Sarbaja Adhikari

The Importance of Gathering Requirements: The Key to Project Success In my role as a Business Analyst, I've come to realize that the phase of gathering requirements is often underestimated yet absolutely essential for any project's success. It's frequently viewed as a mere step, but in actuality, it lays the groundwork for all successful endeavors. Here's why it's crucial: The Significance of Requirements Think about constructing a house without detailed plans. That's the equivalent of beginning a project without well-defined requirements. They dictate everything from the project's scope and budget to its timeline and final outcomes. Any confusion in this area can result in delays, additional work, and even the failure of the project. The Right Way to Approach It 1. Engage Stakeholders: It's not just about posing questions; it's about asking the right ones. Engage with all stakeholders to fully grasp their needs, concerns, and objectives. The more viewpoints you collect, the more clear the overall picture becomes. 2. Pay Attention to Details: As a Business Analyst, merely hearing what people say isn't sufficient. You must listen attentively, identifying underlying needs that might not be immediately apparent. 3. Record and Confirm: After collecting all the requirements, it's important to document them precisely and confirm them with stakeholders. Avoid making assumptions, as they can lead to misunderstandings and misalignment. The Result Well-defined requirements lead to well-defined outcomes. They help prevent scope creep, lower the risk of expensive modifications, and ensure alignment among all parties. As the saying goes, "Measure twice, cut once," which encapsulates the essence of effective requirements gathering. Have you experienced the impact of strong or weak requirements gathering in a project? Let's talk about how we can improve this process for your upcoming project. #BusinessAnalyst #RequirementsGathering #ProjectManagement #StakeholderEngagement #SuccessInDetails

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Effective requirements gathering is the backbone of any successful project. As a business analyst, mastering stakeholder interviews and facilitating workshops ensures projects align with business needs. What's your go-to method for gathering requirements? #BusinessAnalysis #RequirementsGathering #StakeholderManagement #ProjectSuccess

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Just finished the learning path “Getting Started as a Business Analyst”! #businessprocessanalysis #businessanalysis #businessstrategy

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As a Business Analyst (BA), you play a crucial role in guiding a product toward Product-Market Fit (PMF) by gathering and analyzing data, identifying gaps, and advising on necessary changes to align the product with market needs. Here are five effective strategies to help achieve PMF. #productmarketfit #BusinessAnalysis #BusinessAnalyst #BA #IIBA #BABOK

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I am excited to share that i have completed the Agile Scrum course for Scrum Master and Product Owner on Udemy . This course provided me with the valuable insights into Agile Methodogies, Scrum practices, and the roles of Scrum Masters and Product Owners in Driving success Projects. #agile #scrum #productowner #scrumMaster #udemy #continuousLearning #Agilemethodology #certification

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Just finished the learning path “Getting Started as a Business Analyst”! #businessprocessanalysis #businessstrategy

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Elicitation Techniques: Which One Should You Pick? Gathering requirements for a project is like assembling the perfect recipe for a meal. You need the right ingredients, in the right amounts, at the right time. How do you gather these ingredients? That’s where elicitation techniques come in! To create a solution that works, it is important to choose the right elicitation method. Let’s break down the top elicitation techniques and when to use each. 𝟭. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗲-𝗼𝗻-𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗳’𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 Interviews are like a personal chef’s meeting with a food critic. It’s a focused, private session where you dig deep into what a stakeholder needs. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻? - You need detailed input from one person - The topic is sensitive or complex Tip: Prepare open-ended questions, but let the conversation flow. Take notes or record the session. 𝟮. 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗸 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 Workshops are like potluck dinners where everyone brings ideas to the table. These interactive sessions are perfect for group brainstorming. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻? - You need multiple perspectives - You want real-time collaboration Tip: Have a clear agenda and assign a facilitator to keep things productive. 𝟯. 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁 Document analysis is like searching through old recipe books for hidden gems. Reviewing documents (process flows, manuals, etc.) can reveal important insights. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻? - You need historical context - Stakeholders aren’t readily available Tip: Cross-reference details to find useful info that might not be obvious. 𝟰. 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆𝘀/𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗿 Surveys are like a buffet, offering quick, wide-ranging feedback. They’re great for collecting input from large groups. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻? - You need input from a broad audience - You want quantifiable data Tip: Keep surveys short and mix multiple-choice with open-ended questions. 𝟱. 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 Observation is the "watch and learn" method. You silently observe stakeholders in action, getting a true sense of their work. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻? - You need to understand workflows - Stakeholders struggle to articulate needs Tip: Stay in the background, take notes, and look for inefficiencies. 𝟲. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘂 Sometimes, stakeholders don’t know what they want until they see it. Prototyping lets them visualize potential solutions. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻? - You need to refine complex requirements - Stakeholders are visual learners Tip: Start with simple prototypes (sketches or wireframes) to gather feedback. Avoid investing in high-fidelity designs too early. So which one wins? NONE! There’s no one-size-fits-all technique. You can combine them. Knowing when to use each technique is where the magic lies. Which technique do you swear by? #businessanalyst #requirementsgathering

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As a business analyst with over a decade of experience, I’ve had the privilege of executing numerous projects that have greatly enriched my skills and expertise. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that certain skills are essential to thriving in this field, whether you’re already a business analyst or aspiring to become one. 🚀 Critical Thinking: Analyzing complex data and identifying patterns is crucial for making informed decisions that drive success. ⌚ Communication: Crafting clear reports and conveying ideas to stakeholders ensures everyone is aligned and moving forward together. ⏳ Problem-Solving: Identifying issues and developing practical solutions is at the heart of what we do as business analysts. 💹 Technical Proficiency: Tools like SQL, Excel, and data visualization software are indispensable for interpreting and presenting data effectively. ✒ Project Management: Balancing tasks, timelines, and team dynamics is key to delivering projects on time and within scope. These are the skills that have helped me succeed, and they’re exactly what I’m focused on continuing to hone in my next opportunity. Whether you’re looking to refine your resume or take your business analysis career to the next level, these are the foundations of success. #BusinessAnalysis #CareerAdvice #Skills #ProjectManagement #ProfessionalDevelopment #Datagovernance #Sailpoint

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Another great course I’ve completed—Product Management Essentials certification from the University of Maryland via Coursera! This course, led by Dr. James Green and Dan Dearing provided excellent insights into the responsibilities of a product manager, with a major focus on product marketing—a crucial component in product success. 🚀 I highly recommend this course for anyone looking to start learning about the intersection of product marketing and product management. 🌟 #ProductManagement #ProductMarketing #ContinuousLearning

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Understanding the Business Analysis Core Concepts Model (BACCM) The Business Analysis Core Concepts (BACCM) is a conceptual framework that defines the essence of business analysis. It describes what business analysis involves and its significance to practitioners, irrespective of their perspective, industry, methodology, or organizational level. The BACCM comprises six fundamental terms that are universally understood by business analysts, facilitating consistent communication about business analysis and its relationships. These six core concepts are: change, need, solution, stakeholder, value, and context. The BACCM is used to explain the following: - Describe the field and scope of business analysis. - Promotes communication using a standardized terminology. - Assess the interconnections of key business analysis concepts. The core concept is used by business analysts to assess the quality and completeness of their work. Each knowledge area description provides examples of how these core concepts can be applied during various tasks within that knowledge area. When planning or executing a task or technique, business analysts can address each core concept by asking questions such as: - What types of changes are we implementing? - What needs are we aiming to fulfill? - What solutions are we developing or modifying? - Who are the stakeholders involved? - What do stakeholders perceive as valuable? - What are the contexts in which we and the solution operate? - Enhance business analysis practices by comprehensively evaluating these relationships. In conclusion, the BACCM framework helps business analysts by providing a universal language to address core concepts: change, need, solution, stakeholder, value, and context. It enhances communication, ensures thorough analysis, and aligns solutions with organizational goals and stakeholder needs, leading to successful outcomes. - Assess the impact of these concepts and their interrelations at any stage of a project to establish a solid foundation and guide future actions. #BusinessAnalysis #WritingChallenge #Day35/100 #PersonalDevelopment #BACCM

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I want to highlight an often overlooked but crucial aspect of being a business analyst – understanding the basics of Quality Assurance (QA). Here’s why: 🚀 🔍 1. Enhancing Requirement Quality Understanding QA principles helps us articulate and document requirements more effectively. When we know how solutions will be tested, we can anticipate potential issues and shortcomings, leading to higher-quality outcomes. 📝✅ 🔍 2. Reducing Risk of Errors Knowledge of testing methods allows us to foresee and mitigate risks. We can work closely with QA teams to ensure that all critical scenarios are addressed and tested thoroughly. 🛠️⚠️ 🔍 3. Improving Communication with Teams Grasping the testing and quality control processes facilitates better communication with testers and developers. This helps in defining requirements and expectations more clearly, which accelerates development and product release. 🗣️🤝 🔍 4. Increasing Our Value QA skills make us more versatile and valuable team members. We can dive deeper into the development process and ensure that our contributions positively impact the project. 💡💼 🔍 5. Contributing to Process Improvement Having QA knowledge allows us to participate in creating and refining testing processes. We can suggest improvements that make the testing phase more efficient and reliable. 🛠️🔄 📚 How to Enhance Your QA Skills: Take courses on QA fundamentals and testing techniques. 🎓📊 Study testing methodologies like Agile and Waterfall. 📖🔍 Seek insights from experienced QA colleagues about their processes and tools. 🧑‍🏫💬 Ultimately, understanding QA helps us become more well-rounded and effective business analysts, which contributes to project success and client satisfaction. 🌟🎯 #BusinessAnalysis #QualityAssurance #QA #BusinessAnalyst #ProfessionalDevelopment #SoftwareTesting

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Just finished the learning path “Getting Started as a Business Analyst”! #businessprocessanalysis #businessanalysis #businessstrategy #dataanalyst

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🚀 Key Skills That Have Fueled My Journey as a Business Analyst 🚀 As I reflect on my journey as a Business Analyst, I am reminded of the diverse skill set that has been crucial in navigating the dynamic landscape of business analysis. Here are some key skills that have been particularly impactful: 1. Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving 🧠   The ability to dissect complex problems and identify viable solutions is at the heart of business analysis. Developing a structured approach to problem-solving has enabled me to tackle challenges efficiently and effectively. 2. Communication & Stakeholder Management 🗣️   Clear, concise communication is essential. Whether it's gathering requirements, presenting findings, or managing stakeholder expectations, effective communication ensures alignment and fosters collaborative relationships. 3. Data Analysis & Interpretation 📊   Leveraging data to drive insights and inform decision-making is a game-changer. Proficiency in tools like Excel, SQL, and various BI platforms has empowered me to transform raw data into actionable intelligence. 4. Domain Knowledge & Industry Understanding🌐   Deep understanding of the industry and the specific domain I am working in has been pivotal. This expertise allows me to provide more relevant solutions and add significant value to projects. 5. Adaptability & Continuous Learning 📚   The business environment is ever-evolving. Being adaptable and committed to continuous learning has helped me stay ahead of the curve, embracing new tools, methodologies, and best practices. 6. Attention to Detail🔍   In the world of business analysis, details matter. A meticulous approach ensures that nothing is overlooked, leading to more accurate analyses and robust solutions. 7. Technical Proficiency 💻   Understanding the technical aspects of projects, including system capabilities and constraints, has enabled me to bridge the gap between business needs and technical implementation. Each of these skills has played a significant role in shaping my career and enabling me to contribute effectively to the success of various projects. As I continue to grow and evolve in my role, I am excited to further hone these skills and embrace new challenges. What skills have been most critical in your role as a Business Analyst? Let's share and learn from each other! #BusinessAnalysis #Skills #CareerGrowth #DataDriven #ContinuousLearning #ProblemSolving #Communication #StakeholderManagement

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Can a Business Analyst become a Product Owner (PO)? Yes, a business analyst can become a product owner. Both roles involve understanding and defining business needs and requirements, but a product owner has a more focused role in prioritizing and managing the product backlog, making decisions about product features, and working closely with development teams. Transitioning from a business analyst to a product owner typically involves gaining experience in agile methodologies, understanding product lifecycle management, and developing strong decision-making and stakeholder management skills. #businessanalyst #productowner #agilemethodology #agile #sdlc

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🌟 Week 3: Focus on Strategy Analysis 🌟 This week, my CCBA journey centered around Strategy Analysis—a crucial part of Business Analysis. Here's what I covered: 1. Analyze Current State 2. Define Future State 3. Assess Risks 4. Define Change Strategy Why is Strategy Analysis Important? Strategy Analysis is essential for any organization. It provides the context, motivation, and reasons for change. Ideally, this process begins before a project even starts, triggered by a business need—whether it’s a problem or an opportunity. By exploring potential solutions, Strategy Analysis helps organizations solve problems or seize opportunities, delivering real value. It also helps stakeholders decide whether to prioritize a specific need or allocate resources elsewhere. A timely and well-executed Strategy Analysis is beneficial for any organization. And since business analysis is a role, not just a title, anyone within the organization can contribute to the strategy process. In addition, I’ve been using an exam simulator to boost my preparation, and it’s really helping! I’m now hitting 90% correct answers before moving on to new topics, which has made a huge difference in keeping everything sharp. How do you approach defining current and future states in your projects? I'd love to hear your methods or favorite tools for this process! #BusinessAnalysis #CCBA #StrategyAnalysis #ChangeStrategy #ContinuousLearning #ExamPrep #ProfessionalDevelopment

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Here is a 100% guaranteed strategy of Business Analysis that is proven to work perfectly in REAL-LIFE scenarios! Don’t jump into the solution, understand the problem first! Have you ever been so eager to fix a problem that you rushed into a solution, only to realize you didn’t fully understand the issue? It’s a common trap, but here’s a golden rule I live by "Don’t jump into the solution, understand the problem first"! In the world of Business Analysis, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of problem-solving. But the real magic happens when we take a step back and truly understand what we’re dealing with. Here’s why it’s important: 🎯 Clarity: Fully understanding the problem gives us a clear direction. 🎯 Efficiency: It saves time and resources in the long run. 🎯 Effectiveness: Solutions are more impactful when they address the ROOT cause. So, next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember to slow down. Take the time to understand the problem from every angle. Your future self will thank you for the well-thought-out solutions that come from it. 🌐 Share your thoughts below on how taking the time to understand has led to better outcomes in your work! #businessanalysis #professionaldevelopment #balifestyle

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Our use case for PMI Let's Jam was to create a platform to support job seekers and enhance networking opportunities within the PMI community. As a solution, I created the landing page for Career Quest and developed the framework for the Career Hub using Figma, where job seekers can follow a structured four-step process. Get Personalized Career Path feature allows job seekers to choose their goals and receive a personalized roadmap. The feed section enables job seekers or PMI members to post job openings at their companies and provide referrals, facilitating networking and increasing job opportunities within the PMI community. The Job Matching and Referrals feature allows users to check if a PMI member is associated with the hiring company. The Resume Book feature enables recruiters to view resumes directly, streamlining the hiring process and making it easier for job seekers to get noticed. Learning Experience • Product Development: Designed effective wireframes using Figma, helping to visualize and refine the solution. • Market and Competitor Analysis: Understood the needs and preferences of PMI members. Analyzed industry trends, identified key challenges for job seekers, and assessed competitor offerings. Developed tailored solutions to address these requirements, providing a competitive edge in the career development space. • Storytelling and presentation techniques • Team collaboration and effective teamwork Figma Link: https://lnkd.in/gbeTR6qg #figma PMI - San Francisco Bay Area Chapter #productmanagement #marketanalysis #competitoranalysis #wireframe #product

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