Certified Business Analysis Professional CBAP Book

 A use case diagram is a technique that helps to depict the interactions between a system and its actors using graphical symbols and relationships. A use case diagram shows the actors that are involved in the system, the use cases that represent the functions or services that the system provides, and the associations that indicate how the actors and use cases are related. A use case diagram can be used with a state diagram to verify that all functions are defined to work with entity “User” for the different roles, as it can help to identify the use cases that correspond to the states and transitions of the entity, and to ensure that the use cases are complete, consistent, and accurate. A sequence diagram is a technique that helps to represent the sequence and timing of the messages that are exchanged between the objects or components of a system. A sequence diagram shows the objects or components that participate in the interaction, the messages that are sent and received by the objects or components, and the time order of the messages. A sequence diagram can help to illustrate the dynamic behavior and logic of the system, but it does not show the interactions between the system and its actors. A functional diagram is a technique that helps to represent the functions or processes that are performed by a system or a solution using graphical symbols and relationships. A functional diagram shows the functions or processes that are relevant to the domain, the inputs and outputs of each function or process, and the decomposition and hierarchy of the functions or processes. A functional diagram can help to define and analyze the functional requirements, but it does not show the interactions between the system and its actors. A data flow diagram is a technique that helps to create a high-level overview of a business process by showing the movement and transformation of data between entities and processes. A data flow diagram uses graphical symbols and arrows to represent the sources and destinations of data, the processes that manipulate data, the data stores that store data, and the data flows that transfer data. A data flow diagram can help to understand and document the data logic and structure of the business process, but it does not show the interactions between the system and its actors. References: BABOK Guide v3, Chapter 10: Techniques, Section 10.50: Use Case Diagram, p. 564-566; Section 10.49: Sequence Diagram, p. 562-563; Section 10.22: Functional Decomposition, p. 528-529; Section 10.18: Data Flow Diagrams, p. 522-524.

 According to the BABOK® Guide, one of the tasks of the business analyst (BA) is to assess solution performance and value. This involves measuring the actual outcomes and benefits of the implemented solution and comparing them with the expected ones. The BA also identifies any gaps or issues that may affect the solution’s performance or value and recommends actions to address them. One of the actions that the BA can recommend is to remove or minimize any interfaces and activities that do not contribute to the final product either directly or indirectly, as they may cause waste, inefficiency, or complexity. This is consistent with the lean principles of eliminating waste and optimizing value. References: BABOK® Guide v3, Section 7.6: Assess Solution Performance and Value, p. 291-292; BABOK® Guide v3, Section 10.22: Lean, p. 512-513.

 A focus group is a technique that helps to elicit the opinions, preferences, and feedback of a group of stakeholders about a specific topic, such as a prototype of a new web-based application. A focus group is facilitated by a moderator who guides the discussion and encourages the participants to share their views and experiences. A focus group can help the BA to understand the stakeholders’ perception, ideas, and attitudes about the prototypes, and to identify any issues, gaps, or improvements. A decision analysis is a technique that helps to evaluate and compare the possible outcomes of different alternatives using criteria such as costs, benefits, risks, and impacts. A decision analysis can help the BA to select the best solution option, but it does not elicit the stakeholders’ perception, ideas, and attitudes about the prototypes. A prioritization is a technique that helps to rank the requirements or solution options based on their relative importance, urgency, value, or dependency. A prioritization can help the BA to determine the optimal scope and sequence of the solution delivery, but it does not elicit the stakeholders’ perception, ideas, and attitudes about the prototypes. A brainstorming is a technique that helps to generate a large number of ideas or solutions in a short time by encouraging the participants to think creatively and freely. A brainstorming can help the BA to explore different possibilities and perspectives, but it does not elicit the stakeholders’ perception, ideas, and attitudes about the prototypes. References: BABOK Guide v3, Chapter 10: Techniques, Section 10.24: Focus Groups, p. 532-533; Section 10.16: Decision Analysis, p. 518-520; Section 10.38: Prioritization, p. 550-552; Section 10.7: Brainstorming, p. 503-504.

A communication plan should consider the preferences of the stakeholders, such as how they like to receive information, how often, and in what format. E-mail may not be the best choice for all stakeholders, especially if they prefer face-to-face meetings, phone calls, or other methods of communication. The BA should also consider the impact, urgency, and confidentiality of the information when choosing the communication channel. The business objectives, retention, and presentation materials are not directly related to the stakeholder analysis, but rather to the communication requirements and strategy. References:

CBAP Handbook, page 6, section 2.4.4

[BABOK Guide], page 417, section 10.3.2.3