Junior business analysts or anyone interested in becoming a business analyst and who needs an understanding of the tools and techniques of business analysis. Foundation in Business Analysis is also a Specialist Foundation module on the BCS (ISEB) International Diploma in Business Analysis.

The Foundation in Business Analysis course is the perfect introduction to business analysis, setting you on the road to achieving your Practitioner level BCS BA qualifications.

Using the structure of the business analysis process model, this course introduces some of the most important techniques every Business Analyst needs to know – strategy analysis, investigation techniques, requirements engineering and much, much more.

Each course is presented by one of the expert training consultants, all of whom offer substantial practical knowledge of business analysis.

The Foundation in Business Analysis course is the perfect introduction to business analysis, setting you on the road to achieving your Practitioner level BCS BA qualifications.

Using the structure of the business analysis process model, this course introduces some of the most important techniques every Business Analyst needs to know – strategy analysis, investigation techniques, requirements engineering and much, much more.

Each course is presented by one of the expert training consultants, all of whom offer substantial practical knowledge of business analysis.

The Foundation in Business Analysis course is the perfect introduction to business analysis, setting you on the road to achieving your Practitioner level BCS BA qualifications.

Using the structure of the business analysis process model, this course introduces some of the most important techniques every Business Analyst needs to know – strategy analysis, investigation techniques, requirements engineering and much, much more.

Each course is presented by one of the expert training consultants, all of whom offer substantial practical knowledge of business analysis.

AssistKD's Foundation in Business Analysis eLearning course encompasses a broad range of techniques within the structure of the business analysis process model. It forms an excellent introduction to Business Analysis, providing participants with knowledge that underpins the higher level Business Analysis qualifications. Key areas covered include:

• Examination of the competencies of a Business Analyst
• Strategy Analysis
• Investigation techniques
• Stakeholder analysis and management
• Modelling business systems and processes
• Requirements engineering
• Making a business and financial case

Upon completion of the course, candidates will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of;

• The role and competencies of a Business Analyst.
• The strategic context for business analysis and the BA service framework.
• How to investigate the current and target business states.
• Defining a solution and preparing a business case.
• Eliciting and managing requirements.
• Delivering a solution.

Foundation in Business Analysis

Course Content

What is Business Analysis?

• The business change lifecycle
• Business analysis principles
• Variants of the Business Analyst role

The Competencies of a Business Analyst

• The T-shaped business analyst
• Personal, business and professional competencies

The Strategic Context for Business Analysis

• SWOT analysis
• PESTLE analysis
• VMOST analysis
• Executing strategy: the POPIT™ model
• Executing strategy: the business model canvas

The Business Analysis Service Framework

• Situation investigation and problem analysis
• Feasibility assessment and business case development
• Business process improvement
• Requirements definition
• Business acceptance testing
• Business change deployment
• Stakeholder engagement

Investigating the business situation

• Workshops and Observation
• Interviews
• Scenarios and Prototyping
• User role analysis
• Quantitative investigation techniques
• Documenting the current situation

Analysing and Managing Stakeholders

• Identifying and categorising stakeholders
• Analysing stakeholders
• Managing stakeholders over time
• RACI analysis

Improving Business Services and Processes

• The business process hierarchy
• The enterprise level
• The event-response level
• As Is business process models
• The actor-task level
• Improving business processes
• Customer journey maps

Defining the solution

• Gap analysis
• Formulating options
• Design Thinking

Making the Business Case

• The business case in the project lifecycle
• The business case in Agile projects
• Assessing project feasibility
• Contents of a business case
• Cost-benefit analysis
• Impact and risk assessment
• The CARDI log
• Investment appraisal techniques

Establishing the Requirements

• A framework for requirements engineering
• Actors in requirements engineering
• Types of requirements
• Hierarchy of requirements
• Tacit and explicit knowledge
• Elicitation techniques
• Building the requirements list
• Requirements analysis

Documenting and Modelling Requirements

• Documenting requirements: the requirements catalogue; user stories
• Modelling requirements: use case diagrams; class models
• The product backlog
• The business requirements document

Validating and Managing Requirements

• Approach to validating requirements
• Managing requirements

Delivering the Requirements

• Deciding the delivery approach
• Development/delivery lifecycles
• Pros and cons of the lifecycles

Delivering the Business Solution

• The business analyst and the business change lifecycle
• Design, Implementation and Realisation
• The benefits plan

Here's a quick guide to the topics covered on each day of the course.

Here's a quick guide to the topics covered on each day of the course.

Here's a quick guide to the topics covered on each day of the course.

Yes. During this course you’ll receive all the training you need to prepare for the BCS Foundation in Business Analysis certificate multiple choice examination. 

The exam will be taken remotely using an online proctoring service. This 1 hour 'closed book' exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions with a pass mark of 26/40.

A pass means a Foundation certificate in Business Analysis and that puts you one step closer to a BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis. But that’s not all, as well as covering the entire BCS syllabus, this programme will develop your SFIA skills, REQM, level 3.

For classroom courses a printed copy of the latest edition of the comprehensive course manual will be ready for you at the venue for the start of your course. Our delegates tell us that having access to a physical document is beneficial as both a reference document and for taking notes during the course. In addition, a link will be emailed to you to enable you to access an electronic copy of the same comprehensive manual for convenient future reference.

Delegates will also receive a copy of the Business Analysis - Fourth Edition book.  An essential addition to the bookshelf of every professional business analyst. 

For virtual courses a printed copy of the latest edition of the comprehensive course manual will be sent to your home address in good time for the start of your course. Our delegates tell us that having access to a physical document is beneficial as both a reference document and for taking notes during the course. In addition, a link will be emailed to you to enable you to access an electronic copy of the same comprehensive manual for convenient future reference.

Delegates will also receive a copy of the Business Analysis - Fourth Edition book.  An essential addition to the bookshelf of every professional business analyst. 

For virtual courses a printed copy of the latest edition of the comprehensive course manual will be sent to your home address in good time for the start of your course. Our delegates tell us that having access to a physical document is beneficial as both a reference document and for taking notes during the course. In addition, a link will be emailed to you to enable you to access an electronic copy of the same comprehensive manual for convenient future reference.

Delegates will also receive a copy of the Business Analysis - Fourth Edition book.  An essential addition to the bookshelf of every professional business analyst. 

If this course is part of your BCS Diploma in Business Analysis programme you have a choice of further modules which include the core BA Diploma modules, Business Analysis Practice and Requirements Engineering. Candidates who have already completed Foundation in Business Analysis also need to pass one of the Specialist Practitioner modules, from Benefits Management and Business Acceptance, Systems Modelling Techniques, Modelling Business Processes, Systems Development Essentials and Data Management Essentials. The structure of the certification is shown here.

This course was written by our team of training consultants, who bring their substantial experience of business analysis projects to the programme.

Watch the video below to find out more about our eLearning.

Do you have a question about our eLearning courses? Check out our FAQs section…

How do AssistKD’s virtual classroom courses work?

AssistKD’s virtual courses are conducted live and online in a ‘virtual’ classroom space via Microsoft Teams. 
On each day of the course, we ask delegates to log on in time for a 9am start. The courses end at 4.30pm. An hour is ring-fenced for lunch, but timings can vary.

Designed to be interactive, responsive and engaging, our virtual (live) courses are led by trainers who are experts in their fields, with real-life industry experience. 
The benefit of the virtual classroom is that delegates enjoy all the benefits of ‘in-real-time' training, but with no travel requirements or overnight stays. 

Regular comfort breaks, team exercises and break-out sessions keep delegates focused and reinforce learning. 
The courses allow learners to develop their professional toolkits.

Can you attend virtual classroom courses from outside the UK?

Yes, however you will be issued with a digital course manual in advance of the course, not a printed manual. 

When will I receive my joining instructions?

You will receive joining instructions two weeks before the start of your course. One week before the course you will receive detailed instructions on how to log on.

I am concerned about logging on, is there support available?

If you have concerns about logging on and your technology, it is best to address these prior to the day of the course. We can offer you a test call at a time that suits you. To request this please contact support@assistkd.com

I have additional needs, can they be accommodated?

Please provide us with full details of any additional needs in advance of the course so that we can work with you to accommodate them. Please contact enquiries@assistkd.com

When will I receive my course manual?

You will receive your course manual, in both printed and digital form, two weeks before the start of your course.

Can you accommodate a last-minute booking?

Yes, provided there is availability.

Do you offer discounted prices if I am taking more than one course?

Yes, please contact enquires@assistkd.com

What happens if I need to reschedule, do I have to pay twice?

If you need to reschedule, to avoid a cancellation fee please give 10 working days’ notice by contacting enquiries@assistkd.com.

Do the courses run on consecutive days?

Yes. Courses which last for more than one day are delivered on consecutive days from the start date indicated. These are on working days, during Monday to Friday.

Do you offer courses over the weekend?

Our virtual (live) classroom and face-to-face classroom courses run from Monday to Friday only.

Is the exam taken during the actual course?

No. The exam can be taken on a date and time of your choice. You will be provided with exam registration details before the start of your course. We recommend that you take the exam within two weeks of the end of your course, while the knowledge is fresh.

When will I receive my exam results and certificate?

Exams will be taken online you will find out your result immediately on completion. Then, approximately two weeks after the exam this will be confirmed via the BCS portal and you can print out your certificate. 

How do AssistKD’s virtual classroom courses work?

AssistKD’s virtual courses are conducted live and online in a ‘virtual’ classroom space via Microsoft Teams. 
On each day of the course, we ask delegates to log on in time for a 9am start. The courses end at 4.30pm. An hour is ring-fenced for lunch, but timings can vary.

Designed to be interactive, responsive and engaging, our virtual (live) courses are led by trainers who are experts in their fields, with real-life industry experience. 
The benefit of the virtual classroom is that delegates enjoy all the benefits of ‘in-real-time' training, but with no travel requirements or overnight stays. 

Regular comfort breaks, team exercises and break-out sessions keep delegates focused and reinforce learning. 
The courses allow learners to develop their professional toolkits.

Can you attend virtual classroom courses from outside the UK?

Yes, however you will be issued with a digital course manual in advance of the course, not a printed manual.  

When will I receive my joining instructions?

You will receive joining instructions two weeks before the start of your course. One week before the course you will receive detailed instructions on how to log on.

I am concerned about logging on, is there support available?

If you have concerns about logging on and your technology, it is best to address these prior to the day of the course. We can offer you a test call at a time that suits you. To request this please contact support@assistkd.com

I have additional needs, can they be accommodated?

Please provide us with full details of any additional needs in advance of the course so that we can work with you to accommodate them. Please contact enquiries@assistkd.com

When will I receive my course manual?

You will receive your course manual, in both printed and digital form, two weeks before the start of your course.

When can I start my eLearning?

Within one working day of your booking being processed, the eLearning subscription will be added to your AssistKD account. If you don’t already have an account, one will be created for you and your login details will be emailed to you. You can then choose when to activate your 90‑day subscription. You may use it before your course to help you prepare, or afterwards to support your exam revision.

What are the technical requirements for viewing my eLearning?

To view our courses, you must be connected to the internet and using one of the following web browsers:

Windows: Microsoft Edge (latest version), Google Chrome (latest version), Firefox (latest version)
Mac: Safari (latest version), Google Chrome (latest version), Firefox (latest version)
Tablet/Mobile: Safari in Apple iOS/iPadOS (latest version), Google Chrome (latest version) in Apple iOS/iPadOS (latest version), Google Chrome (latest version) in Android OS 6 or later.
If you have any problems viewing our courses, please contact us.

Can I access my eLearning from a Mac?

Our courses run exactly the same on Macs as they do on Windows, providing that you are connected to the internet and using one of the following browsers:

Mac: Safari (latest version), Google Chrome (latest version), Firefox (latest version)

Can I access the eLearning from my tablet or phone?

Yes!

All of our courses are available on iPads and Android tablets and mobiles. However, we do not recommend viewing our courses on iPhones or Android Phones with smaller screens.

As with viewing our courses on Windows or Mac, you must be connected to the internet. and using one of the following browsers.

Tablet/Mobile: Safari in Apple iOS/iPadOS (latest version), Google Chrome (latest version) in Apple iOS/iPadOS (latest version), Google Chrome (latest version) in Android OS 6 or later.

What do I do if my eLearning expires?

Contact elearning@assistkd.com and we will be happy to explore the options which are available to you.

Can you accommodate a last-minute booking?

Yes, provided there is availability.

Do you offer discounted prices if I am taking more than one course?

Yes, please contact enquires@assistkd.com

What happens if I need to reschedule, do I have to pay twice?

If you need to reschedule, to avoid a cancellation fee please give 10 working days’ notice by contacting enquiries@assistkd.com.

Do the courses run on consecutive days?

Yes. Courses which last for more than one day are delivered on consecutive days from the start date indicated. These are on working days, during Monday to Friday.

Do you offer courses over the weekend?

Our virtual (live) classroom and face-to-face classroom courses run from Monday to Friday only.

Is the exam taken during the actual course?

No. The exam can be taken on a date and time of your choice. You will be provided with exam registration details before the start of your course. We recommend that you take the exam within two weeks of the end of your course, while the knowledge is fresh.

When will I receive my exam results and certificate?

Exams will be taken online you will find out your result immediately on completion. Then, approximately two weeks after the exam this will be confirmed via the BCS portal and you can print out your certificate. 

Is the exam included with the eLearning subscriptions?

All BCS and A4Q eLearning exams can be taken online via remote proctoring, giving you complete flexibility to sit your exam from any suitable location. If you choose the Core or Extra option, your exam voucher is already included, making it simple to progress toward certification.

Can I buy now and start later?

Absolutely. Your course is added to your account right after purchase, but you choose when to activate your subscription - ideal for planning around work or personal commitments. When you are ready to begin learning, you simply log in to your account and click 'Activate' next to the course name.

Have more questions? Check out our full FAQs here or contact us directly. 

When will I receive my joining instructions?

You will receive joining instructions two weeks before the start of your course. One week before the course you will receive detailed instructions on how to log on.

I have additional needs, can they be accommodated?

Please provide us with full details of any additional needs in advance of the course so that we can work with you to accommodate them. Please contact enquiries@assistkd.com

When will I receive my course manual?

You will receive your course manual at the venue on the first day of your course.

Can you accommodate a last-minute booking?

Yes, provided there is availability.

Do you offer discounted prices if I am taking more than one course?

Yes, please contact enquires@assistkd.com

What happens if I need to reschedule, do I have to pay twice?

If you need to reschedule, to avoid a cancellation fee please give 10 working days’ notice by contacting enquiries@assistkd.com.

Do the courses run on consecutive days?

Yes. Courses which last for more than one day are delivered on consecutive days from the start date indicated. These are on working days, during Monday to Friday.

Do you offer courses over the weekend?

Our virtual (live) classroom and face-to-face classroom courses run from Monday to Friday only.

Is the exam taken during the actual course?

No. The exam can be taken on a date and time of your choice. You will be provided with exam registration details before the start of your course. We recommend that you take the exam within two weeks of the end of your course, while the knowledge is fresh.

When will I receive my exam results and certificate?

Exams will be taken online you will find out your result immediately on completion. Then, approximately two weeks after the exam this will be confirmed via the BCS portal and you can print out your certificate.