Module Code: H8BSA
Long Title Business Systems Analysis
Title Business Systems Analysis
Module Level: LEVEL 8
EQF Level: 6
EHEA Level: First Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: EUGENE O'LOUGHLIN
Module Author: EUGENE O'LOUGHLIN
Departments: School of Business
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 (Business Analysts Body of Knowledge, v.3).
LO2 Critically analyse the role of the Business Analyst and information systems in the three key business areas of Management, Technology, and Organization where, for example different methodologies such as Waterfall or Agile are used.
LO3 Examine techniques for requirements elicitation and analysis to drive business change, and to improve business processes.
LO4 Analyse and compare a range of Requirements Elicitation and Problem-Solving techniques used by Business Analysts.
LO5 Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts to recommend a solution based on business value and consideration of the organisation’s Resources and Capabilities.
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. An Introduction Business Systems Analysis (20%)
• The role of the Business Analyst • Making Sense of Data and Information • The role of Business Information Systems • The Business Analysis Core Concept Model • Organisational Competencies and Capabilities
2. The Business Analyst's Underlying Competencies (5%)
• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving • Behavioural Characteristics (e.g. Ethics, Personal Accountability) • Business Knowledge
3. The Agile Perspective (15%)
• An Introduction to Agile • The Role of the Business Analyst in an Agile environment • The Agile Team • Agile Approaches and Techniques
4. Requirements Elicitation (15%)
• Prepare for Elicitation • Conduct Elicitation • Confirm Elicitation Results • Communicate Business Analysis Information • Manage Stakeholder Collaboration
5. Requirements Analysis (10%)
• Specify and Model Requirements • Verify and Validate Requirements • Define Requirements Architecture • Define Design Options • Analyses Potential Value and Recommend Solution
6. Business Need Analysis and Action (5%)
• S.O.W.T Analysis • The Balanced Scorecard • Making the Business Case
7. Value Assessment (5%)
• Value Analysis • Value Chain • Activity Mapping
8. Further Techniques and Tools for Business Analysts (20%)
• Design Thinking • Flow Charting / Business Process Modelling • SIPOC Diagrams • Data Flow Diagrams • Decision Analysis • Data Mining • Importance-Performance matrices • Use Cases • Risk
9. Selection Criteria (5%)
• Selection criteria • Measure Solution Performance • Assess Solution Limitations • Qualitive and Quantitative Measures
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Part Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Assignment % of total: 40
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
This assignment will assess students’ understanding and knowledge of learning outcomes related to LO1, LO2, and LO3. Students will be required to complete a 1,500 word assignment that demonstrates an ability to use requirements elicitation techniques typically used in business analysis tasks. For example Tasks requiring: (1) Decision Making: Cost Benefit Analysis (2) Value Analysis: Activity Mapping analysis and identification of areas for improvement (3) Business Need Analysis and Action Using PEST SWOT analysis to reflect on changing business or operational environments with a view to planning for change
Assessment Type: Project % of total: 60
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
To reflect the integration of learning inherent in a level 8 programme, an integrative assessment ranging across the three modules has been introduced in the programme. This takes the form of a case study or research project which requires learners to demonstrate their ability to develop cross-disciplinary solutions to the problems raised in the case study or research project. Learners will be marked on their integrative abilities and demonstration of subject specific knowledge (LO1 – LO5). This piece of work constitutes part of the continuous assessment component of the following three modules: 1. Management of Change 2. Business Systems Analysis 3. Communication Dynamics
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat failed items
The student must repeat any item failed
Reassessment Description
Students must pass all components of assessment on the module; a component fail leads to a component repeat. The repeat assessment strategy requires students to complete an assignment to ensure that they have met the minimum learning outcomes. Learners may build on prior work from the assessments.

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 Lecture 35 Per 15 week block 2.33
Independent Learning Independent Learning 90 Per Semester 7.50
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.33
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • James Robertson,Suzanne Robertson. (2018), Business Analysis Agility, 1st Edition. Addison-Wesley Professional, p.272, [ISBN: 9780134847061].
  • (2017), International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) and Agile Alliance, 2nd Edition. An Agile Extension, [ISBN: 978-1-927584-07-1].
  • (2017), IIBA Global Business Analysis Core Standard, International Institute of Business Analysis, [ISBN: 978-1-927584-09-5].
  • IIBA. (2015), A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (Babok Guide), 3rd Edition. International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), Toronto, [ISBN: 1927584027].
  • KENNETH C.. LAUDON LAUDON (JANE P.),Jane P. Laudon. (2019), Management Information Systems, Pearson, Harlow, [ISBN: 1292296569].
  • Jim Robert Highsmith,Linda Luu,David Robert Robinson. (2019), Edge, 1st Edition. Addison-Wesley Professional, p.224, [ISBN: 978-0-13-526307-5].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Thomas M. Siebel. (2019), Digital Transformation, 1st Edition. RosettaBooks, p.256, [ISBN: 1948122480].
  • Gerry Johnson. (2018), Fundamentals of Strategy, 4th Edition. Pearson, Harlow, [ISBN: 978-1-292-20906-7].
  • Eugene O'Loughlin. (2015), An Introduction to Business Systems Analysis, 2nd Edition. The Liffey Press, Dublin, p.298, [ISBN: 1905785615].
  • John S. Oakland,Mike Turner. (2014), Total Quality Management and Operational Excellence, 4th Edition. Routledge, New York, [ISBN: 978-0-415-63549-3].
  • Paul, D., Yeates, D., & Cadle, J.. (2014), Business Analysis, 3rd Edition. Chartered Institute for IT, Swindon, p.302.
  • James Cadle,Debra Paul,Paul Turner. (2014), Business Analysis Techniques, 2nd Edition. BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, Swindon, p.356, [ISBN: 1780172737].
  • James M. Higgins. (2006), 101 Creative Problem Solving Techniques, 2nd Edition. New Management Publishing Company, Florida, p.241, [ISBN: 1883629055].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: