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 saving money without sacrificing your services and reducing more staff than you need to. This episode e...
Apr 19, 2024•39 min
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 entirely new (High Innovation) or optimizing existing solutions (Low Innovation)? Approach (Improvement vs...
Apr 12, 2024•26 min
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 your most valued customers. Let’s dive into their world and discover the magic they bring to your proj...
Apr 04, 2024•52 min
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 insights in data with data visualization and anomaly detection. Optimize processes and automate tasks ...
Mar 29, 2024•45 min
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-pronged approach to successful change: belief, driver, and action. Our chat explores how individual be...
Mar 22, 2024•43 min
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 information and needing to chase down details. Feeling Invisible: Your efforts go unnoticed while others take the c...
Mar 14, 2024•50 min
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 functionality and user experience. People: Develop your skillset and those of your team through targeted le...
Mar 08, 2024•41 min
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 requirements. This means better understanding and faster decision-making for everyone involved. Minimize Mainte...
Mar 01, 2024•36 min
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 & Definition 3. Processes & Scope 4. High-Level Requirements 5. Detailed Level Requirements 6. Delivery &...
Feb 23, 2024•53 min
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 constantly seeking the most effective methodologies to navigate complex projects, especially those deemed mission-critica...
Feb 16, 2024•35 min
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? Then tune in to "Career Crossroads" and discover how to become a Business Analyst (BA)! No matter your ...
Feb 09, 2024•48 min
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, sequential phases into short sprints. Emphasize iterative development and continuous feedback. Scope cree...
Feb 01, 2024•32 min
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 software - the silent guardians of speed, security, and user satisfaction. Forget Captain America, we're talkin...
Jan 26, 2024•1 hr
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 Field" by Brian Lawley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-parrott-5226b4124) 2. Optimise Your LinkedIn Profi...
Jan 19, 2024•54 min
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 inboxes, conflicting deadlines, constant pressure Unlock the power of "no": Learn how saying no is a super skill, leading to bet...
Jan 12, 2024•40 min
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 backlogs and that pesky scope creep monster? Worry not, warriors of requirements, because this episode is ...
Jan 05, 2024•37 min
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 you're a seasoned BA or just starting out, this episode is your key to unlocking the power of Business Archite...
Dec 15, 2023•25 min
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 these key metrics to effectively manage and grow their business. We cover in detail: 1. Revenue Revenue is th...
Dec 08, 2023•34 min
In this episode of The Better Business Analyst Podcast, we delve into the fundamentals of crafting compelling business cases. Whether you're a seasoned business analyst or just starting out, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, structuring, and presenting a persuasive business case. This episode is packed with practical tips, real-world examples, and actionable insights to help business analysts master the art of business case writing. Whether you're seeking to secure fu...
Dec 01, 2023•30 min
In this episode of Better Business Analysis, we delve into the world of Atomic Habits by James Clear and explore how its principles can be applied to enhance your business analysis practice. Join us as we uncover the power of tiny habits and uncover practical strategies for building a more effective and impactful business analyst
Nov 23, 2023•24 min
The role of a Business Analyst (BA) has evolved significantly in recent years, especially with the growing adoption of agile methodologies. In this podcast, we'll explore how BAs work within agile delivery teams using AirNZ as an example. This podcast is for anyone who is interested in learning more about the role of a BA in an agile team. It is also a valuable resource for BAs who are looking to improve their skills and knowledge.
Nov 16, 2023•32 min
In this episode of the Business Analysis Unleashed series, we will discuss detailed-level analysis and requirements for McDonald's. Benjamen explains how business analysts can work with McDonald's to understand their strategic objectives, epics, and user stories, and then break them down into detailed requirements. He also shares a User Story example for adding Ordering to the Mobile App to increase Customer Experience.
Nov 09, 2023•16 min
In this episode of the Business Analysis Unleashed Series, we will discuss strategic objectives, epics, and user stories for the UN. Benjamen Walsh from the Better Business Analysis Institute outlines how these concepts can be used to structure and prioritize work within UN initiatives, and share examples of how you can use Strategic Objectives, Epics and Starter User Stories to achieve successful outcomes.
Nov 02, 2023•16 min
In this episode of the Business Analysis Unleashed series, we discuss SMART Strategic Objectives, a framework for setting effective and achievable goals. We explore the five key elements of SMART objectives: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. We also discuss how to use SMART objectives to drive business success. Whether you're a business analyst, project manager, or other professional who needs to set and achieve goals, this episode is for you. You'll learn how to: Set s...
Oct 27, 2023•12 min
This week on the Better Business Analysis Podcast's Business Analysis Unleashed Series we explore the latest trends, tools, and techniques in the world of business analysis. Today's episode is all about strategic planning, mysteries, puzzles, and future games. In today's ever-changing business landscape, strategic planning is more important than ever. But traditional planning methods often fall short in the face of uncertainty and complexity. That's where mysteries, puzzles, and future games com...
Oct 20, 2023•31 min
This week as part of our Business Analysis Unleashed Series we will be exploring The Business Model Canvas. This technique is one way of linking our Strategic Analysis to the Enterprise Analysis. In this episode we cover what is a Business model Canvas, how and why you might want to use it and we walk through the Business Model canvas for Disney.
Oct 15, 2023•43 min
This week Benjamen Walsh from The Better Business Analysis Institute interviewed Xavery Lisinski ( Vice President Of Product Management at Elements.cloud ). Xavery has worked in the product space at Elements.cloud for over 6 years in various role. He has a Master of Science (M.Sc.), Public Policy Analysis and a Bachelor's degree, Politics, Philosophy and Economics . Originally from Poland, Xavery is now based in the UK where he is an active conference speaker in the product world. This podcast i...
Oct 06, 2023•1 hr 38 min
This week on The Better Business Analyst podcast we walk through a PESTLE Analysis for Amazon. PESTLE is an acronym that stands for Political, Economic, Sociocultural, Technological, Legal, and Environmental. It is a framework used in business analysis to assess the external factors that can impact an organisation's operations, strategies, and decision-making.
Sep 22, 2023•30 min
In this episode Benjamen from The Better Business Analysis Institute unravel the competitive landscape of the chatbot industry and examine the key factors that shape the success of ChatGPT. Join us as we explore the Porter's Five Force Model 🔹 Threat of New Entrants: We assess the barriers faced by potential competitors entering the chatbot market and evaluate ChatGPT's advantage as an early mover. 🔹 Bargaining Power of Buyers: We analyze the influence of buyers in the chatbot industry and dis...
Sep 15, 2023•32 min
The Better Business Analyst Podcast kicks off its Business Analysis Unleashed Series. In this series we will explore practical BA tools and techniques and applied those skills to real examples and organisation. This week Benjamen Walsh from The Better Business Analysis Institute walks through a SWOT Analysis for Telsa
Sep 08, 2023•36 min
