Imagine crafting the coolest app ever, but it crashes constantly, takes hours to load, and keeps your data secure like a paper bag in a hurricane. Not exactly a blockbuster, right? That's where the true superheroes of the tech world step in: Non-Functional Requirements (NFRs)!

In this episode, we're ditching the flashy features and diving deep into the often-unsung heroes of successful software - the silent guardians of speed, security, and user satisfaction. Forget Captain America, we're talking Iron Man wielding code instead of a repulsor ray!

What are NFRs? Think of them as the "how" behind the "what." They're the invisible forces shaping how a system performs, reacts, and feels. From lightning-fast response times to rock-solid security, NFRs ensure your tech experience doesn't turn into a villainous disaster.

Why You Should Care: Ever had an app crash right when you were about to snag the last concert ticket? Or waited an eternity for a page to load, feeling like you were trapped in a dial-up modem era? Neglecting NFRs is like building a house on sand - it might look good at first, but the first real storm will crumble it all.

Here is a great starter hero list of Non-Functional Categories for you to focus on for your adventure:

1. Performance:

Examples:

The system should load web pages in under 2 seconds.

The app should process transactions within 500 milliseconds.

The database should handle 1000 concurrent users without performance degradation.

2. Security:

Examples:

User data must be encrypted at rest and in transit.

The system must comply with PCI DSS standards for payment card security.

Strong authentication mechanisms (e.g., multi-factor authentication) must be in place.

3. Usability:

Examples:

The interface should be intuitive and easy to navigate for users with varying levels of technical expertise.

Error messages should be clear and helpful.

The system should be accessible to users with disabilities (e.g., visual impairment).

4. Reliability:

Examples:

The system should have 99.9% uptime.

The database should be able to recover from failures without data loss.

The app should be able to handle unexpected inputs without crashing.

5. Availability:

Examples:

The system should be accessible 24/7, except for scheduled maintenance windows.

The system should have redundancy in place to prevent downtime due to hardware failures.

6. Maintainability:

Examples:

The code should be well-documented and easy to understand.

The system should be modular and easy to update.

The system should have automated testing in place to detect regressions.

7. Scalability:

Examples:

The system should be able to handle increasing numbers of users and data without performance degradation.

The system should be able to be easily scaled horizontally by adding more servers.

8. Portability:

Examples:

The system should run on different operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS).

The system should be compatible with different browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari).

9. Compatibility:

Examples:

The system should be able to integrate with existing systems and databases.

The system should adhere to industry standards (e.g., W3C standards for web development).

10. Regulatory Compliance:

Examples:

The system should comply with data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).

The system should comply with industry-specific regulations (e.g., HIPAA for healthcare, PCI DSS for payment card processing)

On today's episode we talk about the 10 Great Tips for Building Your Personal Brand as a BA: Leveraging LinkedIn, Networking & Thought Leadership:

1. Define Your BA Niche & Value Proposition:

Tip: Craft a clear elevator pitch outlining your expertise, target audience, and unique value proposition (UVP).

Reference: "Personal Branding for Business Analysts: Become a Leader in Your Field" by Brian Lawley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-parrott-5226b4124)

2. Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile:

Tip: Use relevant keywords, showcase achievements, write a compelling "About" section, and utilise rich media (videos, presentations).

Reference: "The LinkedIn Sales Playbook: For Social Selling Success" by Koka Sexton (https://www.amason.com/LinkedIn-Sales-Playbook-Tactical-Selling/dp/1544101538)

3. Become a Content Creator & Thought Leader:

Tip: Share valuable insights through blog posts, articles, podcasts, or videos on BA topics.

Reference: "Content Rules: How to Create Killer Blogs, Podcasts, Videos, Ebooks, Webinars (and More) That Engage Customers and Build Your Brand" by Ann Handley (https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/8102305)

4. Engage in Strategic Networking:

Tip: Join relevant LinkedIn groups, connect with key players in your field, participate in online discussions, and attend industry events.

Reference: "Fanatical Prospecting: The Sales Bible for the Digital Age" by Jeb Blount (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fanatical-Prospecting-The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Opening-Sales-Conversations-and-Filling-the-Pipeline-by-Leveraging-Social-Selling-Telephone-Em-9781119144755/46037580)

5. Leverage LinkedIn Features:

Tip: Utilise Pulse articles, LinkedIn Live, or LinkedIn Learning to create and share high-quality content.

Reference: "The Ultimate Guide to LinkedIn Learning" by LinkedIn Learning (https://learning.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/learning/en-us/pdfs/lil-guide-how-to-use-linkedin-learning.pdf)

6. Build Relationships with Influencers:

Tip: Connect with and engage with respected figures in your field, offer valuable insights, and collaborate on projects.

Reference: "Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?" by Seth Godin (https://www.amason.com/Linchpin-Are-Indispensable-Seth-Godin/dp/B00509CRG6)

7. Showcase Your Expertise Through Case Studies:

Tip: Share successful BA projects you've been involved in, highlighting challenges overcome and positive outcomes achieved.

Reference: "Storytelling with Data: A Data-Driven Approach to Effective Communication" by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic (https://www.amason.com/Data-Driven-Storytelling-AK-Peters-Visualisation/dp/1138197106)

8. Actively Participate in Online Communities:

Tip: Contribute to forums, answer questions, offer mentorship, and build a reputation as a helpful and knowledgeable resource.

Reference: "Build a Tribe: One Million Ways to Create a Community of Fans for Your Business" by Seth Godin (http://www.shaolintemplemi.org/blog.html)

9. Measure and Adapt Your Strategy:

Tip: Track your progress by analysing LinkedIn engagement metrics, website traffic, and audience feedback. Adapt your approach based on insights gained.

Reference: "Marketing Analytics: Data-Driven Techniques for Measuring and Improving Your Marketing" by Mike Walker (https://www.amason.com/Marketing-Analytics-Data-Driven-Techniques-Microsoft/dp/111837343X)

10. Stay Authentic and Transparent:

Tip: Be genuine in your interactions, share your passions and perspectives, and build trust with your audience.

Reference: "Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Lead, and Work" by Brené Brown (https://www.amason.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms-ebook/dp/B007P7HRS4)

Bonus Tip: Consider joining BA professional organisations and volunteering your expertise to further enhance your network and visibility.

Feeling overwhelmed by your workload? Drowning in deadlines and requests? Say hello to your new mantra: "No means pro."

Join us on "The Art of Saying No & Prioritising Like a Pro: A Business Analyst's Guide, let's ditch the guilt, embrace boundaries, and master the magic of saying no (gracefully, of course).

In this episode, we'll:

From colleagues to clients, we'll show you how to create healthy boundaries and reclaim your control.

Join us on Spotify (or your favourite podcast app) and be the BA you were always meant to be: productive, focused, and (gasp!) relaxed.

Hit subscribe and let's say no to burnout, yes to balance, and hell yeah to BA brilliance! ✨

#notoburnout #prioritisationpro #businessanalyst #worklifebalance #podcast

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you had a refreshing break and a change to turn your brain off and reset. What an awesome 2024 it is going to be with lots of exciting content from The Better Business Analysis Institute (BBAI) to come.

The first BBA Podcast is out, so have a listen: Taming the Beast: 5 Ways to Prioritize Requirements and Squash Scope Creep

Feeling overwhelmed by ever-growing backlogs and that pesky scope creep monster? Worry not, warriors of requirements, because this episode is your secret weapon. We're diving deep into 5 battle-tested methods to prioritise like a pro and keep your projects on track.

First up, let's wrangle those wishy-washy wants with the MoSCoW Method. Must-haves, should-haves, could-haves, won't-haves – it's a stakeholder whisperer's dream, helping categorize features based on impact and feasibility. No more squabbles, just crystal-clear communication.

Next, we unleash the power of data with Cost-Benefit Analysis. Resources are precious, so let's weigh the cost of each feature against its juicy business value. Like a financial ninja, we'll find the sweet spot of maximising project impact while minding the budget.

Feeling the 80/20 itch? Then the Pareto Principle is your new best friend. This rule of thumb says 20% of your efforts can deliver 80% of the value. Focus on those core functionalities, deliver fast, and leave the fancy bells and whistles for later. Efficiency, thy name is Pareto!

Agile fans, rejoice! We're all about continuous prioritisation with user stories, backlog refinement, and estimation techniques. It's a living, breathing project plan that adapts to changing needs and keeps stakeholders in the loop. No more surprises, just iterative awesomeness.

Finally, remember, change is inevitable, but chaos is optional. That's where the Change Control Process comes in. It's like a gatekeeper for your project scope, assessing every tweak request with scrutiny. Only approved changes make the cut, ensuring goals and resources stay aligned.

So, sharpen your prioritisation pencils, listen to this episode, and get ready to conquer the ever-shifting landscape of business requirements. Scope creep will tremble at your feet!

Happy analysing, BA heroes!

#2024 #businessanalyst

Business Analyst, Confused by Architecture? ️

Ever feel like you're wading through blueprints while the Business Architects waltz in the sky-high penthouse of strategy? ‍ This episode of The Better Business Analyst Podcast demystifies the difference between Business Architecture and Business Analysis, so you can navigate both worlds like a pro!

In this episode, you'll discover:

Whether you're a seasoned BA or just starting out, this episode is your key to unlocking the power of Business Architecture and taking your career to the next level!

So grab your headphones, pull up a blueprint, and join us as we dissect the differences between Business Architecture and Business Analysis on The Better Business Analyst Podcast!

P.S. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe for more insights to make you a superhero of the business world! ‍♀️

#businessanalysis #businessarchitecture #podcast #careertips #thebetterbusinessanalystpodcast

On this week's Better Business Analyst Episode, we cover the 10 Key business statistics

We cover in detail:

1. Revenue

Revenue is the total amount of money a company generates from its core business activities, such as sales of goods or services. It is a crucial metric for measuring a company's top-line growth and profitability.

2. Gross Profit Margin

Gross profit margin is a measure of a company's profitability before deducting operating expenses. It is calculated by dividing gross profit (revenue minus cost of goods sold) by revenue. A higher gross profit margin indicates that a company is efficiently converting its sales into profits.

3. Net Profit Margin

Net profit margin is a measure of a company's profitability after deducting all operating expenses, including taxes. It is calculated by dividing net income (revenue minus all expenses) by revenue. A higher net profit margin indicates that a company is effectively managing its expenses and generating profits.

4. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)

Customer acquisition cost (CAC) is the average amount of money a company spends to acquire a new customer. It is calculated by dividing total sales and marketing expenses by the number of new customers acquired. A lower CAC indicates that a company is efficiently attracting new customers.

5. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)

Customer lifetime value (CLV) is the total amount of revenue a company expects to generate from a customer over their lifetime. It is calculated by multiplying the average purchase value by the average customer lifespan. A higher CLV indicates that a company is building strong relationships with its customers.

6. Customer Churn Rate

Customer churn rate is the percentage of customers who stop doing business with a company in a given period. It is calculated by dividing the number of lost customers by the total number of customers at the beginning of the period. A lower churn rate indicates that a company is retaining its customers.

7. Conversion Rate

Conversion rate is the percentage of visitors to a website or landing page who take a desired action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter. It is calculated by dividing the number of conversions by the total number of visitors. A higher conversion rate indicates that a company is effectively converting website traffic into sales or leads.

8. Return on Investment (ROI)

Return on investment (ROI) is a measure of the profitability of an investment. It is calculated by dividing the net profit from an investment by the cost of the investment. A higher ROI indicates that an investment is generating a good return.

9. Average Order Value (AOV)

Average order value (AOV) is the average amount of money spent per order. It is calculated by dividing total revenue by the number of orders. A higher AOV indicates that customers are making larger purchases.

10. Net Promoter Score (NPS)

Net promoter score (NPS) is a measure of customer loyalty. It is calculated by asking customers how likely they are to recommend the company to others. A higher NPS indicates that customers are satisfied with the company's products or services and are likely to promote them.

In this episode of The Better Business Analyst Podcast, we delve into the fundamentals of crafting compelling business cases. Whether you're a seasoned business analyst or just starting out, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, structuring, and presenting a persuasive business case.

This episode is packed with practical tips, real-world examples, and actionable insights to help business analysts master the art of business case writing. Whether you're seeking to secure funding for a new project, justify a change initiative, or convince stakeholders of the value of your proposed solution, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and skills to craft a winning business case.

So, if you're ready to elevate your business case writing skills and make a more significant impact as a business analyst, tune in to this insightful episode of The Better Business Analyst Podcast.

In this episode of Better Business Analysis, we delve into the world of Atomic Habits by James Clear and explore how its principles can be applied to enhance your business analysis practice. Join us as we uncover the power of tiny habits and uncover practical strategies for building a more effective and impactful business analyst

The role of a Business Analyst (BA) has evolved significantly in recent years, especially with the growing adoption of agile methodologies. In this podcast, we'll explore how BAs work within agile delivery teams using AirNZ as an example.

This podcast is for anyone who is interested in learning more about the role of a BA in an agile team. It is also a valuable resource for BAs who are looking to improve their skills and knowledge.

In this episode of the Business Analysis Unleashed series, we will discuss detailed-level analysis and requirements for McDonald's.

Benjamen explains how business analysts can work with McDonald's to understand their strategic objectives, epics, and user stories, and then break them down into detailed requirements.

He also shares a User Story example for adding Ordering to the Mobile App to increase Customer Experience.