Module Code: H6FBA
Long Title Fundamentals of Business Analysis
Title Fundamentals of Business Analysis
Module Level: LEVEL 6
EQF Level: 5
EHEA Level: Short Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: EUGENE O'LOUGHLIN
Module Author: EUGENE O'LOUGHLIN
Departments: School of Computing
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff  
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Apply the standards, knowledge, and competencies of the business analysis discipline based on the BABOK® Guide
LO2 Use techniques for requirements elicitation to drive business change, and to improve business processes
LO3 Use techniques for requirements analysis to define the required capabilities of a potential solution that will fulfill stakeholder needs
LO4 Develop the underlying competencies that describe the behaviours, characteristics, knowledge and personal qualities that support the practice of business analysis
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements  
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Introduction to Business Analysis
• Key concepts. • Knowledge areas. • Tasks. Techniques. • Competencies.
Requirements Elicitation
• Prepare for elicitation. • Conduct elicitation activity. • Document elicitation results. • Confirm elicitation results.
Requirements Analysis
• Prioritize requirements. • Organize requirements. • Specify and model requirements. • Define assumptions and constraints. • Verify requirements. • Validate requirements.
Underlying Competencies
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving. • Behavioural characteristics. • Business knowledge. Communication skills. • Interaction skills. • Software applications.
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Assessment50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Assignment % of total: 50
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
In this assignment learners will conduct a Requirements Elicitation exercise using techniques covered in class (e.g. brainstorming, interviews, workshops, document analysis). In a report of the findings, learners will be required to analyse and present their findings as a Requirements Specification document. Word count guideline: 2,000 – 2,500 (not including quotations, tables, graphics, ToC, Glossary, references, appendices).
End of Module Assessment
Assessment Type: Terminal Exam % of total: 50
Assessment Date: End-of-Semester Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
This examination will assess all Learning Outcomes. Learners will be required to demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts of both Requirements Elicitation and Requirements Analysis
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 2 Every Week 2.00
Tutorial No Description 1 Every Week 1.00
Independent Learning No Description 7.5 Every Week 7.50
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 2 Every Week 2.00
Tutorial No Description 1 Every Week 1.00
Independent Learning No Description 89 Every Week 89.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • International Institute of Business Analysis. (2015), A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge®, 3rd. [ISBN: 1927584027].
  • James Cadle, Debra Paul and Paul Turner.. (2014), Business analysis techniques: 99 Essential Tools for Success, 2nd. BCS Learning & Development, Swindon, UK, [ISBN: 1780172737].
  • James Cadle (Editor), Malcolm Eva, Keith Hindle, Debra Paul (Editor), Paul Turner, Craig Rollason, & Donald Yeates (Editor). (2014), Business Analysis, BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, [ISBN: 178017277X].
  • Eugene O'Loughlin.. (2009), An introduction to business systems analysis: Problem Solving Techniques and Strategies, 1st. The Liffey Press (Reprinted 2015), Dublin, [ISBN: 1905785615].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Alistair Brandon-Jones. (2008), Quantitative Analysis in Operations Management, FT Press, p.164, [ISBN: 0273708481].
  • James M. Higgins. (2006), 101 Creative Problem Solving Techniques, New Management Pub. Co., p.241, [ISBN: 1883629055].
  • Walter J. Michalski; edited by Dana G. King. (2003), Six sigma tool navigator, Productivity Press, New York, [ISBN: 1563272954].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: