The focus of today’s post is the quantum dynamics of the current state of a business process ..read more

A fatal rookie mistake that business analysts (BAs) sometimes make is conflating mapping and understanding the current state of a business processes with identifying candidate opportunities to improve a process. These are two of six distinct discrete iterative phases of Business Process Reengineering (BPR) and they do not mix well ..read more

There is an expression “there are no stupid questions.” I disagree. In the world of business analysis there are indeed stupid questions. And in the context of business analysis, I define a stupid question as a question that a business analyst could have and should have resolved prior to engaging Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and other stakeholders in a business analysis discussion ..read more

BPMN as a Notational Standard Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) is an excellent symbolic notational standard to visually depict business processes (work activities, workflows, decision points, etc.). There are other process mapping standards as well (e.g., IDEF0). However, BPMN is the predominant symbolic notation standard for mapping business processes ..read more

Operating at high levels of effectiveness, efficiency, and agility are essential to success in today’s fast-moving, rapidly changing, highly completive business environment. Cost optimization is a key component of efficiency ..read more

Cost optimization and cost cutting are not the same thing. The distinction is crucial to creating (vs. diminishing) customer and business value. I speak with many C-level and senior leadership team members regarding business strategy and many divisional/business unit leadership and management regarding strategy execution. The concept of “cost cutting” is increasingly a part of these discussions. However, the term “cost cutting” is often misunderstood and often has different meanings across an organization - leading to sub-optimal execution of cost cutting strategies and tactics ..read more

Operating at high levels of effectiveness, efficiency, and agility are essential to success in today’s fast-moving, rapidly changing, highly completive business environment. Cost optimization is a key component of efficiency.   ..read more

This blog highlights one of the Top Barriers in the Business Analysis Role as identified in a survey by International  Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) of 4,200 professionals across 165 countries. Here we look at best practices to help you to break through barriers within business analysis.  ..read more

It never ceases to amaze me how asking the right business questions changes everything! Last week while waiting for a flight at Denver’s airport I had breakfast at Elway’s in Concourse B. Elway’s (as in John Elway – the legendary Denver Broncos quarterback that led the Bronco’s to two Superbowl titles in the late 90’s) is a popular steakhouse in Denver and Vail. I was intrigued by the airport location. Why would a popular steakhouse have an airport location? Great question - let’s explore!  ..read more