The Better Business Analyst Podcast

Agile has taken the software development world by storm, but is it all it's cracked up to be? In this episode, we delve into a study revealing a shocking truth: Agile projects are 268% more likely to fail than traditional ones. https://www.theregister.com/2024/06/05/agile_failure_rates/ We'll break down the key factors contributing to this and explore why Agile might not be the magic bulle...

🎙️ BA Bites: Use Generative AI Today In this bite-sized episode of BA Bites , we delve into the exciting world of Generative AI and its impact on business analysis. Buckle up as we explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we approach BA tasks. 🚀 Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transcended mere buzzwords to become an integral part of our professional lives. As business analy...

In this short BA Bites episode, we unpack the essentials of a Business Analyst CV that catches the eye. We’ll cover how to effectively highlight your project achievements, the importance of certifications, and how to demonstrate industry expertise. We’ll also delve into the power of personal interests and professional contributions to add depth to your profile. From rock climbing to keynote speech...

BA Bites - The Power of "Why?" is part of our BA Bites series: 2 min top tip for Business Analysts. Ever heard the phrase "There's no such thing as a stupid question"? In business analysis, the most valuable question might be "Why?". By asking "why" behind a stakeholder request, we uncover the true needs and motivations. This leads to better solutions an...

BA Bites - Mythbusting Business Analysis is part of our BA Bites series: 2 min top tip for Business Analysts Today, we're tackling some common myths about business analysis. Myth number one: Business analysts are just glorified note-takers. Wrong! While capturing requirements is important, BAs wear many hats. We analyse needs, bridge communication gaps, and ensure projects align with business...

In this episode, we delve into 10 productivity tips every business analyst should know. We discuss how to manage emails efficiently, limit meetings, use stand-ups, keep documentation light, and be clear and concise. We also explore the importance of being agile, looking at the big picture, avoiding detail loops, using structure, and the necessity of continuous learning in the ever-evolving field o...

Feeling Lost in the Company Communication Labyrinth? This episode explores node science , a game-changer for understanding information flow within your organisation. We'll delve into the concept of networks, where employees and departments are the nodes, and information exchange is the connection. Here's what you'll learn: The Law of the Few: Discover how a select group of individuals...

A rapid 8 to 12% cut saving for any organisation will always cause pain, disruption and people loss however there are the right ways of going about this challenge (strategic approach) and there is the wrong way of tackling this problem (tactical approach). This week on The Better Business Analysis Institute (BBAI) I have given my take on how the public service (or any business) should go about sav...

This episode dives into the IEIT Model (developed by The Better Business Analysis Institute), a powerful framework for BAs to understand project types, select the right approach, and ultimately contribute to project success. The IEIT Model Explained: The IEIT Model categorizes projects based on two key dimensions: Innovation (New vs. Established):  Does the project involve creating something entir...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of user personas and explore why they are a secret weapon for business analysts. Whether you’re a seasoned BA or just starting your career, understanding your audience through personas can transform your approach to requirements gathering, solution design, and stakeholder alignment. Remember, personas are not just fictional characters; they represent yo...

10 AI & Automation Power-Ups for Business Analysts Feeling overwhelmed by data and repetitive tasks or just wasting time not adding true value? This episode dives into 10 ways AI and automation can transform your work as a Business Analyst (BA). Learn how to leverage free and paid tools to: Effortlessly gather and analyse requirements  using AI text analysis and summarization. Uncover hidden i...

This week I was lucky enough to be joined by Marcella Koopman and Bartwin van der Pols , from the organisational change consultancy Defiant to talk about their new book, Own It or Own Shit. 💩 We dive deep into the world of organisational change, where their book challenges traditional methods and emphasising the importance of genuine ownership and belief. Marcella and Bartwin highlight a three-pr...

Feeling unheard? Underappreciated? Buckle up, BAs! This episode dives into the 10 common frustrations Business Analysts (BAs) face daily. We'll explore the struggles of: Scope Creep:  Ever-evolving project requirements that test your time management skills. Herding Stakeholders:  Managing diverse personalities with conflicting priorities. Unclear Requirements:  Working with incomplete informat...

Level Up Your Learning Game: Mastering Continuous Improvement for Success Spot a process ripe for improvement? This episode ignites your continuous learning and improvement mindset, a key to Business Analysis success! We'll explore how continuous learning applies to: Mindset:  Foster a growth mentality for tackling challenges and embracing change. Products:  Identify areas to enhance product f...

Do you suffer from BRD overload? Are your Business Requirements Documents (BRDs) long, complex, and collecting dust on a shelf? Worry no more! This Episode is here to show you the top 10 reasons why a short BRD is the key to project success. Hit play and discover how a concise BRD can: Boost Clarity & Focus:  Ditch the unnecessary details and keep your BRD laser-focused on essential requiremen...

From Chaos to Freebies: The BA's Guide to a Successful App This episode of the Better Business Analysis Podcast takes you on a captivating journey, exploring the entire Better Business Analysis Delivery Journey , as we build a web app that connects users with local free stuff . Buckle up as we delve into each crucial step: 1. Enterprise & Strategic Analysis 2. Problem Analysis & Defini...

Welcome, listeners, to another insightful episode of the Better Business Analyst podcast. I'm your host, Benjamen Walsh, and today we're diving into a topic that lies at the intersection of agility and meticulous planning— 'The Agile V-Model: Why this framework is crucial for Mission Critical Projects.' In the dynamic landscape of business analysis, professionals like you are const...

This week, Benjamen from The Better Business Analysis Institute outlines how to become a Better Business Analyst. If you are starting or looking to upskill then listen and follow the steps we walk through Calling all future business analysts! Intrigued by the world of business, data, and problem-solving puzzles? Bridging the gap between business needs and tech solutions sounds like your dream? The...

This week Benjamen talks through the Agile Done Right: Avoiding Common Pitfalls and Optimising Your Workflow. Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Treating Agile as a silver bullet: Agile is a powerful framework, but it's not a magic fix for all project challenges. Discuss the importance of tailoring Agile to your specific context and needs. Waterfalling in Sprints: Resist the urge to cram traditional, s...

Imagine crafting the coolest app ever, but it crashes constantly, takes hours to load, and keeps your data secure like a paper bag in a hurricane. Not exactly a blockbuster, right? That's where the true superheroes of the tech world step in: Non-Functional Requirements (NFRs)! In this episode, we're ditching the flashy features and diving deep into the often-unsung heroes of successful sof...

On today's episode we talk about the 10 Great Tips for Building Your Personal Brand as a BA: Leveraging LinkedIn, Networking & Thought Leadership: 1. Define Your BA Niche & Value Proposition: Tip: Craft a clear elevator pitch outlining your expertise, target audience, and unique value proposition (UVP). Reference: "Personal Branding for Business Analysts: Become a Leader in Your F...

Feeling overwhelmed by your workload? Drowning in deadlines and requests? Say hello to your new mantra: "No means pro." Join us on "The Art of Saying No & Prioritising Like a Pro: A Business Analyst's Guide, let's ditch the guilt, embrace boundaries, and master the magic of saying no (gracefully, of course). In this episode, we'll: Unpack the struggles: Overflowing i...

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you had a refreshing break and a change to turn your brain off and reset. What an awesome 2024 it is going to be with lots of exciting content from The Better Business Analysis Institute (BBAI) to come. The first BBA Podcast is out, so have a listen: Taming the Beast: 5 Ways to Prioritize Requirements and Squash Scope Creep Feeling overwhelmed by ever-growing backlo...

Business Analyst, Confused by Architecture? ️ Ever feel like you're wading through blueprints while the Business Architects waltz in the sky-high penthouse of strategy? ‍ This episode of The Better Business Analyst Podcast demystifies the difference between Business Architecture and Business Analysis , so you can navigate both worlds like a pro! In this episode, you'll discover: Whether yo...

On this week's Better Business Analyst Episode, we cover the 10 Key business statistics business owner or business analyst should know. Business Statistics provide insights into a company's overall health and performance. They help businesses track their progress, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions. Every business owner or business analyst should be familiar with t...