Written by AssistKD's experts and trainers.
The last 12 months have seen dramatic change in all aspects of our lives. Organisations everywhere have had to respond to survive and many haven’t succeeded. Everyone who runs an organisation (a grouping of people who are offering a form of service or product) has heard the term organisational agility and are aware of the expectations the term raises. But what does organisational agility actually mean and how is it achieved and demonstrated?
This article explores three dimensions that offer a basis for organisational agility. These dimensions are:
- Rationale: understand why change is needed.
- Context: evaluate the organisation and what it offers.
- Approach: decide on how to act.
The article also introduces four key elements that underpin organisational agility and discusses an approach applied by a case study organisation in response to the global pandemic.
Download (304.23 KB) In August the BA Manager Forum ran a series of workshops and a webinar for BA practice leaders. The webinar topic was resilience, a quality often talked about but perhaps not always understood. For many BAs, it can be a defining quality though. With the stresses and strains of work not changing any time soon, the timing couldn’t have been better to provide insights on the means of building personal resilience to meet the challenges faced. The webinar provides valuable information on: what is meant by resilience, how to assess your own resilience and understand approaches for building resilience. This handout accompanies the webinar with useful reference materials.
Download (2.37 MB) Completing the BCS International Diploma during the 3 month lockdown
We caught up with Craig Ferriday to tell us how he has been using his time during the lockdown period to study with AssistKD and gain his BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis.
Download (41.8 KB) Introduction: Why BA of the Year?
The BA of the Year Award has been organised by AssistKD in collaboration with IIBA UK since 2010. This prestigious award recognises individual achievement in conducting business analysis work to the highest standards. The BAs entered for this award have demonstrated excellence in their work, typically exceeding the expectations of their stakeholders.
Download (26.6 KB) Why CIOs need Business Analysts
AssistKD's Debra Paul and Lynda Girvan examine the value of the Business Analyst to the CIO and why they form a vital part of delivering solutions that meet real business needs.
Download (338.1 KB) Discover ten 'top tips' for candidates taking the written examinations for the Business Systems Development (BSD) Diplomas offered by the Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB).
Download (38.77 KB) It is not entirely clear when the terms 'business analysis' and 'business analyst' first entered general use. Originally they weren't used in connection with Information Systems-related work at all but were used in the context of financial business analysis. They have now, to a large extent, supplanted terms such as 'systems analyst' and 'organisation and methods analyst'; it could be said that Business Analysis as we understand it today is the offspring - or merger - of these two older disciplines.
Download (176.95 KB) Business change projects are often driven by the need for organisations to grasp opportunities from technological developments, improve competitiveness or handle threats from the external environment. To be successful, such projects have to make sure they balance four critical areas - process, technology, organisational and people changes. However, in recent years, those working within the business change area have been the subject of change initiatives themselves as organisations recognise the potential benefits offered by business analysts and other change professionals.
Download (103.55 KB) Worried about an upcoming multiple choice exam? Take a look at our tips for success...
Download (171.74 KB) The recession is the chance for business analysts to show what they can do. It is not clear at the moment whether we are suffering from a 'double-dip' recession or are just bumping along the bottom of a 'bathtub' curve of economic activity. What is clear, though, is that organizations in all countries and all sectors of the economy are facing very difficult times indeed. Public services are having to tighten their belts and do more despite cuts in funding; private sector firms face tough competition from emerging economies; and the third sector has to meet increased demands while at the same time suffering from a drop in support.
Download (27.9 KB) Fulfilling requirements through using a software package has become increasingly popular. This paper looks at the growth of the software package solution and how it affects business policy, IT policy and business processes. It also considers the advantages and disadvantages of this approach and concludes with the distinction between Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Information (RFI) and Request for Quotation (RFQ).
Download (78.5 KB) I was recently asked to review an e-learning product produced by a major organisation. It used video, graphics and animation and cost tens of thousands of pounds to produce. Its designers and promoters were keen to emphasise its use of up-to-date technology. It was relatively entertaining. However, it had little to do with learning. The designers had missed the point completely. The objectives and process of learning had disappeared beneath a host of technologies.
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