Quick update on a presentation I am doing in a few weeks at the Rocky Mountain Information Management Association (RMIMA). The presentation is targeted at folks who want to get a basic understanding of agile (Scrum), why so many people promote it, and what issues and challenges are brought to the surface when you move towards agile. Here is the abstract:

Agile – Myth or Reality

Why do we keep hearing more and more about agile? When will it arrive? Has it already arrived or has it departed? The presentation will provide an overview of agile-Scrum to demystify it. What is a standup, a sprint, why do people talk about chickens and pigs? Understanding why many people are “agile fanatics” requires clarity about the types of issues that agile can resolve.

Building on the overview of agile, the presentation will review common “software project challenges” and review why agile is often cited as a solution to these problems. Can “being agile” really solve these issues and reduce risk? Are these problems actually related to the software project? Finally, the presentation will review why Agile can’t solve all problems, although we often seem to only hear about ‘agile magic beans’. The session will review issues that agile may expose, but cannot solve, and how those issues can make or break your agile success.

Learning Objectives:
- Understand the basis of agile-Scrum.
- Understand how agile minimizes risks and why people promote it.
- Understand types of issues that agile exposes but cannot address.

Learn more and RSVP here.

If you have questions or comments please post them here (include your email and add “private” to the post if you would prefer a direct response via email).

While doing some coaching and training work recently, a number of clients requested some clarity on how they could leverage the business analysis profession and tap into the skills of many on their existing teams.

This information may help you in your career or as a leader to help your team improve.

This data is from the IIBA™ website. Some of it was also recently posted on a Google Knol about business analysis in general.

Business Analysis Careers and Skills May Include:

• A Business Consultant works at a high level to analyze the stakeholder’s business objectives, recommend and develop solutions to address their business problem
• A Business Process Analyst is responsible for analyzing and defining business processes both “As Is” and “To Be”
• A Data Analyst is responsible for the logical data model
• A Business Architect models the whole business in terms of goals, data, process, organization
• A Requirements Analyst works at a lower level to identify, analyze and document the business requirements and deliver work products through the project life cycle
• A Systems Analyst translates the business requirements into System/Functional requirements, which are then passed to Application Developers
• A Management Consultant assists stakeholders with understanding their strategic goals and how best to accomplish them.

Are you leveraging your business analysis team or are they boxed in? You may be surprised at what they can do for your organization if you engage them with the right ideas and even a Business Analysis Center of Excellence.

These roles and skills can help ensure:
- Your business projects are aligned
- Technology is not just an after thought to a strategic plan
- Your team is focused on the overall business
- Root cause is determined and value assessed - so the real problems are solved

Why should you care? Without attention to these issues money and time are wasted and talent is squandered.

Email me with questions or comments.

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