Week 1: Foundations of Business Analysis – BA vs. PM Assignment

Overview and Rationale

In order to demonstrate proficiency with the content in this course we will complete a number of different assignments to validate your learning – and allow you to implement relevant practices a real-world setting.

Week 1 Learning Objectives

• Distinguish the key structural elements of business analysis • Develop a framework for integrating business analysis good practices in the project management environment. • Execute BA work throughout the project lifecycle

o Process o Stakeholders/Roles/ Responsibilities o Levels of requirements

• Examine the role of the BA in addressing project complexity

Essential Components This assignment is a reflection comparing and contrasting the business analyst and the project manager:

1. This assignment allows you to consider the roles of the business analyst and project manager in the context of project work.

2. Consider how the roles are similar and how they are different.

3. How can project management inform business analysis work and how can business analysis inform project

management work?

4. What opportunities are there for collaboration between the two roles? What challenges may occur in doing the respective work and how can this be addressed?

The format for this assignment is free choice – you may use Word, PowerPoint or any other tool that allows you to tell your story. This assignment should be no more than two pages, APA format, if using Word or 2 slides if using PowerPoint. Be creative – consider how a picture/diagram might help tell your story. Cite any sources using APA format. The writing style should be concise and straightforward. Please use a 12 point font. Assignment Rubric

Category Above Standard Meets Standards Approaching Standards Below Standards Not

Evident Assignment requirements (70%)

Goes well above the requirements of the assignment. Provides new information, tools, and/or techniques

Goes above the minimum requirements of the assignment

Meets minimum assignment requirements

Meets some assignment requirements

Does not meet the requirements of the assignment.

Critical Thinking (15%)

Professional insights into depth and breadth of assignment – goes WELL beyond assignment requirements to explore risks and/or relevant new techniques.

Comprehensive explanation of the issue; exploration of expert viewpoints and use of evidence to inform interpretation and analysis; thorough evaluation of the context (historical, ethical, cultural,

Includes an explanation of the issue; exploration of expert viewpoints and use of evidence to inform interpretation and analysis; includes an evaluation of the context (historical, ethical, cultural,

Includes a general explanation of the issue but is vague or is not clearly linked to the identified risks; includes some exploration of expert viewpoints and use of evidence to inform interpretation and

Does not explain the issue; does not explore expert viewpoints or use evidence to inform interpretation and analysis; does not provide an evaluation of the context (historical, ethical, cultural, environmental

environmental or circumstantial settings), and self and others’ assumptions and perspectives when stating a position; well- informed conclusions based on methodically prioritized evidence and perspectives.

environmental or circumstantial settings), and self and others’ assumptions and perspectives when stating a position; conclusions are based on methodically prioritized evidence and perspectives.

analysis; includes a general evaluation of the context (historical, ethical, cultural, environmental or circumstantial settings), and self and others’ assumptions and perspectives when stating a position, but lack specificity; conclusions are based on prioritized evidence and perspectives.

or circumstantial settings), and self and others’ assumptions and perspectives when stating a position; conclusions are not based on prioritized evidence and perspectives.

Communication (10%) (includes grammar and clarity)

Goes well beyond assignment requirements to communicate information in a precise, insightful and professional manner.

Assignment is well organized, and the format can be followed. It is evident to reader what is contained in each section of the report. High quality grammar. No misspellings.

Assignment is organized, and the format can be followed. It is evident to reader what is contained in each section of the report. High quality grammar. No misspellings.

Assignment is well organized, and the format can be followed. It is evident to reader what is contained in each section of the report. Good quality grammar. Minor misspellings.

Assignment is not organized. It is not evident to reader what is contained in each section of report. Low quality grammar, misspellings.

Formatting (5%)

NOTE: Gross failure to provide PROPER citations and

Virtually no errors in formatting, citations, or references.

Rare errors in formatting, citations, or references.

Some errors in formatting, citations, or references.

Multiple errors in formatting, citations, or references.

Does not submit assignment materials in APA 6 format.

references – particularly with regard to direct quotes – will result in sanctions as outlined in the academic honesty policy