Module Code: H8BAC
Long Title Business Analysis and Communication
Title Business Analysis and Communication
Module Level: LEVEL 8
EQF Level: 6
EHEA Level: First Cycle
Credits: 10
Module Coordinator: EUGENE O'LOUGHLIN
Module Author: Margarete Silva
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 internationally recognised methodologies, e.g. BABOK® Guide
LO2 Examine techniques for requirements elicitation and analysis to drive business change, and to improve business processes
LO3 Compare techniques to collect data to analyse for trends and patterns
LO4 Make decisions based on data selection and evaluation
LO5 Plan and present findings of problem-solving efforts
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
1. Introduction to Business Analysis (5%)
• Key concepts • Knowledge areas • Tasks • Techniques • Competencies
2. Business Analysis Planning & Monitoring (10%)
• Plan business analysis approach • Conduct stakeholder analysis • Plan business analysis activities • Plan business analysis communication • Plan requirements management process • Manage business analysis performance
3. Elicitation (20%)
• Prepare for elicitation • Conduct elicitation activity • Document elicitation results • Confirm elicitation results
4. Requirements Management & Communication (10%)
• Manage solution scope and requirements • Manage requirements traceability • Maintain requirements for re-use • Prepare requirements package • Communicate requirements
5. Enterprise Analysis (10%)
• Define business need • Assess capability gaps • Determine solution approach • Define solution scope
6. Requirements Analysis (20%)
• Prioritize requirements • Organize requirements • Specify and model requirements • Define assumptions and constraints • Verify requirements • Validate requirements
7. Solution Assessment & Validation (10%)
• Assess proposed solution • Allocate requirements • Assess organizational readiness • Define transition requirements • Validate solution • Evaluate solution performance
8. Underlying Competencies (10%)
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving • Behavioural characteristics • Business knowledge • Communication skills • Interaction skills • Software applications
Communication Skills (5%)
• Verbal Communication • Non-Verbal Communication • Written Communication • Listening • Interaction Skills • Facilitation • Leadership and Influencing • Teamwork • Teaching • Tools and Technology for communication and Collaboration
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Assessment50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Formative Assessment % of total: Non-Marked
Assessment Date: Every Week Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5
Non-Marked: Yes
Assessment Description:
Continuous assessment will consist of weekly formative and summative assessments. Learners will be required to complete a series of weekly exercises in a computer laboratory based on material covered in class (see Sample Assessments for an example of a weekly exercise). Learners will complete some assessments as individual exercise, and some in small teams of 2-3.
Assessment Type: Assignment (0350) % of total: 25
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
For summative assessment learners will complete one individual assignment
Assessment Type: Assignment (0350) % of total: 25
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
one group (3-5 learners) assignment
End of Module Assessment
Assessment Type: Terminal Exam % of total: 50
Assessment Date: End-of-Semester Outcome addressed: 1,2,5
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
End-of-Semester Final Examination
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 the module will be required to sit a repeat examination during the Repeat Examinations. The repeat examination will assess all learning outcomes. This arrangement will be reviewed annually by the Programme Committee

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

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 2 Every Week 2.00
Tutorial No Description 2 Every Week 2.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • James Cadle, Debra Paul, Paul Turner. (2019), Business Analysis Techniques, British Computer Society, [ISBN: 190612423X].
  • IIBA, Kevin Brennan (Editor). (2019), A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge®, International Institute of Business Analysis, [ISBN: 0981129218].
  • Debra Paul (Editor), Donald Yeates (Editor), James Cadle (Editor). (2019), Business Analysis, British Informatics Society Ltd, [ISBN: 1906124612].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Alistair Brandon-Jones. (2019), Quantitative Analysis in Operations Management, FT Press, [ISBN: 0273708481].
  • James M. Higgins. (2019), 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].
  • O’Loughlin, E.F.M.. (2009), An Introduction to Business Systems Analysis: Problem Solving Techniques and Strategies, The Liffey Press, [ISBN: 1905785615].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Test.
Other Resources
  • [Website], http://www.iiba.org.
  • [Website], http://www.youtube.com/eoloughlin.
  • [Website], http://www.mindtools.com/pages/main/newM N_TMC.htm.
  • [Website], http://www.businessballs.com/problemsolv ing.htm.
  • [TED Conferences (iTunes U)], Available from iTunes Store (free download).
Discussion Note: