Long Title:Fundamentals of Business Analysis
Language of Instruction:English
Module Code:H6FBA
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:LEVEL 6
Field of Study: Software and applications development and analysis
Module Delivered in 5 programme(s)
Module Coordinator: EUGENE O'LOUGHLIN
Module editor: EUGENE O'LOUGHLIN
Teaching and Learning Strategy: Learning and teaching will take place in computer laboratories to facilitate access to the necessary tools to conduct business analysis tasks. Classes will be divided into lectures and tutorials. Use will be made of case studies and real-world problems and data. In-class discussions will take place with online tools such as Twitter and Moodle to facilitate out of class discussion. Video support for problem-solving techniques will also be provided.
Learning Environment: Learning will take place in a classroom environment with access to IT resources. Learners will have access to library resources, both physical and electronic. Module materials will be placed on Moodle, the College’s virtual learning environment.
Module Description: The aim of this module is to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for conducting fundamental business analysis activities based on the globally recognised standard for the practice of business analysis. A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide). The BABOK® Guide describes the six business analysis areas of knowledge, their associated activities and tasks, and the problem-solving skills necessary to be effective in their execution. In this module two of the six knowledge areas (Requirements Elicitation and Requirements Analysis) are covered in detail.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
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
Pre-requisite learning
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
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 

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%

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Assignment 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). 1,2,3,4 50.00 n/a
End of Module Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Terminal Exam 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 1,2,3,4 50.00 End-of-Semester
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.
Reassessment Description
Learners who fail this module will be required to sit a repeat module assessment where all learning outcomes will be examined.

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

 

Module Workload

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 Hours 10.50
Total Weekly Learner Workload 10.50
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 Hours 92.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 92.00
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 Ed. [ISBN: 1927584027]
  • James Cadle, Debra Paul and Paul Turner. 2014, Business analysis techniques: 99 Essential Tools for Success, 2nd Ed., 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 Ed., The Liffey Press (Reprinted 2015) Dublin [ISBN: 1905785615]
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Alistair Brandon-Jones 2008, Quantitative Analysis in Operations Management, FT Press [ISBN: 0273708481]
  • James M. Higgins 2006, 101 Creative Problem Solving Techniques, New Management Pub. Co. [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
 

Module Delivered in

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
BSHTM B.Sc. (Hons) in Technology Management 3 Core Subject
BSHC BSc (Honours) in Computing 3 Core Subject
BSHBIS BSc (Hons) in Business Information Systems 3 Core Subject
HCBC Higher Certificate in Science in Business Computing 3 Core Subject
HCC Higher Certificate in Science in Computing Applications and Business Support 3 Core Subject