Business Analysis Tools And Techniques

Business Analysis Part 2: Master Business Analysis Tools and Techniques from Modelling to Decision-Making

What you'll learn

Understand and apply key business analysis tools, including SWOT, PESTLE, and MoSCoW prioritisation.

Develop skills in business process modelling, including BPMN and flowcharts.

Master requirements gathering and analysis techniques to align projects with stakeholder expectations.

Utilise decision-making tools such as decision trees, cost-benefit analysis, and root cause analysis.

Conduct gap analysis to identify areas for improvement in organisational processes.

Apply risk analysis and management frameworks to ensure project resilience and success.

Requirements

There are no formal prerequisites for this course. It is designed for beginners and experienced professionals alike. Familiarity with basic business operations will enrich the learning experience but is not mandatory.

Description

Business Analysis Tools and Techniques is the second course in Hains Academy’s comprehensive Business Analysis series. This course equips you with the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel as a business analyst, focusing on tools and methodologies essential for effective analysis and decision-making.The course begins with an overview of foundational tools such as SWOT, PESTLE, and MoSCoW prioritisation, helping you assess internal and external factors that impact organisational success. You’ll then explore advanced process modelling techniques, including BPMN, flowcharts, and value stream mapping, to optimise workflows and identify areas for improvement.Next, dive into the core methods for gathering and analysing requirements, ensuring that your projects are aligned with stakeholder goals. Learn to differentiate between functional and non-functional requirements and use gap analysis to bridge the divide between current and desired states.The final sections focus on decision-making tools, such as decision trees and cost-benefit analysis, and risk management techniques, providing a structured approach to making informed, data-driven choices while mitigating potential risks.What is primarily taught in this course?Strategic tools: Using SWOT, PESTLE, and MoSCoW prioritisation for effective planning.Process modelling: Techniques such as BPMN, flowcharts, and value stream mapping.Requirements gathering: Methods to capture and define functional and non-functional requirements.Decision-making techniques: Applying decision trees, cost-benefit analysis, and Fishbone diagrams.Gap analysis: Identifying and addressing the divide between current and future states.Risk management: Frameworks and strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate risks.By the end of this course, you’ll have the tools, techniques, and confidence to drive meaningful outcomes as a business analyst, contributing to organisational growth and success.

Overview

Section 1: Course introduction

Lecture 1 Course introduction

Section 2: Section 1 - Overview of business analysis tools

Lecture 2 Section 1 introduction - Overview of business analysis tools

Lecture 3 Lesson 1.1 - Introduction to SWOT analysis

Lecture 4 Lesson 1.2 - Introduction to PESTLE analysis

Lecture 5 Lesson 1.3 - Introduction to MOST and MoSCoW prioritisation

Lecture 6 Section 1 conclusion

Section 3: Section 2 - Business process modelling techniques

Lecture 7 Section 2 introduction - Business process modelling techniques

Lecture 8 Lesson 2.1 - Basics of business process modelling notation (BPMN)

Lecture 9 Lesson 2.2 - Creating process flowcharts

Lecture 10 Lesson 2.3 - Value stream mapping

Lecture 11 Lesson 2.4 - Business Process Re-engineering (BPR)

Lecture 12 Section 2 conclusion

Section 4: Section 3 - Requirements gathering and analysis techniques

Lecture 13 Section 3 introduction - Requirements gathering and analysis techniques

Lecture 14 Lesson 3.1 - Requirements elicitation techniques

Lecture 15 Lesson 3.2 - Use case diagrams and modelling

Lecture 16 Lesson 3.3 - Creating functional and non-functional requirements

Lecture 17 Lesson 3.4 - Gap analysis

Lecture 18 Section 3 conclusion

Section 5: Section 4 - Decision-making tools and techniques

Lecture 19 Section 4 introduction - Decision-making tools and techniques

Lecture 20 Lesson 4.1 - Introduction to decision trees

Lecture 21 Lesson 4.2 - Cost-benefit analysis

Lecture 22 Lesson 4.3 - Root cause analysis (Fishbone diagram)

Lecture 23 Lesson 4.4 - Scenario and what-if analysis

Lecture 24 Section 4 conclusion

Section 6: Section 5 - Risk analysis and management techniques

Lecture 25 Section 5 introduction - Risk analysis and management techniques

Lecture 26 Lesson 5.1 - Basics of risk analysis

Lecture 27 Lesson 5.2 - Risk management frameworks

Lecture 28 Lesson 5.3 - Creating a risk register

Lecture 29 Section 5 conclusion

Section 7: Course conclusion

Lecture 30 Course conclusion

Aspiring and current business analysts seeking to deepen their technical skills.,Professionals transitioning into business analysis roles.,Managers and decision-makers aiming to improve their strategic and analytical capabilities.,Project managers seeking to enhance their understanding of analysis techniques.,Anyone involved in organisational decision-making or process improvement.