Course Description

The BCS Professional Certificate in Agile Business Analysis evaluates proficiency in Agile methodologies as they apply to business analysis. It covers the core values, principles, and techniques of the Agile development lifecycle, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in Agile team environments.

This course serves as an Analytical Skills module for the BCS Advanced International Diploma in Business Analysis.

Pre-requisites

There are no formal prerequisites for this examination. Prior knowledge of CATWOE, Business Activity Model, and Use Case Diagrams is beneficial before undertaking the course or examination.

Target Audience

This professional certificate is ideal for professionals seeking to understand Agile methodologies and their application in business analysis. It's particularly suited for:

• Business analysts and architects
• Project and business managers
• Team members involved in Agile projects

The course also serves as an Analytical module for the BCS Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis.

Course Materials

We'll send a printed copy of the latest comprehensive course manual to your home address well before your course begins. Additionally, you'll receive an email with a link to access a digital version of the same manual, ensuring you have both physical and electronic references for your convenience and future use.

Exam

The course prepares delegates for the BCS Professional Certificate in Agile Business Analysis examination. If this course is part of your BCS Advanced International Diploma in Business Analysis programme you have three further modules to choose in addition to already having completed the BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis.

The exam is accessible only at the registered date and time. Candidates with disabilities or special considerations, including English as a second language, may request adjustments or additional time in line with BCS reasonable adjustments policy.

Learning Objectives

• How to describe a range of agile methods (process, roles, principles)
• The role of business analysis in an agile team
• The use of agile analysis, modelling and documentation techniques
• How to analyse business goals and their decomposition
• How to evaluate whether an agile method is appropriate for a given situation
• Understanding how to apply user story techniques
• How to explain the techniques used to plan and manage an iteration

Course Content

The Agile Philosophy

• The history of Agile and Agile Software Development.
• The Agile Manifesto.
• Agile components (principles, methods & techniques).
• Agile in the business context.
• Lean Business Analysis Service, System and Lean thinking.

Agile Principles

• Collaborative working.
• Self-organising teams.
• Continuous Improvement.
• Iterative development/Incremental delivery.
• Plan for and build in change.

Agile Methods

• History of Agile Methods.
• Linear (defined) vs Agile (empirical) methods.
• Evolution of Agile methods.
• Agile methods – DSDM, SAFe, SCRUM, XP, Lean Software.
• BA role in Agile.

Understanding Stakeholders

• Stakeholder groups.
• Understanding the customer.
• Agile BA role in stakeholder engagement.

Agile Modelling

• Purpose and principles behind Agile Modelling.
• The hierarchy of models (business view to system component).
• Prioritisation using MoSCoW.
• Decomposing and organising business goals.

Agile Techniques

• User stories and roles.
• Managing requirements with the solution backlog.
• Estimating story points.
• Managing the iterations (Planning, daily stand-ups, agile boards, velocity and retrospectives).

Agile BA Planning

• BA role in agile projects.
• Storyboarding/scenarios/prototyping.

The Agile World View

• Scaling agile.
• Constraining factors.
• The system of interest.