IIBA CBAP - Certified Business Analysis Professional

 The information architect is the role that helps assess the data requirements of a project, identifies data assets, and helps the project team complete data modeling requirements. The information architect is responsible for designing and organizing the data structures, relationships, and flows that support the business processes and objectives. The information architect also ensures that the data quality, security, and integrity are maintained throughout the project. The information architect works closely with the business analyst, the database analyst, the end user, and the subject matter expert to elicit, analyze, validate, and communicate the data requirements and models. References: CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, chapter 6, page 237; CBAP Sample Questions, question 231.

Flowcharting is a technique that can be an effective tool during quality control to help determine how the problem occurred. It is a graphical representation of the steps, decisions, and interactions involved in a process or a system. It shows the sequence, logic, and flow of information and materials from the start to the end of the process or system. Flowcharting can help to identify the sources, causes, and effects of problems, as well as the potential solutions and improvements. Flowcharting can also help to document, communicate, and standardize the process or system, and to ensure its compliance with the quality standards and requirements. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, page 47

Business Analysis Professional Resources | IIBA®, under Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK ®) Guide

What is Problem Solving? Steps, Process & Techniques | ASQ, under Helpful problem-solving techniques

A phase gate review is a process that must be performed at the end of each project phase to determine the completeness of the project work and to gain the customer’s acceptance to move the project forward. A phase gate review is also known as a stage gate review, a milestone review, or a toll gate review. The purpose of a phase gate review is to evaluate the project’s performance, risks, issues, deliverables, and alignment with the business objectives and requirements. A phase gate review also provides an opportunity to decide whether to continue, modify, or terminate the project based on the current status and expected outcomes. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, page 47

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, page 47

CERTIFIED BUSINESS ANALYSIS PROFESSIONAL, page 6

Business Analysis Professional Resources | IIBA®, under Standards, Regulations, and Best Practices

Decision analysis is a technique for identifying and evaluating the possible options for a given problem or situation. It involves defining the criteria, alternatives, and consequences of each option, and applying a decision-making method to select the best option12. Decision analysis can be used for assessing and recommending solutions that fit an organization’s need for a new third-party sales tool, as it can help to compare the features, benefits, costs, and risks of different vendors or products. The other options are not techniques for identifying suitable options, but rather tools or methods for other purposes. A balanced scorecard is a tool for measuring and managing the performance of an organization or a solution3. A vendor assessment is a method for evaluating the capabilities and suitability of a potential vendor or supplier4. A process analysis is a technique for understanding and improving the current or future state of a business process

The next task that the BA needs to do to complete the gap analysis is to define the future state capabilities. This means that the BA needs to describe the desired outcomes, benefits, and functions of the new systems and how they will support the business needs and stakeholder requirements. Defining the future state capabilities will help the BA to compare them with the current state of systems and identify the gaps, opportunities, and changes needed to achieve the future state. Identifying performance measures, categorizing risk factors, or selecting the stakeholder engagement approach are not the next tasks for completing the gap analysis, because they are either part of the current state analysis or the subsequent tasks after the gap analysis. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 6: Strategy Analysis, page 254

Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) Guide, Version 3, Chapter 5: Strategy Analysis, section 5.3: Define Future State, page 99

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 6: Strategy Analysis, page 254

 A formal approach is suitable for a project that has a high level of complexity, uncertainty, and risk, as well as a high degree of stakeholder involvement and scrutiny. A project to expand into new markets is likely to have these characteristics, especially in the banking industry, which is highly regulated and competitive. A formal approach would help ensure that the project scope, objectives, and requirements are clearly defined, communicated, and approved by the relevant stakeholders, such as the CEO and the CFO. A formal approach would also provide more control and traceability over the project deliverables and changes, as well as more visibility and accountability for the project progress and outcomes. References: CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 2: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring, page 59; Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK ®) Guide, Chapter 2: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring, section 2.1.4: Selecting the Business Analysis Approach, pages 28-29.

The business process model is also known as the activity model. It is a graphical representation that captures all of the activities within a business, the inputs and outputs of each activity, and the required resources to complete each activity. It shows the sequence, dependencies, roles, and responsibilities of the activities, as well as the information and materials that flow between them. A business process model can help to document, analyze, improve, and automate the business processes that deliver value to the customers and stakeholders. A business process model can also help to align the business and IT strategies, and to identify the gaps and opportunities for innovation. References:

Business Process Modeling: Definition, Benefits, and Examples - Kissflow, paragraph 1

Business process modeling - Wikipedia, paragraph 1

The business process model is also known as - VCEguide.com, answer B

The BA can alleviate the concerns of the stakeholders in domain 2 by presenting a model applicable for them. A model is a representation of a concept or system that is used to communicate, analyze, or design. A model can help the BA to convey complex or abstract information in a clear and concise way, using the appropriate level of detail, notation, and terminology for the audience. A model can also help the BA to elicit feedback, validate understanding, and resolve issues or conflicts. A survey, an estimation, or a backlog are not the best options to alleviate the concerns of the stakeholders in domain 2, because they are either too general, too specific, or too technical, and they do not address the root cause of the problem, which is the lack of clarity and relevance of the presentation. 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

A tornado diagram is a type of bar chart that shows the effect of varying different input parameters on an output variable. It is often used in sensitivity analysis to compare the relative importance of different factors or uncertainties that affect the outcome of a decision, project, or model. A tornado diagram typically has a horizontal baseline that represents the base case value of the output variable, and vertical bars that extend to the left and right of the baseline to show how the output changes when each input parameter is varied from its minimum to maximum value, while holding all other parameters constant. The bars are usually sorted by their length, creating a shape similar to a tornado. The longer the bar, the more sensitive the output is to that input parameter. A tornado diagram can help identify the key drivers of the output variable, as well as the parameters that have little or no impact. 

 Cost-benefit analysis is a technique that compares two or more systems, states, services, products, or things to determine the best viable choice. It involves estimating and comparing the total costs and benefits of each alternative over a specified period of time. The costs and benefits can be expressed in monetary or non-monetary terms, depending on the nature and scope of the analysis. Cost-benefit analysis can help to identify the most efficient and effective solution that maximizes the net benefit or minimizes the net cost. Cost-benefit analysis can also help to evaluate the feasibility, desirability, and sustainability of a project or initiative. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, page 47

Business Analysis Professional Resources | IIBA®, under Standards, Regulations, and Best Practices

Cost-Benefit Analysis Definition