIBA BABOK Guide v3], section 2.2.2.4, page 25; CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, chapter 6, page 237; CBAP Sample Questions, question 235.

 A sign-off is the formal acceptance of the project by the stakeholders, indicating that they agree that the project has met the requirements and delivered the expected value. A project review is an evaluation of the project performance and outcomes, but it does not necessarily imply acceptance. Risk assessment is a process of identifying and analyzing potential threats and opportunities that may affect the project. Inspection trend analysis is a technique of monitoring the quality of the project deliverables by comparing the results of inspections over time. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 10, page 367

BABOK® Guide, Section 7.6, page 294