|
Industry Events | |
IIBA SE WI
Chapter Meeting
July 26 -
Milwaukee, WI
Presentation by Elizabeth Larson, PMP, CBAP, CSM
Topic: What is a Business Case and Who Should Define It?
IIBA South Africa
Chapter Meeting
August 4 -
Johannesburg,
South Africa
Presentation by Elizabeth Larson, PMP, CBAP, CSM
Topic: The BA and PM Partnership
IIBA South Africa
Chapter Meeting
August 10 -
Cape Town,
South Africa
Presentation by Richard Larson, PMP, CBAP
Topic: Creating Bullet-Proof Business Cases
IIBA Istanbul
Chapter Meeting
August 24 -
Istanbul, Turkey
Presentation by Elizabeth
Larson, PMP, CBAP, CSM
and Richard Larson, PMP,
CBAP
Topic: CBAP and CCBA Application Tips and Tricks
|
|
|
| Featured Article |   | |
Creating Bulletproof Business Cases
by Richard Larson, PMP, CBAP and
Elizabeth Larson PMP, CBAP, CSM
"Oh darn, you gave us what we asked for!" is a refrain no one wants to hear. And yet, organizations all too often skip developing a formal business case or skimp in the effort before initiating a project. In last month's feature article, we outlined an overview of business cases and laid out a 5-step process. This month, we focus on the parts of the process we call "Situation Analysis." It helps us nail down a problem statement and explore how to get to the root cause of a problem or opportunity. Doing this before launching a solution dramatically increases the odds you will solve the right problem. And, it decreases the odds of hearing the "Oh, darn" words. Read on... |
GUEST ARTICLE  Succeeding on the CBAP
By Renee Saint-Louis, CBAP
In 2010, I achieved a long time goal to successfully become a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®). I have to admit, I had procrastinated on this goal for several years. I had started and stopped the application and study process several times, but something always came up that superseded my preparing and studying for the exam. Midway through the year, I resolved to achieve this milestone despite the intense schedule I had during the work week. On December 29th, I took the CBAP® examination and successfully passed it. Along the way, I discovered some tools that helped me succeed in preparing for and taking this exam; my hope is these tips will help you too!
Read More |
 The Template Annihilation Paradox
By Bob Prentiss, CBAP
I have recently read some blogs, tweets, had several conversations and listened to various viewpoints on the subject of "Template Zombies" and use of templates in general. The concept of "Template Zombies" was first addressed (as far as I am aware of) in a book entitled "Adrenaline Junkies and Template Zombies" by Tom Demarco (and team) which focused on patterns of project behavior. The general thought in the latest arguments is that bad templates encourage bad behavior. If we simply annihilate templates we would suddenly be free to elicit, document and communicate requirements untethered right? I tend to disagree. Read on to see why... |
 What is a Risk?
By Andrea Brockmeier, PMP, CSM
In my training experience, I find that most people know what risk management is, but many people struggle with identifying risks.
Risks may derive from circumstances or uncertainties, but the most effective way to articulate a risk is to express it as an event. It's something that could happen.
Why does it matter? Read on to find out.
|
Watermark Learning expands abroad by joining forces with South Africa's Faculty Training Institute
We are excited to announce our newest venture, a partnership with Faculty Training Institute, South Africa's premiere provider of Business Analysis, Project Management, and related training. To launch the partnership, Watermark Learning Co-Principals Richard and Elizabeth Larson, will visit Cape Town and Johannesburg South Africa to oversee and teach the initial classes. Rich and Elizabeth will also be presenting at IIBA meetings in the two cities.
Together the two organizations will offer a full range of Business Analysis courses like CBAP Certification Preparation, Business Analysis Fundamentals, Influencing Without Authority, and many more! To learn more about Faculty Training Institute or to register for an upcoming class in South Africa, please visit www.fti.co.za. |
 Watermark Learning
19th Birthday
Scholarships
In honor of our 19th birthday this year, Watermark Learning is giving out 19 scholarship seats to our public classes the remainder of the year. Candidates must be currently in job transition and submit a short application. To enroll for consideration, please email your interest to marketinginfo@watermarklearning.com. Tell us how you would benefit by a Watermark Learning class and how it will help you land your next job. Contact us for further details and an application. |
 Jacqueline Walling Wins CCBA Study Exam Subscription
Jacqueline Walling of Australia is the winner of a subscription to Watermark Learning's CCBA Online Study Exam. Jacqueline won the subscription in a recent monthly giveaway in the IIBA® BA Connection newsletter. Congratulations Jacqueline!
The Watermark Learning Online CCBA Study Exam is one of the most effective tools for helping you to pass the CCBA Exam. Surveys indicate that practice questions such as those in the Study Exam can increase your odds of passing, reduce exam anxiety, and save time. Watermark Learning's CCBA Study Exam is the most complete and realistic online CCBA certification preparation tool available, and includes:
- Over 750 realistic questions, similar in tone and quality to the actual CCBA exam, to reduce surprises and increase confidence when you sit for the exam.
- Instant detailed feedback on every question with BABOK® reference numbers to explain both correct and incorrect answers and solidify retention.
- Three modes: warm-up, drill, and a simulation mode to help you take unlimited 150-question practice tests.
- Anytime availability with a click of your mouse so you can study 24/7 anywhere.
For more information on the CCBA Online Study Exam, click here. |
 New Offerings
Watch for our new web site and training registration system in the coming months. We have been working to create a new site with more features, improved navigation, and history for classes taken. Look for more announcements in the coming months.
|
|
IIBA Surpasses 20,000 Members
In case you missed the note from IIBA, here is the announcement of passing a huge milestone for IIBA. We first got involved with the organization when it had fewer than 1,000 members, so it's exciting to see the huge growth in just a few years. Congratulations, IIBA!
"IIBA is pleased to announce that we have achieved a major milestone-we now have more than 20,000 members worldwide.
We would like to extend a special thank you to our new and renewing members-we could not have reached this significant goal without your support! We are pleased to have you as a member of the world's leading professional association for business analysis.
The membership of IIBA doubled in just over two years. We reached 10,000 members in April of 2009."
|
|
|
|
|
