After considering all the valuable input from Business Analyst Mentor readers I described in last week’s post, I had to decide how to support the readers.
It wasn’t straightforward as I have to balance the investment of my time and money, especially when you consider that I work full time and have a family!
Once I had the requirements, the question was how to deliver a quality solution.
Read on for the details…
What do YOU want from Business Analyst Mentor?
I spent some time considering creating a Bootcamp for wannabe BA’s.
After reflecting on some of the enquiries and questions I have answered, I felt it should cover the following:
- full training for fundamental business analysis skills
- provides end to end project experience
- how to find BA positions?
- how to tailor your CV to best effect?
- how to market yourself
To do this justice, you would have to commit to attending a course for at least three months.
It would have taken me at least a year to develop.
The results of my surveys suggested there was much greater demand from existing business analysts for support rather than those wishing to enter the profession.
I decided I shouldn’t bite off more than I can chew for my first training product.
Use case models are in widespread use
Use case models have become the de facto standard for defining the functional requirements for an IT system. They can also be used to define a ‘business’ system but this is less mainstream.
My experience in use case modelling dates back to the mid 90’s. I have learnt how to use case modeling through trial and error – as much through my own errors as seeing how others have misunderstood or misapplied the technique. I have used the technique consistently in the last ten years on almost every contract on which I’ve been assigned so my success as a freelancer has been dependent on my skill in use case modeling.
On the surface, it appears simple as a use case model doesn’t involve many complex elements. Often business analysts are expected to apply the technique with no training and limited support.
Like most tools anyone can use it but to use it well requires training and experience.
Learning to model use cases well delivers some real benefits:
- increased confidence
- improved productivity
- happy and cooperative stakeholders
- happy boss
- happy you!
I have seen the curriculum for some of the training that is available in this area.
There seem to be a few key questions that aren’t answered by training that I have seen such as:
- How does use case modeling fit into a project?
- How do I get the business interested in the use case model?
- How do I draft an initial use case model? Where does the information come from?
- How does the use case model fit into downstream activities such as design, testing and training?
Ok, so I had decided where there was demand and where I could provide something of value. However, Business Analyst Mentor delivers globally and I want to be able to support individuals without needing to meet face to face.
The only way of delivering a course in this way is through eLearning which was the next challenge…
What does an engaging and effective eLearning course look like?
Does eLearning work?
Is classroom based training better than eLearning?
How do you teach sophisticated techniques for professional business analysts remotely through the internet?
Next week, I will explain what I learnt by reviewing existing eLearning training, consulting experts in the eLearning field and attending an eLearning course on constructing and delivering effective eLearning myself.
This post reflects my conclusions based on my experience and analysis. It is only my point of view and there are many others.
If you disagree with anything in this post or would just like to comment on what you have read, I would really appreciate your input so please comment below.
