IFS 231 Business Analysis

1. IFS 231Business Analysis LECTURE 2 The Business Case

2. Contents • Revision: phases of SDLC and BA responsibilities • Creating a Business Case document Business Analysis

3. Typical Phases in a Lifecycle • Initiation and Establishment (Business Case) • Requirements Definition (Functional Spec) • Solution Specification (Technical Spec) • Construction and Testing (DB and User App) • Implementation/ Rollout and Training (User manual) • Common in all: Project Management and QA Business Analysis

4. Typical Role/Responsibilities of BA during the SDLC • Interacts with Business and Technical • Investigate and Analyse • Gather Requirements and Document • Find Solutions • Produce Specs (URS, BRS or FS) • User Acceptance Testing (UAT) • Assist with Implementation Business Analysis

5. Business Case Document • A business case captures the reasoning for initiating a project or task. It is often presented in a well-structured written document, but may also sometimes come in the form of a short verbal argument or presentation. • The logic of the business case is that, whenever resources such as money or effort are consumed, they should be in support of a specific business need. Business Analysis

6. Business Case • An example could be that a software upgrade might improve system performance, but the "business case" is that better performance would improve customer satisfaction, require less task processing time, or reduce system maintenance costs • A compelling business case adequately captures both the quantifiable and unquantifiable characteristics of a proposed project. Business Analysis

7. Structure of Business Case • Executive summary • Business case analysis team • Problem definition • Project overview (describe possible solution for problem) • Strategic alignment • Cost benefit analysis • Alternatives analysis • Approvals Business Analysis

8. Executive Summary • Summary or synopsis • Written at the end of document • What is the issue / problem? • Anticipated outcomes • Recommendation – how will the project address the business problem? • Justification – why this solution? Business Analysis

9. Business Case Team • Roles of members in Business Case Doc and Project • For Example: • Executive Sponsor • Technology Support • Process Improvement • Project Manager • Software Support Business Analysis

10. Problem Definition • Problem Statement • Organizational Impact • Technology Migration • Hardware + Software Procurement • Systems • Development • Migration / Roll-out • Training Business Analysis

11. Project Overview • Project specific information • Description • Goals and Objectives (SMART) • Project Performance Metrics • Assumptions • Constraints • Major Milestones Business Analysis

12. Strategic Alignment • Projects should align with the company’s strategy and plans • Add value; enjoy support Business Analysis

13. Cost Benefit Analysis • Illustrate cost vs benefits (savings) • Is the investment worthwhile? Business Analysis

14. Alternatives Analysis • Brief summary of considered alternatives + reasons for not selecting • Eg, keep existing • Outsource • Buy COTS Business Analysis

15. Approvals • Needs signatures by board / management to go ahead Business Analysis