Plan and Monitor Business Analysis Activities in an ICT Environment

This article covers the process, tools, techniques, and risks involved in business analysis in an ICT environment. It explains the steps involved in project management and the different techniques used, such as Waterfall, Agile, and Classic. It also provides insights into the different types of risks, such as strategic, compliance, financial, and operational, and how to manage them.

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Assessment Task 1: Knowledge Questions
Questions
Provide answers to all of the questions below:
Answer to Q1
Business analysis is a process of identifying business needs and finding solutions for the
business problems. The solutions that are given will include software system development
components, process improvement, organisational change, policy development and strategic
planning. Business analysis is a procedure that assess organisation's structure, capabilities, process
and technology and provide guidelines that can enable business entity to achieve success. It helps
in adapting changes in environment which allows organisation to grow in manner that is decided
by management. The individual who carry out these task within organisation is known a business
analyst. ICT business analyst is an individual analyse the requirement of system after reviewing
existing system, develop system plan and design and modify system in accordance to need of
business. They use data and processing techniques to create and design system software that can
enable business entity to make effective decision which will lead to success of entity.
Steps of business analysis process Collecting background information: The very first step involved in business analysis
process is to gather background information regarding industry and organisation. The
industry related information such as current trends, changes in environment, etc. and is
required to collect and understand the industry in which project is based. Business analyst
is also required to identify circumstances that may influence the strategic approach of
project. For analysis external environment the tools that can be used are PESTLE analysis,
Porter's five force framework, etc. Identify stakeholders: The very next step is to identify and analyses stakeholders who will
be interested in the project. Stakeholders are individuals who make decisions and have
important role in determining priorities related to project. The technique that can be used
for identifying stakeholders and their interest is stakeholder wheel technique. This step
helps business analyst to identify how behaviour of each stakeholder can influence
project. The stakeholder matrix is required to be prepared which provides detail of
stakeholders and their classification in each group. Outline business objective: Business analyst is required to identify business objectives and
make strategies to accomplish the same. This step will enable them to keep focus on
vision of project and provide insights of areas that requires improvement. The techniques
that can be used for this stage ate bench-marking, SWOT analysis, SMART goal setting etc. Narrow down the options: The fourth step of business analysis is to evaluate available
options. After identifying options, business analyst narrow downs these options to
shortlist appropriate and potential option. Feasibility and business case for objectives are
the factors that help in narrow down the options. Business analyst is also required to
consider required funds and their possible return on investment. This can be done using
impact analysis, risk analysis and cost benefit analysis. Emphasis on scope: The next step is to identify scope based on project objectives and
stakeholders' opinion. The scope definition involves project development goals and items

that are excluded from project. This step also consist of outline integration that are in and
out of scope. Development of business analyst delivery plan: The step involves development of timeline
for delivering requirements to development team. The timeline is developed is based on
scope and methodology of project and stakeholders and their availability is also
concerned. Define project requirement: In this stage business analyst is required to take approval
from owners of project about the requirements of project. The requirements of project
can be classified into functional and non-functional categories. The non-functional
category consist of elements of security, performance and scalability which can be
outlined clearly in business requirement document. Whereas functional category is
reflective of wire-frames, prototypes, storyboards and use cases. The business analyst
after interviewing stakeholders decide objectives and outcomes of project. This step also
includes selection of development methods which will help in upfront delivery of
requirements. Supporting the project implementation: Business analyst is required to get involved in
technical implementation of project requirements. They are required to make sure that all
aspects of project is carried out according to project plan and strategies developed.
 Evaluation of value added by project: The frequent evaluation of project outcomes can
enable business analyst to keep project on right track. This stage helps in evaluating
whether the required benefit of project is achieved or not. It also includes communicating
to stakeholders regarding performance of project.
Examples of business analysis deliverable
Deliverable is the crucial outcome of business analyst work. Business analysis deliverable
includes business analysis plan which consists of business analysis approach and stakeholder
engagement plan, business requirement document, system requirement specification, product
backlog, etc. For example, business requirement document may contain business drivers, problem
statement, stakeholder model, business use case, etc.
Answer to Q2 using the table below:
Description Example (provide one)
Legislation There are various laws and
regulations imposed by Australia
government for smooth functioning of
business. The corporation Act, 2001
is the main legislation that is
governing companies in Australia. It
consists of different volumes for
regulating different matters related to
company and its running. Business
analyst is required to comply with all
this legislation to planning and
developing project.
According the legislation, the
regulation which impose by the
Australia, business analyst can
in their business in different
ways to achieve the
effectiveness and efficiency
which are most important for
them to accomplish their aims
and objectives with laws and
legislation.
Standards International accounting standards
board is the standards in the IFRS for
information communication
technology that helps in business
In the context of standards, the
business analyst can do their
work with rules and regulation
which are most important for

Description Example (provide one)
effectively and manage the business
efficiency with the international
standards. It set The rules and
procedures for the information
communication technology to
determine the technologies and
financial reporting standards.
business analysis because it
helps in set the procedures in
standards for the information
communication systems. Their
business analyst able to achieve
their personal goals and make
profitability for their business.
Policies and
procedures
The main polices and procedures of
IFRS standards is technical enquiries
guidelines and quality of financial
information to make the economic
decision for business and it also
enhances the international
compatibility with market participants.
The business analysis will follow
the polices which regulate at
Australian governments and it
reflects their legal roles and
responsibilities to achieve their
target and also chive success
effectively and efficiently.
Answer to Q3
There are various tools used by business analyst for identifying and understanding
problems, needs and opportunities of business which may enable organisation to achieve success.
Four tools are discussed below:
 SWOT analysis: SWOT analysis tool is used by analyst to assess internal as well as
external environment that may impact performance of business. There are four elements
which is used by business in the initial stage of launching new project. The four element
are: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Strengths and weaknesses are
criteria which are within the control of entity therefore they are internal factors. Whereas
external factors include opportunities and threats that are beyond the control of
organisation. This analysis figures out advantages and disadvantages of company
regarding human resource, capital, infrastructure, etc. Opportunities and threats enable
organisation to analyse effect of competitors, rules and regulation, economic situation, etc.
on business and its performance.
 PESTLE analysis: PESTLE analysis is tool which is used to assess external macro
environment of business and it stands for political, economical, socio-cultural,
technological, environmental and legal factors. The tool emphasis on various external
factors that directly or indirectly impact business operations. The current and future
situation of these factors are carefully analysed to predict its impact on workflow of
business and make strategies accordingly by keeping in mind strengths and weaknesses of
organisation. These factors influence the decision-making process of company.
 MOST analysis: OST analysis is used to evaluate internal environment of business and
ensures owners that they are on right pattern. The tool consist of mission, objective,
strategy and tactics of business which is required to ensure long term growth and
development. Mission determines the position where organisation is planning to reach,
objective determines the goals that will enable organisation to accomplish mission.
Strategies are the planning options that help business entity to move forward towards
achievement of objective and mission. Tactics are framework which helps in planning how
to implement strategies.
 Heptalysis: This tool refers to analysis of seven factors that are required to be considered
in early stage of business. It is mostly used in venture capital funding for project where risk
recognising is very essential. The factors that are considered in this tool are: market
opportunities, product/ solution, executive plan, financial engine, human capital, potential

return and margin of safety. Market opportunities involves assessment of potential
customers for product, competitive advantage of company, the right place and time for
introducing product, etc. Product/ solution factors includes the type of product or solution to
be launched in market. Executive plan refers to plan imposed by entity to ensure smooth
functioning of business and achieve success which may include market and promotion,
sales and distribution, production and quality, etc. Financial engine covers the income and
expense area of business which includes source of raising funds and manner of
investment. Human resource involves decision making related to workforce requirement in
business along with their roles and responsibilities and qualifications. Potential return
consists of realistic idea of market situation in forecasting potential revenue. Margin of
safety refers to analysis of risk involved in business and its management.
Answer to Q4
Project management refers to process of leading a team to achieve goals that are set in
context to project. The objective of project management is to document the strategies and plan
which is developed to complete the project in accordance to organisation's needs and objective.
Project management in ICT is divided into various phases which are viability analysis, design,
construction, testing and implementation. A unit called project management officer is formed within
organisation to coordinate the management of ICT projects. ICT project manager plans, organise,
direct and coordinate quality of ICT projects.
Project management process steps
 Project initiative: It is the first stage of project management process where business case is
developed and project is defined on broad level. One is required to analyse the need for
project and create a project charter. Project charter is a document which contains goal,
budget, expected timeline, etc. Business analyst is also required to identify stakeholders
along with their interest in project.
 Project planning: This step lays out project road map which involves primary task of
identifying technical requirement, development of detailed project schedule, creation of
communication plan and setting of goals. There are several methods used for setting goals
such as SMART, CLEAR, etc.
 Project execution: The planned project is executed in this stage. The project manager is
required to establish workflows and carefully monitor progress of team. Project manager is
also required to maintain collaboration with stakeholders and keep them updated about
project.
 Project monitoring and controlling: The executed project is being monitored and controls by
project manager. The manager is also responsible for monitoring performance of
employees and cost incurred on project.
 Project closing: It is the final stage of project management process which indicates end of
project. The final phase involves review of complete project and development of detailed
report which contains every aspect of project.
Answer to Q5 using the table below:

Technique Description
Waterfall This method builds on the classic method and is suitable for more
complex projects. It focuses on the sequential performance of
tasks. Gantt charts are often used.
Agile process
management
It is a repetitive approach of planning and guiding project by
dividing project processes into smaller cycles which is known as
sprints. The aim of this technique is to release benefit of throughout
the process as entire process is divided into small cycles. This
enables to reduce the changes of large scale failures as there is
continuous improvement during completion of project.
Classic technique Classic technique is a process which includes a proper plan that
covers upcoming work activities that are to be performed. It
includes proper allocation of resources in accordance to their
importance. Feed backs are received from team which enables
business entity to build effective team and monitor quality of work .
Answer to Q6 using the Table below:
Type of risk Description Example
Strategic risk These risks can occur at any
time and are related to the
business or organisation’s
strategy.
Initiate process automation
throughout the organisation at the
expense of personal client
relationships and interaction.
Compliance risk Compliance risk can occur
when business is fails to act
according to internal and
external regulations and
legislature. It may result into
legal and financial penalties.
Failure to comply with health and
safety act within the organisation.
Failure to conduct due diligence on
new customers.
Financial risk It is the risk related to finance
which involves possibility of
losing money on investment in
business or new project. It is
risk that can result into loss of
capital.
Credit risk, market risk, foreign
investment risk, etc. are examples of
financial risk.
Operational risk It is the risk which is carried out
within the entity that arises due
to structure, people, product,
process, etc.
Loss of private data due to
cybersecurity attack.
Fraud or error done by employees
Answer to Q7
Risk mitigation strategies refers to process of planning and developing methods that can
be used to reduce or minimise threats and risk associated with project. The strategies that can be
used to mitigate risk are:

 Assume and accept risk: This strategy involves identification of risk associated with
project and assume possible vulnerability related to risk. The purpose of this strategy is to
bring attention of individual towards the risk and consequences involved with risk. For
example, risk associated with budget and finance of project can be identified and
corrective measures can be taken to minimise risk.
 Avoidance of risk: Avoidance strategy involves identification of risk and implementing
strategies to avoid those risk. This enables business to avoid consequence of those risk
which has been identified earlier. For example, to avoid risk related to new product
production testing tools can be implemented which can avoid failure of product.
 Controlling risk: This strategy involves identifying and acceptance of risk and taking
corrective actions to reduce or eliminate the impact of identified risk. For example, project
manager can implement control strategy to detect possible risk with project budget through
decision-making process.
Answer to Q8 using the table below:
Step Description of what the step involves Tools/techniques
(provide two per step)
Identify
stakeholders
This step involves identification of
stakeholders who may have interest in
project and whose decision may impact
outcome of project.
Normal group techniques
Crawford slip method
Classify
stakeholders
The identified stakeholders are required to be
classified into different groups in accordance
to level of their interest and power in
business and project.
Power interest grid
Salience model
Develop
stakeholder
management
strategy
This stage involves development of
confidence document which plans to
maximise interest of stakeholders who have
positive impact on project and to minimise
involvement of stakeholders with negative
impact. This can be done by assessing
attitude and behaviour of each stakeholder
over project.
Targeted questioning
Standards of best practice
Plan
communication
The progress and other information related to
project is to be communicated to each
stakeholder. Organisation is required to make
communication plan to analyse which
stakeholder is to be communicated with what
information along with mode of
communication and frequency of
communication. The stakeholders with higher
interest are to be communicated more
frequently and is required to be give more
information related to project in comparison
Internet, social media for
communication
Organisational policies and
procedures

Step Description of what the step involves Tools/techniques
(provide two per step)
to stakeholders with low level of interest.
Execute
communication
The progress of project and other information
are required to be communicated to
stakeholders in accordance to
communication plan prepared.
Organisational policies and
procedure
Project management
meetings to be conducted
Answer to Q9
Three communication constraints that may impact stakeholders
The environment in which communication take place: The work environment that may affect
communication are noise and temperature. The project manager is required to ensure that
work environment in which communication is taking place is comfortable for everyone and it
will not impact communication.
People's attitude and emotional state: The project manager is required to ensure that
stakeholders are in a state to listen to information that are related to project and will be able to
make corrective decision.
Culture and language: The stakeholders of business may be of different culture and background.
The project manager is required to ensure that information communicated with stakeholders
are in simple language which can be understood by every stakeholder.
Answer to Q10
Requirement analysis refers to the process of determining needs and expectations of
stakeholders in respect to new or modified project. It involves taking into account conflicts of
various stakeholders, analysing and documenting the requirements.
How requirement is managed
The requirement can be managed through four steps:
 Requirement planning: A requirement planning is to be developed by reviewing
requirements of stakeholders and taking approval of requirement management plan.
 Requirement development: This involves gathering of possible requirements and
organising, defining and refining the gathered requirements. After this the unknown
requirements are turned into known requirements.

 Requirement verification: It is the process of ensuring that all gathered requirement are
being satisfied and this process is performed throughout the project cycle.
 Requirement change management: It involves implementation of change control system
that consist of changes in requirement and its effective management.
Types of requirement
There are four types of requirement:
 Functional requirement: Functional requirement is a task that is required to be
accomplished to ensure satisfaction of requirements related to operations.
 Performance requirement: It is the extent or requirement of execution of function which can
be measured in terms of quantity, timeliness, accuracy, etc.
 System technical requirement: The requirement related to system and techniques which
are resulted into allocated requirement and derived requirement. Allocated requirement
flow directly from system to element of system. Derived requirements are dependent on
design solutions.
 Specification: It is a detailed statement prescribing materials, dimensions and quality of
work with overall purpose of providing a basis for obtaining product or service which can
satisfy need of users.
Tools or techniques for requirement management
 Modern requirement
 Accompa
 Visure requirement
 Jama software
 Jira software
 Select Hub
 Req checker
Answer to Q11
Technology solution pattern

Technology solution patterns are used to describe general solutions or ideas that are applied in
making and developing projects. These are highly documented and implemented designed for
specific platforms. Software designers adapt specific solution pattern for specific project in ICT
environment.
Answer to Q12
Metrics used for monitoring business analysis performance
The project requires timely, accurate and constructive feedback to monitor and evaluate
performance of business analysis which will create sustainability within organisation. The
performance measures are:
 Number of review cycle
 Frequency of changes for requirements
 Feedback from stakeholders
 Due date of deliverable
 Peer review

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Op en Un ive rsit y: I mp lica t ion s of ICT in bu sine ss su b je cts. Journal of
Learning for Development . 9(1). pp.104-116.
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Press.