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Interactive Audio Lesson
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Phase 1: Elicit Requirements
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In this phase, we focus on Eliciting Requirements. Can anyone tell me why identifying stakeholders is important?
I think it's important because stakeholders provide the actual needs and expectations.
Exactly! Stakeholders are key to understanding what needs to be built. One way to remember is 'SPEAK' - Stakeholder Participation Engenders Accurate Knowledge. Now, what techniques can we use to gather information?
We can conduct interviews or create personas.
Right! Interviews allow us to dive deep into each stakeholder's perspective. And personas help us empathize with their needs. Let's summarize this phase: Identify stakeholders, conduct interviews, and create a stakeholder matrix!
Phase 2: Document Requirements
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Moving on to the Document Requirements phase. Who can tell me what the INVEST format stands for in user stories?
It stands for Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, Estimable, Small, and Testable.
Perfect! This ensures that each user story is clear and effective. Now, we also must define acceptance criteria. Whatβs the format for that?
We use the Given-When-Then format.
Correct! Using Gherkin syntax helps us create clear acceptance tests. In summary, write user stories using INVEST and define acceptance criteria using the Given-When-Then format. Don't forget to categorize requirements!
Phase 3: Model the System
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In Phase 3, we Model the System. Can anyone explain what a Use Case Diagram is?
It shows the interactions between users and the system.
Exactly! It helps us understand how users will interact with the system. We also create Activity Diagrams. Why do you think they are useful?
They show the flow of activities within the system.
Spot on! By visualizing processes, we improve communication. For this phase, remember to draw Use Case and Activity Diagrams and create low-fidelity wireframes.
Phase 4: Test Planning
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While Test Planning is optional, it's highly recommended. What do we need to create in this phase?
We should write test cases and map them to the RTM.
Correct! Mapping helps us ensure coverage. If we find defects, we can log them too. Letβs remember - testing is crucial to validate our requirements!
Phase 5: Presentation & Review
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Our final phase is Presentation & Review. Whatβs important to include in our slide deck?
We should include the business problem and the solution scope.
Exactly! Also, user stories, diagrams, and next steps. It's your opportunity to showcase the value of your work. To summarize, create a compelling presentation and be prepared to deliver it effectively!
Introduction & Overview
Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.
Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, learners are guided through the various deliverables required for a Mini-Project that simulates a real-world business analysis assignment. It details the phases of the project, including eliciting and documenting requirements, modeling the system, and preparing for presentation, highlighting essential tasks and deliverables in each phase.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
The section focuses on the complete lifecycle of a Business Analyst project, emphasizing the deliverables expected from a Mini-Project designed around an Online Grocery Ordering System. The project is divided into five phases:
- Elicit Requirements: Involves identifying stakeholders, conducting interviews, and summarizing requirements. Key deliverables include a stakeholder list and interview notes.
- Document Requirements: In this phase, Business Analysts should create user stories using the INVEST format, define acceptance criteria, and categorize requirements. Important documents produced include a User Stories Document and a Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM).
- Model the System: This phase involves visual representations of the systemβs processes. Deliverables include Use Case Diagrams and Activity Diagrams, along with wireframes of key screens.
- Test Planning: Optional, but should include writing test cases and mapping them to requirements in the RTM. A test case table is the primary deliverable here.
- Presentation & Review: Finally, this phase focuses on summarizing the project in a presentation and possibly delivering it live.
Throughout this chapter, learners understand that effective delivery includes clarity, value, and the structure of information, which is critical in a Business Analystβs role.
Audio Book
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Phase 1: Elicit Requirements
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β
Phase 1: Elicit Requirements
π― Tasks:
β Identify stakeholders (e.g., customers, store staff, delivery team, admin)
β Conduct 2β3 mock interviews or prepare stakeholder personas
β Create a stakeholder matrix (with RACI if possible)
π Deliverables:
β Stakeholder List & Roles
β Interview Notes / Persona Profiles
β Stakeholder Requirement Summary
Detailed Explanation
In Phase 1, the focus is on understanding and gathering the needs of those involved in the project. This starts with identifying who the stakeholders are, such as customers who will use the system, store staff who will manage the products, delivery teams responsible for fulfilling orders, and administrators overseeing the system. Next, it's important to engage with stakeholders either through mock interviews or by creating detailed profiles that represent different stakeholder types. Finally, a stakeholder matrix can be created to clarify the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder, ideally using a RACI chart, which outlines who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed in the project process. The deliverables for this phase include a comprehensive list of stakeholders along with their roles, notes from interviews or profiles developed, and a summary of the stakeholders' requirements.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you are planning a birthday party. First, you need to identify your stakeholders: the birthday person, guests, the catering service, and possibly a party planner. You would then ask them about their preferences and needs (mock interviews), create a list that specifies who will do what (like who brings the cake, who sets up the decorations), and summarize these requirements to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Phase 2: Document Requirements
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β
Phase 2: Document Requirements
π― Tasks:
β Write 5β8 user stories using INVEST format
β Define acceptance criteria using Gherkin (GivenβWhenβThen)
β Categorize requirements: business, functional, non-functional
β Create a Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM)
π Deliverables:
β User Stories Document
β Acceptance Criteria Sheet
β BRD or FRD (can be simplified)
β RTM in Excel or Table format
Detailed Explanation
In Phase 2, the goal is to clearly document the gathered requirements. This begins with creating user stories, which are short descriptions outlining how a user will interact with the system, structured in a way that they are Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, Estimable, Small, and Testable (the INVEST criteria). Next, acceptance criteria must be defined to specify when a user story is considered complete, often using a format called Gherkin, which follows a 'Given-When-Then' structure. Requirements are then categorized into three types: business (high-level needs), functional (specific functionalities), and non-functional (system attributes like performance). The Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) is created to track these requirements throughout the project. The deliverables include a document of user stories, a sheet outlining acceptance criteria, potentially a Business Requirement Document (BRD) or Functional Requirement Document (FRD), and the RTM.
Examples & Analogies
Think of this phase like building a house. Writing user stories is akin to creating a blueprint where you specify what types of rooms you want (user stories). Defining acceptance criteria is like specifying that the kitchen must have at least two windows and a fridge (criteria that must be met). You then categorize tasks (building walls, plumbing) into broader categories (structural work, finishing touches) and maintain a checklist (RTM) to track what needs to be completed and verified.
Phase 3: Model the System
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β
Phase 3: Model the System
π― Tasks:
β Draw Use Case Diagram for order placement
β Draw Activity Diagram for customer flow (browse β checkout)
β Create Wireframes or Mockups (use Draw.io, Balsamiq, or Figma)
π Deliverables:
β Use Case Diagram
β Activity Diagram
β Low-fidelity Wireframes (for 2β3 key screens)
Detailed Explanation
Phase 3 involves creating visual models to represent how the system will function. The Use Case Diagram illustrates the interaction between users (actors) and the system, focusing on a specific process like placing an order. The Activity Diagram shows the pathway a customer takes when browsing the site to checking out, capturing important user flows. Wireframes or mockups are also created to visualize the layout of key screens in the system. This modeling helps clarify the systemβs design and usability before development starts. The deliverables include the Use Case Diagram, Activity Diagram, and initial low-fidelity wireframes for crucial screens.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you are designing a new app for ordering food online. The Use Case Diagram would show how a customer interacts with your app to place a meal order. The Activity Diagram illustrates the steps they take from choosing a dish to confirming the order. Creating wireframes would be like sketching out the layout of the app on paper, showing where each button and feature will be located without getting into the final design details, so everyone can understand what to expect.
Phase 4: Test Planning (Optional)
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β
Phase 4: Test Planning (Optional)
π― Tasks:
β Write 3β5 test cases
β Map them to requirements in RTM
β Identify a sample defect (if any) from testing
π Deliverables:
β Test Case Table (ID, Steps, Expected Result)
β Defect Log (Optional, for extra challenge)
Detailed Explanation
In Phase 4, although it's optional, testing strategies can be developed to ensure that the system functions as intended. This involves writing test cases, which are detailed instructions on how to test specific functionalities of the system. Each test case is mapped back to requirements in the RTM to ensure coverage. Moreover, if any issues are found during testing, they should be logged in a Defect Log for tracking. The deliverables for this phase include a table of test cases that specify what to do and what the expected outcomes are, and optionally a log of any defects encountered.
Examples & Analogies
Think of throwing a big event, like a wedding. Before the event, you would create a checklist of things to test, such as whether the music system works and if the catering is on time. This checklist is your test cases. If you find any problems, like the cake cutter being missing, youβd track that problem in a log to make sure it gets resolved before the big day.
Phase 5: Presentation & Review
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β
Phase 5: Presentation & Review
π― Tasks:
β Create a summary presentation (6β8 slides max)
β Include business problem, solution scope, user stories, diagrams, and next steps
β Present your project to peers or mentor (live or recorded)
π Deliverables:
β Slide Deck (PDF or PPT)
β Optionally, record a 5-minute video walkthrough
Detailed Explanation
The final phase is about summarizing and sharing the project's findings and proposed solution. A concise presentation of 6β8 slides should be prepared, which includes an overview of the business problem, solution scope, key user stories, diagrams, and the next steps in the process. After preparing the slides, the project can be presented live to peers or mentors or recorded for their review. The deliverables for this phase are the slide deck, which can be submitted as a PDF or PowerPoint file, and optionally, a short video walkthrough to provide a more dynamic view of the project.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine presenting a school project. You would prepare a few slides summarizing your research, your projectβs objective, and any interesting visuals or diagrams you created. After rehearsing, you would present your work to the class or record a video explanation to make it easier for others to understand your findings.
Final Output Checklist
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β
Final Output Checklist
β Stakeholder Summary
β BRD or FRD
β 5+ User Stories with Acceptance Criteria
β RTM
β 2 Diagrams (Use Case + Activity)
β Wireframes
β Test Cases (Optional)
β Final Presentation
Detailed Explanation
The Final Output Checklist serves as a compilation of critical items that should be produced throughout the project process. It includes a summary of stakeholders to keep track of who is involved, a BRD or FRD to document the business and functional requirements, and a minimum of five user stories complete with acceptance criteria to validate the requirements. The RTM, diagrams (both Use Case and Activity), wireframes, and optional test cases should also be included as part of the deliverables. Finally, the checklist confirms that a final presentation summarizing the entire project has been created.
Examples & Analogies
Consider this checklist similar to a packing list for a road trip. Before you leave, you ensure you have all essentials like snacks, drinks, a map, and entertainment. This checklist ensures youβre fully prepared for the journey, just like the output checklist ensures that you have all necessary documentation and materials to complete your business analysis project.
Definitions & Key Concepts
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
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Eliciting Requirements: The process of gathering the necessary requirements from stakeholders.
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Documenting Requirements: Creating user stories and defining acceptance criteria.
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Modeling the System: Visualizing the interactions and processes involved.
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Test Planning: Preparing test cases to validate requirements.
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Presentation & Review: Effectively communicating project findings and solutions.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
Examples
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An example of a user story: 'As a customer, I want to add items to my cart, so I can purchase them later.'
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An example of acceptance criteria: 'Given that I have items in my cart, when I proceed to checkout, then I should see a summary of my order.'
Memory Aids
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
π΅ Rhymes Time
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In eliciting needs, we must agree, gather all insights carefully!
π Fascinating Stories
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Imagine a grocery store where shoppers rush in, needing to buy; a wise analyst listens keenly, understanding every βwhyβ and βwhenβ.
π§ Other Memory Gems
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Remember the acronym βE.D.M.T.P.β for Elicit, Document, Model, Test, Present.
π― Super Acronyms
βI.N.V.E.S.T.β β Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, Estimable, Small, Testable for user stories.
Flash Cards
Review key concepts with flashcards.
Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
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Term: Business Analyst (BA)
Definition:
A professional who analyzes business needs and helps stakeholders articulate their needs and goals.
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Term: User Story
Definition:
A brief description of a feature from an end-user perspective, emphasizing value.
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Term: Acceptance Criteria
Definition:
Conditions that a product or feature must satisfy for it to be accepted by a stakeholder.
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Term: Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM)
Definition:
A document that maps and tracks user requirements with test cases.
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Term: Use Case Diagram
Definition:
A diagram that illustrates a system's functional requirements by showing interactions between users (actors) and the system.
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Term: Activity Diagram
Definition:
A diagram that represents the flow of activities within a system or process.