IIBA CBAP Based on Real Exam Environment

The BA should use a sequence diagram to elicit information about the other client applications that will interface with the new system and provide the information graphically. A sequence diagram is a type of interaction diagram that depicts the interactions between objects or components in a time-ordered sequence. A sequence diagram can help the BA and the technical staff to understand the message interaction within the systems for key business transactions, as it shows the chronological order of interactions and the messages exchanged between objects. A sequence diagram can also help the BA to model the behavior of a single use case or scenario, and to identify the dependencies and constraints among the objects. Process, activity, or context diagrams are not the best options for this purpose, because they are either too general, too abstract, or not directly related to the message interaction within the systems. References:

• CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 7: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, page 279
• Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) Guide, Version 3, Chapter 7: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, section 7.5: Specify and Model Requirements, page 133
• Business Analysis Professional Resources, IIBA Resource Collection, Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) Guide
• CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Skillsoft Book, Chapter 7: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition, page 279
• Interaction Diagram Tutorial, Lucidchart, What is an interaction diagram?

 A focus group is a technique for eliciting information from a group of stakeholders who have knowledge or experience on a specific topic. It involves asking open-ended questions, facilitating discussions, and capturing feedback. A focus group can help the BA to gather information about the decision making authorities within the company by engaging with the relevant stakeholders, such as project sponsors, managers, directors, or board members. The BA can use the focus group to understand the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the decision makers, as well as the criteria, methods, and processes they use to make decisions. The other options are not suitable techniques for gathering this information. A market analysis is a technique for researching and analyzing the external factors that affect the demand, supply, and opportunities for a product, service, or solution. A survey is a technique for collecting quantitative or qualitative data from a large number of respondents using a predefined set of questions. A cost benefit analysis is a technique for comparing the costs and benefits of alternative solutions or courses of action. References: CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 5: Elicitation and Collaboration, p. 164-165, 168-169, 171-172; A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide), Version 3, Chapter 4: Elicitation and Collaboration, Section 4.2: Prepare for Elicitation, p. 94-95; Chapter 10: Techniques, Section 10.15: Focus Groups, p. 378-379.

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a visual decomposition of the program scope and the resources needed in order to create the things defined within the program scope. A WBS is a hierarchical representation of the deliverables, activities, and tasks that are required to complete the program. A WBS defines the scope, schedule, cost, and quality of the program, and helps to allocate the resources and assign the responsibilities for the program. A WBS also helps to identify the dependencies, risks, and issues of the program, and to monitor and control the program performance12. A resource breakdown structure (RBS) is a visual decomposition of the resources that are needed to complete the program. An RBS is a hierarchical representation of the human and non-human resources that are required to perform the activities and tasks of the program. An RBS defines the types, categories, and quantities of the resources, and helps to estimate, acquire, and manage the resources for the program. An RBS also helps to identify the availability, utilization, and allocation of the resources, and to optimize the resource efficiency and effectiveness13. A product breakdown structure (PBS) is a visual decomposition of the products that are delivered by the program. A PBS is a hierarchical representation of the components and features that make up the products of the program. A PBS defines the scope, quality, and functionality of the products, and helps to design, develop, and test the products for the program. A PBS also helps to identify the requirements, specifications, and standards of the products, and to verify and validate the products14. A budgeted cost of work scheduled (BCWS) is a measure of the planned value of the program. A BCWS is the sum of the budgets for all the work packages and activities that are scheduled to be completed by a given date. A BCWS defines the expected cost of the program, and helps to compare the actual cost and the earned value of the program. A BCWS also helps to identify the cost variance and the cost performance index of the program, and to forecast the cost at completion and the estimate at completion1 . References:

• CBAP® Handbook
• Work Breakdown Structure - iiba.org
• Resource Breakdown Structure - iiba.org
• Product Breakdown Structure - iiba.org
• [Budgeted Cost of Work Scheduled - iiba.org]

The BA should ensure the business needs are articulated from the enterprise perspective, because this will help to align the needs with the strategic goals and objectives of the organization, and to ensure the needs are relevant, feasible, and beneficial for the enterprise as a whole. The other options are not the primary focus of the BA at this stage of defining the business opportunity. While traceability, solution description, and risk assessment are important aspects of business analysis, they are more relevant for later stages of the business analysis process, such as requirements analysis, solution design, and solution evaluation. References: CBAP Handbook, CBAP Study Guide, BABOK Guide