Business Analysis Live!

International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA)

Business analysis is one of the top trending skills today. From problem solvers to change agents to advocates, business analysis professionals perform many roles in organizations and governments all over the world. Join us biweekly on Tuesdays, with hosts Scott Bennett, Business Analysis Manager, and Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager from the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA®), for a candid practitioner chat breaking down hot topics in business analysis. If you like to listen to lively discussions, interviews, and some great career advice, this podcast is for you. read less

Running Effective Meetings
Today
Running Effective Meetings
The purpose of most meetings is to make decisions.  Are your meetings effective?  Have you attended meetings that are a waste of time?  Susan and Scott have run meetings for decades.  Join them as they discuss effective meetings and take questions from the live audience.   Top 5 Essential Elements of Effective Meeting  State the objective of the meeting so people know what to expect. Include an agenda so attendees can prepare or possibly reject the meeting if it’s not suitable for them to attend Only invite relevant attendees Start and end on time - show respect for people Take notes to document decisions and action items (including action item, owner of the action item, and due date)   Additional Elements for Effective Meetings   Decide if you need a meeting, or if you can accomplish this via email or chat Manage the discussion to keep it on track Send a summary of the meeting to attendees with decisions, action items, and next steps chat, Slack, Teams, etc. For virtual meetings, turn your camera on body language is an important part of communication Be a hero, and finish the meeting 5 minutes early   Tool Tips:  Use visuals to help facilitate the meetingUse a Timer to manage to the agenda for larger groups (get a helper) Use a virtual whiteboard to collaborate   RESOURCES: Podcast for Business Analysis Live https://www.iiba.org/professional-development/knowledge-centre/podcasts/ Business Analysis Live is hosted by:  Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA Scott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA   The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.  Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/  #meetings #techniques #businessanalysis --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iiba-org/message
What is Business Analysis?
Mar 7 2023
What is Business Analysis?
Business Analysis is defined as “the practice of enabling change in an organizational context, by defining needs and recommending solutions that deliver value to stakeholders” in the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK© Guide v3).  The BABOK guide was developed by a global working group, including our guest, Laura Paton.   We talk with Laura about Business Analysis from different perspectives:  The profession, research, and competencies Roles and Job Titles How long it takes to get good at business analysis Change management Organizations and business domains Starting a business analysis career Problem solving and opportunity seekingPeople, process, and technology Data analytics Human behaviour and psychology The art and science of business analysis The importance of context   RESOURCES:  LinkedIn Learning Course by Laura Paton: What is Business Analysis? https://www.linkedin.com/learning/what-is-business-analysisCertification in Business Data Analytics  https://www.iiba.org/business-analysis-certifications/business-data-analytics-certification/ Business Analysis Live is hosted by: - Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA - Scott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA  We discuss business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience. Do you have questions about this topic or have an idea for a different topic? Ask us a question at live@iiba.org or leave us a voice message on our podcast homepage. The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications. Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/  #businessanalysis #babok #career --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iiba-org/message
Business Analysis Skills for Human Resources
Feb 21 2023
Business Analysis Skills for Human Resources
Human Resources is key to running a successful organization.  It’s typically a top cost among expenses.  How do business analysis skills apply to Human Resources?  Kris Tierney joins us from the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), which has partnered with The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) to offer the “Radical HR: Upskilling from Service Provider to Solution Expert” program.   During our chat with Kris, we talk about Human Resources (HR) for business analysts to understand the business domain.  To underscore the importance of HR, one of our livestream viewers, Tracy Kincaid-Mielak commented “You can’t have a business without the people so people should be your primary focus”.  The certificate program helps HR professionals learn “how to speak the language of the business”.  Using the foundations of business analysis, participants elevate their ability to positively impact their organizations by conducting comprehensive needs analysis and creating evidence-based solutions.   For information on the certificate program, visit https://mx.hrpa.ca/pages/hrpa-meeting...    To learn more about the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), visit https://www.hrpa.ca    Business Analysis Live is hosted by:  Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA Scott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA   Do you have questions about this topic or have an idea for a different topic? Ask us a question at live@iiba.org or leave us a voice message on our podcast homepage. The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.   Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/  #businessanalysis #humanresources #hr Show less --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iiba-org/message
Top 9 Business Analysis Skills
Feb 7 2023
Top 9 Business Analysis Skills
What are the most important skills for business analysis professionals?  We discuss the top 9 skills identified in the IIBA Global State of Business Analysis report.  This is research from business analysis professionals around the world.  Can you guess what the top skill is for your career?  We count down to the #1 skill and take questions from the livestream audience.   RELATED ARTICLES:  Skills Every Business Analysis Professional Needs https://www.iiba.org/business-analysis-blogs/skills-every-business-analysis-professional-needs/ RELATED PODCASTS:  Leadership Skills for Business Analysis https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/p91btHCHcxbCommunication: How to Ask Better Questions https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/p91btHCHcxb    Business Analysis Live is hosted by: - Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA - Scott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA  We discuss business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience.   Do you have questions about this topic or have an idea for a different topic? Ask us a question at live@iiba.org or leave us a voice message on our podcast homepage. The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.   Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/  #businessanalysis #skills #career Show less --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iiba-org/message
Business Analysis Job Interview Questions
Jan 10 2023
Business Analysis Job Interview Questions
Looking for a business analysis job?  We discuss interview questions that you may encounter and how to approach them.  Preparation is key and our guest, Yulia Kosarenko, shares tips on how to get ready for a business analysis job interview.  She has some great advice.  Yulia Kosarenko is the author of “Business analyst: a profession and a mindset” and also publishes videos on her “Why Change” YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WhyChange  RESOURCES:  IIBA Career Center https://careercenter.iiba.org/Entry Certificate to Business Analysis (ECBA) https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/MZeeRQGWrwbTop 7 Soft Skills for Business Analysts Video https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/gprrUNGWrwb Do you have questions about this topic? Ask us a question at live@iiba.org or leave us a voice message on our podcast homepage. Business Analysis Live is hosted by:  Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA Scott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA   We discuss business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience.  We have a backlog of upcoming topics and we’re happy to take suggestions.  The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.  Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/  #businessanalysis #job #interview #businessanalyst --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iiba-org/message
Do's and Don'ts of Online Proctoring
Jan 1 2023
Do's and Don'ts of Online Proctoring
It's the end of the year and time to think about those professional development goals! Certifications are usually high on that list. International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) has 7 business analysis certifications - 3 core and 4 specialized. All the business analysis certification exams offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) are proctored online. We get lots of questions about how online proctoring works. In this episode of Business Analysis Live! Scott and Susan talk with our Certifications Program Manager, Isabel Feher-Watters about online proctoring and how to get ready for your online proctoring experience. (note: this podcast was originally recorded in November 2021) Do you have questions about this topic? Ask us a question at live@iiba.org or leave us a voice message on our podcast homepage. Business Analysis Live is hosted by: Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBAScott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA We discuss business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience.  We have a backlog of upcoming topics and we’re happy to take suggestions.  The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.  Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/ #professionaldevelopment #certification #businessanalysis #businessanalyst #IIBA --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iiba-org/message
Leadership Skills for Business Analysts
Dec 27 2022
Leadership Skills for Business Analysts
Even when business analysis professionals don't have a title of leader, they are informal leaders on projects. In this episode, Scott and Susan are joined by Lead Business Analyst, Supervisor and newest #CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional) holder, John Reeves who writes and talks about business analysis leadership. We learn from John the leadership skills most in demand for business analysts and how they can lead without authority.  John is a frequent contributor of leadership articles to IIBA's member-exclusive quarterly publication, Business Analysis Magazine (BAM!). You can find his latest articles in these editions: Leading Through Task Calibration by John B. Reeves, AMA-CPM, CAPM, CBAPThe Empathic Designer by John B. Reeves, AMA-CPM, CAPM, CBAP IIBA Members can contribute content and earn CDUs towards recertification! Submit your article here.  Do you have questions about this topic? Ask us a question at live@iiba.org or leave us a voice message on our podcast homepage. Business Analysis Live is hosted by: Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBAScott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA We discuss business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience.  We have a backlog of upcoming topics and we’re happy to take suggestions.  The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.  Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/ #leadership #leadershipskills #businessanalysis #businessanalyst #IIBA --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iiba-org/message
What is SWOT analysis?
Dec 13 2022
What is SWOT analysis?
SWOT analysis is a powerful tool to explore ideas and look at the big picture.  The four perspectives captured in this model are: - Strengths (internal) - Weaknesses (internal) - Opportunities (external) - Threats (external). In this podcast Scott and Susan create a SWOT analysis together using live audience feedback to show not only how it works but how a business analysis professional would facilitate the activity.  The key skill in performing a SWOT analysis is facilitation to ensure your stakeholders are engaged and contributing.  As we demonstrate using a live example, SWOT analysis is as much about discussion as it is completing an exercise.  This is a tool that can help with perspectives for growth, for risk mitigation, for many aspects of a particular subject.   Do you have questions about this topic? Ask us a question at live@iiba.org or leave us a voice message on our podcast homepage. Business Analysis Live is hosted by: Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBAScott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA We discuss business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience.  We have a backlog of upcoming topics and we’re happy to take suggestions.  The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.  Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/ #businessanalysis #businessanalyst #swotanalysis #facilitation --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iiba-org/message
Top 7 Soft Skills for Business Analysts
Nov 15 2022
Top 7 Soft Skills for Business Analysts
In IIBA's most recent Global State of Business Analysis survey, the business analysis community told us that there are 7 soft skills critical to the work of BA professionals. Some say "soft skills," well, we say "essential skills!" These skills not only make your work stand out as a business analyst but also differentiate you in the marketplace.  In this episode Scott and Susan identify those 7 skills and dive into what that means. As always, they take audience questions live!  RESOURCES: Read our blog post for more about these top 7 skills and learn more about the annual Global State of Business Analysis survey. We talk a bit about job titles in this episode and reference our podcast on that topic: Business Analysis Job Titles Do you have questions about this topic? Ask us a question at live@iiba.org or leave us a voice message on our podcast homepage. Business Analysis Live is hosted by: Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBAScott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA We discuss business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience.  We have a backlog of upcoming topics and we’re happy to take suggestions.  The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.  Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/ #businessanalysis #businessanalyst #softskills --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iiba-org/message
When To Do Business Analysis Planning?
Nov 1 2022
When To Do Business Analysis Planning?
Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring is one of the knowledge areas identified in the BABOK© Guide. If you've never performed business analysis planning on a project, you might think it's another one of those upfront planning processes from waterfall. In this episode, Scott and Susan, along with guest Hans Eckman, demystify what this essential area is all about. We talk about how and when this is done in both #waterfall and #agile projects as well as how planning can ensure you set yourself up for success in your work! Do you have questions about this topic? Ask us a question at live@iiba.org or leave us a voice message on our podcast homepage. Business Analysis Live is hosted by: Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBAScott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA We discuss business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience.  We have a backlog of upcoming topics and we’re happy to take suggestions.  The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.  Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/ #businessanalysis #businessanalyst #babok  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iiba-org/message
Cybersecurity for Business Analysis Professionals
Oct 18 2022
Cybersecurity for Business Analysis Professionals
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and that got us thinking - what's the role of a Business Analysis professional working in cybersecurity? It isn't what you might think. In fact, business analysis is even more critical to organizations' strategy and reputation than just blocking intrusions. In this episode Scott and Susan talk with Bindu Channaveerappa, a cybersecurity business analysis expert, about how business analysts are involved in every level of security within an organization.  Bindu will be a guest panelist at our October 25th free webinar "Unlocking Cybersecurity: What Business Analysis Professionals Need to Know." You can register for that webinar here.  Do you have questions about this topic? Ask us a question at live@iiba.org or leave us a voice message on our podcast homepage. Business Analysis Live is hosted by: Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBAScott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA We discuss business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience.  We have a backlog of upcoming topics and we’re happy to take suggestions.  The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.  Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/ #businessanalysis #businessanalyst #cybersecurity  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iiba-org/message
Business Analysis Job Titles
Oct 4 2022
Business Analysis Job Titles
What's the difference between a Business Analyst, a Business Systems Analyst and an IT Business Analyst? Well, it depends. Hunting for business analysis jobs can be challenging because job titles can be generic or very specific. The differences in the titles can be found in the details of the job posting. But how do you even get that far in searching for business analysis jobs? In this episode, Scott and Susan talk about tips, hacks and research into business analysis job titles and, as always, answer your questions "live!" RESOURCES: Business Analysis career specializations model  Do you have questions about this topic? Ask us a question at live@iiba.org or leave us a voice message on our podcast homepage. Business Analysis Live is hosted by: Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBAScott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA We discuss business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience.  We have a backlog of upcoming topics and we’re happy to take suggestions.  The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.  Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/ #businessanalysis #businessanalyst #jobhunting #jobtitles --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iiba-org/message
Business Analysis for User Experience
Sep 20 2022
Business Analysis for User Experience
In this episode, Scott and Susan have a special guest, Angelo Kalevela. Angelo is user experience design practitioner and business analyst that has a YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/AngeloKalevela). He focuses on business analysis professionals who are new to the profession or thinking about becoming a business analyst with short, approachable videos meant to inform and coach. We talk about the parallels between business analysis and user experience work, coaching new business analysts and how learning to dance is a lot like business analysis!  Do you have questions about this topic? Ask us a question at live@iiba.org or leave us a voice message on our podcast homepage. Business Analysis Live is hosted by: Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBAScott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA We discuss business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience.  We have a backlog of upcoming topics and we’re happy to take suggestions.  The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.  Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/ #businessanalysis #businessanalyst #userexperience --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iiba-org/message
Do You Need a Business Analyst Certification to Get a Job?
Aug 30 2022
Do You Need a Business Analyst Certification to Get a Job?
There's a lot of talk in the #businessanalysis community about certifications. One of the questions we get frequently is whether a certification is needed to get a #businessanalyst job. Certifications are an investment in time and money. Are they worth it? Are they really a fast track to getting a business analysis job? Spoiler alert: our answer may surprise you! In this podcast, Scott and Susan discuss whether business analysis certifications matter and they answer listener questions on all things certification in this episode.  Do you have questions about this topic? Ask us a question at live@iiba.org or leave us a voice message on our podcast homepage. Business Analysis Live is hosted by: Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBAScott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA We discuss business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience.  We have a backlog of upcoming topics and we’re happy to take suggestions.  The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.  Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/ #certification #jobhunting #businessanalyst --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iiba-org/message