From the category archives:

Problem Solving

Great business analysts solve business and technology problems through discovery, facilitation, and by creating alignment.

The lure of application expertise

by Laura Brandenburg on March 15, 2010 · 2 comments

in Problem Solving,Professional Development Strategy

In a recent interview with Cecilie Hoffman, she spoke about what she saw as the key challenge to the BA profession: The biggest problem in our profession is that people expect business analysts to be the experts. Over time in the same role, business analysts build more domain knowledge and become more narrow. Over time, [...]

{ 2 comments }

The importance of problem solving for business analysts

by Laura Brandenburg on August 9, 2009 · 2 comments

in Problem Solving,Requirements Analysis

I recently picked up a favorite book to re-read it for probably the fourth or fifth time. My first reading was during my junior year in high school and my second reading shortly followed the first. Then the third a few years later. And here I am picking up an old favorite with a new [...]

{ 2 comments }

Can we elevate constraints in the requirements process to encourage creativity?

by Laura Brandenburg on June 10, 2009 · 4 comments

in Problem Solving,Requirements Elicitation

One of my favorite shows to watch is improv theater. It wasn’t until this most recent show that I realized why I like it so much. There is something a wee bit magical in experiencing highly intelligent and creative people make you laugh uncontrollably when faced with the most bizarre of constraints. Need to make [...]

{ 4 comments }

Don’t forget to share business context with your technical team

by Laura Brandenburg on February 4, 2009 · 3 comments

in Engaging IT,Enterprise Analysis,Problem Solving

Let’s assume you’ve done your homework and scoped a project that drives business value.  It’s easy to take a deep breath, kick back, and relax…waiting for the implementation of these great ideas to see themselves through to completion. But your work as a “bridger” is only half-way done. The task at hand is to engage [...]

{ 3 comments }

The gnarly part: How to drive through complexity to create successful projects

by Laura Brandenburg on January 26, 2009 · 2 comments

in Problem Solving,Requirements Analysis

Just about every project has a gnarly part, a time when making it through to the end successfully seems like a distant dream.  It’s important to be aware that you are in the gnarly part of the project, trust that this happens to everyone, and explore multiple paths forward. The “gnarly part” might seem an [...]

{ 2 comments }

10 ways to discover what the problem really is

by Laura Brandenburg on November 13, 2008 · 1 comment

in Creating alignment,Problem Solving,Requirements Elicitation

Finding and solving the real problem bridges the gap between business and IT.  A clear sign of a poorly identified the problem is irrational disagreement.  You’ve been in these meetings: one person posits a great idea, another shoots it down immediately, and participants voice conflicting opinions about said idea.  This conversation quickly degenerates and you [...]

{ 1 comment }