BABOK_Guide_v3_member_copy

Business Knowledge
Underlying Competencies
9.3.4 Solution Knowledge
• the ability to identify subject matter experts (SMEs) in the organization, and
• the ability to navigate organizational relationships and politics.
.1 Purpose
Solution knowledge allows business analysts to leverage their understanding of
existing departments, environments, or technology to efficiently identify the most
effective means of implementing a change.
.2 Definition
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When the business analysis effort involves improving an existing solution,
business analysts apply knowledge and experience from the previous work on the
solution. Familiarity with the range of commercially available solutions or
suppliers can assist with the identification of possible alternatives. The business
analyst may leverage knowledge gained from prior experiences to expedite the
discovery of potential changes through elicitation or in-depth analysis.
.3 Effectiveness Measures
Measures of effective solution knowledge include:
• reduced time or cost to implement a required change,
• shortened time on requirements analysis and/or solution design,
• understanding when a larger change is, or is not, justified based on
business benefit, and
• understanding how additional capabilities that are present, but not
currently used, can be deployed to provide value.
9.3.5 Methodology Knowledge
.1 Purpose
Understanding the methodologies used by the organization provides the business
analyst with information regarding context, dependencies, opportunities, and
constraints used when developing a business analysis approach.
.2 Description
Methodologies determine the timing (big steps or small increments), the
approach, the role of those involved, the accepted risk level, and other aspects of
how a change is approached and managed. Organizations adopt or create their
own methodologies to fit varying levels of culture, maturity, adaptability, risk,
uncertainty, and governance.
Knowledge regarding a variety of methodologies allows the business analyst to
quickly adapt to, and perform in, new environments.
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