Course Description

This three-day course provides a practical, “hands-on” approach to business systems analysis using Enterprise Architect, a modelling tool that offers ease of use and comprehensive support for business analysts at a realistic price.

The course is based on the real-world experience and lessons learnt by practising business systems analysts using Enterprise Architect on actual projects. At the same time it presents an up to date perspective on business systems analysis that includes use cases.

Participants leave the course with a clear understanding of what is expected from a business systems analyst and the skills necessary to fulfil those expectations.

Throughout the course participants are shown how to use Enterprise Architect to create and document various diagrams and models. Participants also explore some of the additional features of Enterprise Architect such as mind mapping and user interface prototypes. See Sparx Systems web site for details about Enterprise Architect.

Course Features

  • Assumes no prior knowledge of business systems analysis or Enterprise Architect
  • Covers material required for the Information Systems Examinations Board (ISEB) and International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) certification exams
  • Based on the ISEB business analysis process model
  • Covers mind mapping and user interface features of Enterprise Architect
  • Suitable for graduates, developers and others moving into a BA role for the first time as well as experienced business analysts who need to update their skills; attend a “refresher” course or simply get some new ideas.

Participant Benefits

  • Gain a better understanding of the role of a business analyst.
  • Develops the essentials knowledge and skills required to investigate business systems; identify business needs and specify the requirements of a software solution.
  • Provides participants with ample hands-on experience of applying Enterprise Architect.

Who is this course for?

  • Those acting (or planning to act) in the role of Business Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Systems Analyst, Functional Analyst or Business Consultant.
  • Users, User Representatives, Stakeholders, Project Sponsors, Project managers, Program Managers
  • Consultants, technical writers, educators and trainers

Course content

Introduction to Business Analysis
Business Analyst Roles and Responsibilities
Business Analysis Projects
A Systems Perspective of Business Analysis
Modelling and Business Analysis
Introduction to Enterprise Architect
The Project View
The Resource View
Properties
Diagram Toolbox
Menus and Toolbars
Working With Diagrams
Business Analysis Process Model
Investigate the Situation
Consider Perspectives
Analyse Needs
Evaluate Options
Define Requirements
Investigating the Situation
Rich Pictures
Mind Maps
PESTLE Analysis
PROMPT Analysis
Defining Initial Scope

Sparx EA Exercise: Mind Mapping Diagrams

Considering Perspectives
Stakeholder Analysis
Modelling Business Scope
Modelling Application Scope

Sparx EA Exercise: Creating a Stakeholder Map

Modelling Business Processes
Modelling Workflows – sequential activities, parallel activities, decisions, actors, events
Business Processes Models – modelling business processes, logical vs. physical workflows, “as-is” vs. “to-be” workflows

Sparx EA Exercises: Modelling Business Processes Using Activity Diagrams, Diagram Layout Tools, Generating Documentation

Modelling Software Applications
Modelling Application Components
Modelling Application Features
Use Cases – use case diagrams, naming use cases, use case narratives, use cases and business processes
User Stories as an Alternative to Use Cases

Sparx EA Exercises: Component Diagrams, Use Case Diagrams

Analysing Needs
Business Needs
Modelling the Current Business System
Information Requirements – identifying information requirements, reorganising data elements into concepts, grouping concepts into subject areas
Business Rules – the business rules mantra, identifying business rules, glossary of terms, facts
Performing a Gap Analysis
Identifying Problems – SWOT analysis, identifying problems from workflows
Exploiting Opportunities and Avoiding Threats

Sparx EA Exercises: Class Diagrams, Gap Analysis Matrix Tool, Overview of ERD and DFD Diagrams

Evaluating Options
Modelling the Proposed Business System – functional areas, why reorganise features into functional areas, subject vs. functional Areas
Defining Options
Investigating Feasibility

Sparx EA Exercises: Package Diagrams, Relationship Matrix

Defining Software Requirements
Glass Box Software Requirements – formal requirements, documenting formal requirements, business rules vs. software requirements
Black Box Software Requirements – use cases, scenarios, alternate scenarios, scenario templates
Data Dictionary – interface requirements, storage requirements
The Role of Prototyping

Sparx EA Exercises: Using EA as a Requirements Management Tool, Structured Scenarios