BCS BAPv5 - BCS Practitioner Certificate in Business Analysis Practice v5.0

CATWOE is a technique for exploring stakeholder business perspectives by identifying six elements: Customer, Actor, Transformation, Worldview, Owner and Environment. It helps to understand how different stakeholders perceive a business situation or problem and what they expect from a solution. Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as Paul and his business partner are in disagreement on their worldview element of CATWOE. Worldview is the element that describes the beliefs, values, assumptions or principles that underpin a stakeholder’s perspective. It helps to explain why a stakeholder thinks that a business situation or problem is worth addressing or solving. Paul and his business partner have different worldviews regarding the possibility of extracting natural gas from their land. Paul believes that it is a safe, profitable and reasonable option that will improve their financial situation. His business partner believes that it is a dangerous, unattractive and unacceptable option that will compromise their vision of living off the land. Option A is not a correct answer, as Paul and his business partner are not in disagreement on their customer element of CATWOE. Customer is the element that describes who benefits from or is affected by a business situation or problem or its solution. It helps to identify who are the main beneficiaries or victims of a business situation or problem or its solution. Paul and his business partner have the same customer, which is themselves as the owners of the farm. Option B is not a correct answer, as Paul and his business partner are not in disagreement on their actor element of CATWOE. Actor is the element that describes who carries out or performs a business situation or problem or its solution. It helps to identify who are responsible for implementing or delivering a business situation or problem or its solution. Paul and his business partner have the same actor, which is themselves as the owners of the farm. Option C is not a correct answer, as Paul and his business partner are not in disagreement on their transformation element of CATWOE. Transformation is the element that describes what changes or processes take place in a business situation or problem or its solution. It helps to identify what inputs are converted into outputs in a business situation or problem or its solution. Paul and his business partner have the same transformation, which is extracting natural gas from their land.

References: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen, page 37.

A logical dependency arrow on a BAM shows that one activity depends on another activity for its completion or initiation. In this question, the doing activity of ‘sell bespoke kitchens’ depends on the planning activity of ‘determine range of products’, as the customers need to select products from a predefined range when they design their kitchens. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

References:

Types of Events: The Ultimate Guide with Examples | Social Tables

Business events overview - Finance & Operations | Dynamics 365

Technical feasibility is the extent to which a proposed business change or solution is possible and realistic from a technical perspective. It helps to assess whether a proposed business change or solution can be developed, implemented and maintained using the available or required technology. Therefore, option A is the correct answer, as it describes the areas of technical feasibility mentioned in the report. Proven is an area of technical feasibility that relates to whether the technology used for the proposed business change or solution has been tested and verified by previous or existing users or applications. It helps to ensure reliability and quality of the technology. An example of proven in the report is the new payment method has not yet been widely adopted although it has the backing of all the big phone brands. Compatible is an area of technical feasibility that relates to whether the technology used for the proposed business change or solution can work or integrate with other existing or required technologies. It helps to ensure interoperability and functionality of the technology. An example of compatible in the report is our current payments system will be upgraded next month to take payment as part of a scheduled release. Secure is an area of technical feasibility that relates to whether the technology used for the proposed business change or solution can protect or prevent unauthorised access, use, modification or disclosure of data or information. It helps to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability of the technology. An example of secure in the report is cyber security testing is encouraging. Scalable is an area of technical feasibility that relates to whether the technology used for the proposed business change or solution can handle or adapt to changes in demand, volume or performance. It helps to ensure efficiency and flexibility of the technology. An example of scalable in the report is trials have shown that the technology will scale to our customer base. Option B is not a correct answer, as it does not describe all the areas of technical feasibility mentioned in the report. Timely is an area of technical feasibility that relates to whether the technology used for the proposed business change or solution can be developed, implemented and maintained within the available or required time frame. It helps to ensure punctuality and speed of the technology. There is no example of timely in the report. Option C is not a correct answer, as it does not describe all the areas of technical feasibility mentioned in the report. Reliable is an area of technical feasibility that relates to whether the technology used for the proposed business change or solution can perform consistently and accurately without errors or failures. It helps to ensure dependability and accuracy of the technology. There is no example of reliable in the report. Architectural alignment is an area of technical feasibility that relates to whether the technology used for the proposed business change or solution can fit or align with other existing or required architectures, such as business, data or application architectures. It helps to ensure consistency and coherence of the technology. There is no example of architectural alignment in the report. Option D is not a correct answer, as it does not describe any of the areas of technical feasibility mentioned in the report.

References: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen, page 48.

 A Business Activity Model (BAM) is a technique for modelling business activities within an organisation or project at a high level of abstraction. It helps to understand what an organisation does, how it does it, who does it, where it does it and why it does it. Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as a BAM would help the business analyst to identify underlying causes of a problem with declining sales. A BAM would help to analyse how different activities within an organisation contribute or relate to sales performance and identify any gaps or issues that may affect sales performance. A BAM would help to compare current and desired situations or problems and identify what changes or improvements are needed to achieve desired situations or problems. Option A is not a correct answer, as customer journey maps are not a technique for identifying underlying causes of a problem with declining sales. Customer journey maps are a technique for visualising customer experiences with an organisation or product across different touchpoints and stages. They help to understand customer needs, expectations and emotions and how they are met or influenced by an organisation or product. Option B is not a correct answer, as scenario analysis is not a technique for identifying underlying causes of a problem with declining sales. Scenario analysis is a technique for exploring how different scenarios or situations could affect outcomes or impacts of an organisation or project. They help to test feasibility and desirability of different options or solutions under various circumstances or assumptions. Option C is not a correct answer, as use case diagram is not a technique for identifying underlying causes of a problem with declining sales. Use case diagram is a technique for modelling functional requirements of a system or product at a high level of abstraction. They help to understand what functions or features are required or provided by a system or product and how they interact with actors or users.

References: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen, page 32.

An enabling activity is an activity that supports or facilitates another activity within a business activity model. It helps to ensure that another activity can be performed or delivered effectively and efficiently. Therefore, option B is the correct answer, as it is an enabling activity linked to this planning activity. Define sales targets is an enabling activity linked to this planning activity, as it supports or facilitates defining marketing strategy. It helps to ensure that marketing strategy can be aligned with sales objectives and outcomes. Option A is not a correct answer, as it is not an enabling activity linked to this planning activity, but a monitoring and control activity. Monitor sales is a monitoring and control activity that measures or evaluates another activity within a business activity model. It helps to ensure that another activity meets quality and performance standards and criteria. Option C is not a correct answer, as it is not an enabling activity linked to this planning activity, but a doing activity. Advertise clothes is a doing activity that produces or delivers value or satisfaction for customers within a business activity model. It helps to achieve customer demand and satisfaction for products or services. Option D is not a correct answer, as it is not an enabling activity linked to this planning activity, but a doing activity. Sell clothes is a doing activity that produces or delivers value or satisfaction for customers within a business activity model. It helps to achieve customer demand and satisfaction for products or services.

References: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen, page 40.

The elements of PESTLE that are identified in this email are Economic, Environmental and Legal. Economic factors are related to the costs and prices of the business and its competitors. In this email, Nastya mentions that their competitors have lower costs and that they need to secure a better component price and negotiate with their energy supplier (B). Environmental factors are related to the natural resources and sustainability of the business and its impact on the environment. In this email, Nastya mentions that she wants a full review of the biodegradability of the packaging of all their products and that she is mindful of the costs of renewable power (E). Legal factors are related to the laws and regulations that affect the business and its operations. In this email, Nastya mentions that their employment regulations need revisiting due to changes in pension rules and paternity/maternity rights (L).

References:

PESTLE Analysis Explained (With Examples)

What is a PESTLE Analysis? A Complete PESTLE Analysis Guide - OnStrategy

A time based event is one that occurs at a regular or predetermined interval, such as monthly or quarterly. In this scenario, the printing of the monthly payslips is a time based event, as it happens every month. The notification from senior management is not an external or internal event, as it is not triggered by an external or internal stakeholder or situation. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

References:

Dependency arrows - IBM

oop - Explanation of the UML arrows - Stack Overflow

 A business case is a formal written proposal that details the costs and benefits of a proposed business change or solution. It helps to justify and secure the approval and funding for a proposed business change or solution. A business case typically consists of several elements, such as description of the current situation, analysis of costs and benefits, options considered, recommendations, impact assessment, risk assessment etc. Therefore, option A is the correct answer, as it identifies which set of elements of a business case will cover all of these points respectively. Description of the current situation is an element that describes the problem or opportunity that exists in the current state and the need or rationale for a change or solution. It helps to explain what is wrong or missing in the current state and what are the objectives and outcomes of a change or solution. This element will cover the point that the threat posed to the organisation from cyber attack, and therefore the justification for the project, needs to be clearly articulated. Analysis of costs and benefits is an element that evaluates the financial and non-financial impacts of a proposed change or solution. It helps to compare and contrast the costs and benefits of different options or solutions and determine their feasibility and desirability. This element will cover the point that the benefits of cyber will be described in quantitative terms, so we will need to describe these qualitatively. Options considered is an element that identifies and describes the alternative ways of addressing a problem or opportunity. It helps to explore and analyse the pros and cons of different options or solutions and select the best one based on criteria and evidence. This element will cover the point that we need to make it clear that we have fully explored the solution market, and we have considered a range of approaches to meeting the objectives of this project. Option B is not a correct answer, as it does not identify which set of elements of a business case will cover all of these points respectively. Impact assessment is an element that assesses the effects or consequences of a proposed change or solution on people, processes, organisation and technology. It helps to identify who or what will be affected by a proposed change or solution and how they will be affected. This element will not cover any of these points. Recommendations is an element that proposes and justifies the preferred option or solution for addressing a problem or opportunity. It helps to persuade and convince decision makers or influencers to approve and fund a proposed change or solution. This element will not cover any of these points. Option C is not a correct answer, as it does not identify which set of elements of a business case will cover all of these points respectively. Recommendations is an element that proposes and justifies the preferred option or solution for addressing a problem or opportunity. It helps to persuade and convince decision makers or influencers to approve and fund a proposed change or solution. This element will not cover any of these points. Risk assessment is an element that identifies and evaluates the uncertainties or threats that may affect a proposed change or solution. It helps to estimate the likelihood and impact of risks and plan how to avoid or mitigate them. This element will not cover any of these points. Option D is not a correct answer, as it does not identify which set of elements of a business case will cover all of these points respectively. Description of the current situation is an element that describes the problem or opportunity that exists in the current state and the need or rationale for a change or solution. It helps to explain what is wrong or missing in the current state and what are the objectives and outcomes of a change or solution. This element will cover the point that the threat posed to the organisation from cyber attack, and therefore the justification for the project, needs to be clearly articulated. Impact assessment is an element that assesses the effects or consequences of a proposed change or solution on people, processes, organisation and technology. It helps to identify who or what will be affected by a proposed change or solution and how they will be affected. This element will not cover any of these points. Risk assessment is an element that identifies and evaluates the uncertainties or threats that may affect a proposed change or solution. It helps to estimate the likelihood and impact of risks and plan how to avoid or mitigate them. This element will not cover any of these points.

References: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen, page 42.

A customer journey map is a visual representation of the steps and emotions that a customer goes through when interacting with a product or service. It helps to identify the pain points and opportunities for improvement in the customer experience. A customer journey map typically consists of the following elements: stages, actions, thoughts, feelings, touchpoints and opportunities. Therefore, option A is the correct answer, as it matches the elements of the customer journey map for Box F and Box 6. Box F represents the feeling of the customer at the stage of choosing a frame. The feeling is concern at cost, as the customer is worried about the price of the frames and lenses. Box 6 represents the opportunity for improvement at the stage of selecting lenses. The opportunity is to provide clearer information on options and pricing, as this would help the customer to make an informed decision and reduce their anxiety. Option B is not a correct answer, as it does not match the elements of the customer journey map for Box F and Box 6. Box F represents the feeling of the customer, not an opportunity for improvement. Box 6 represents an opportunity for improvement, not a feeling of the customer. Option C is not a correct answer, as it does not match the elements of the customer journey map for Box F and Box 6. Box F represents the feeling of the customer, not an opportunity for improvement. Box 6 represents an opportunity for improvement, not a feeling of the customer. Option D is not a correct answer, as it does not match the elements of the customer journey map for Box F and Box 6. Box F represents the feeling of the customer, not an opportunity for improvement. Box 6 represents an opportunity for improvement, not a feeling of the customer.

References: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen, page 23.

A stakeholder management strategy is a plan for engaging and communicating with stakeholders based on their level of power and interest in an organisation or project. It helps to ensure that stakeholders are appropriately involved and informed throughout the organisation’s or project’s lifecycle. Therefore, option A is the correct answer, as keep satisfied is the further strategy that is required for one of the three stakeholders in this scenario. Keep satisfied is the strategy for managing stakeholders who have high power but low interest in an organisation or project. It involves meeting their needs and expectations without over-communicating or over-involving them. The stakeholder who requires this strategy in this scenario is the financial accountant assigned to the project to monitor the financial benefits of the new system. This stakeholder has high power, as he is essential to the project and can influence its outcome. However, he has low interest, as he is not interested in the detail of the project. Option B is not a correct answer, as watch is not the further strategy that is required for any of the three stakeholders in this scenario. Watch is the strategy for managing stakeholders who have low power and low interest in an organisation or project. It involves monitoring their behaviour and attitude without engaging or communicating with them too much. None of the stakeholders in this scenario have low power and low interest, as they are all involved or affected by the project in some way. Option C is not a correct answer, as ignore is not a valid strategy for managing any stakeholder in an organisation or project. Ignore is the strategy of disregarding or neglecting stakeholders who have no power or interest in an organisation or project. It involves excluding them from any engagement or communication activities. This strategy is not advisable, as it may lead to stakeholder dissatisfaction, resentment or resistance. Option D is not a correct answer, as keep informed is not the further strategy that is required for any of the three stakeholders in this scenario. Keep informed is the strategy for managing stakeholders who have low power but high interest in an organisation or project. It involves providing them with regular and sufficient information and updates without overloading them with details. None of the stakeholders in this scenario have low power but high interest, as they are all involved or affected by the project in some way.

References: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen, page 40.