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BABOK. A Guide to Business Analysis Body of Knowledge.
Business analysis is the set of tasks and techniques used to work as a liaison among stakeholders in order to understand the structure, policies, and operations of an organization, and to recommend solutions that enable the organization to achieve its goals. Business analysis involves understanding how organizations function to accomplish their purposes and defining the capabilities an organization requires to provide products and services to external stakeholders. It includes the definition of organizational goals, understanding how those goals connect to specific objectives, determining the courses of action that an organization has to undertake to achieve those goals and objectives, and defining how the various organizational units and stakeholders within and outside of that organization interact. A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge(R) (BABOK(R) Guide) contains a description of generally accepted practices in the field of business analysis. The content included in this release has been verified through reviews by practitioners, surveys of the business analysis community, and consultations with recognized experts in the field. In less than five years, the BABOK(R) Guide has been recognized around the world as a key tool for the practice of business analysis and become a widely-accepted standard for the profession, with over 200,000 copies downloaded from the IIBA(R) website.
661 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2018
113 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 25, 2018
This is a fantastic resource for anyone performing business analysis work (regardless of their job title). I had read selected portions of it in the past but just completed reading it cover-to-cover to prep for a certification test.
I really appreciate the way it is organized and layers information into knowledge areas, tasks, elements within tasks, and then techniques that could be used to accomplish the tasks. It is written in a way that can apply across a variety of industries and situations; there are also perspectives chapters that focus on more specific jobs (e.g. Business Intelligence, Business Architecture).
There is a ton to unpack in this book but it is also very inspiring and has provided me a lot of ideas for career paths and personal improvement projects; I plan to continue to revisit the BABOK as I grow as a BA professional.
I really appreciate the way it is organized and layers information into knowledge areas, tasks, elements within tasks, and then techniques that could be used to accomplish the tasks. It is written in a way that can apply across a variety of industries and situations; there are also perspectives chapters that focus on more specific jobs (e.g. Business Intelligence, Business Architecture).
There is a ton to unpack in this book but it is also very inspiring and has provided me a lot of ideas for career paths and personal improvement projects; I plan to continue to revisit the BABOK as I grow as a BA professional.
January 5, 2020
This book doesn't need an additional review, because people form business analysis are already known about the whole content from the book, but maybe not every one of the people acknowledges the importance of it and can truly estimate benefits from BABOK. People who are not a BA or not from relative to business analysis work, don`t need this book at all, `cause there are a lot of other books which could explain something similar to BABOK but in more `lightweight` way.
As for me, this book is a part of my preparation for CCBA certification, so I couldn`t avoid BABOK))
But at the very end, I can reassure every BA(especially a beginner BA) that you need to read it at least once, but no sooner than 1.5-2 work experience.
When I tried it my first time(it was after 1 year of work) this book looked like a disaster for me. But by read it now I really liked it.
As for me, this book is a part of my preparation for CCBA certification, so I couldn`t avoid BABOK))
But at the very end, I can reassure every BA(especially a beginner BA) that you need to read it at least once, but no sooner than 1.5-2 work experience.
When I tried it my first time(it was after 1 year of work) this book looked like a disaster for me. But by read it now I really liked it.
May 24, 2019
Comprehensive but drier than a desert - I much preferred Weigers & Beatty's Software Requirements 3rd edition.
Read
December 17, 2024With this book, you can find structure to organize your thoughts around this profession and have some kind of pillars to build upon when youre not really know what the profession is all about. But spare me, it bores me to death and I guess it's hard to learn anything when you feel bored learning it.
December 23, 2024
Don't read it unless you absolutely have to. Which I had to.
November 8, 2018
It contains really a lot of information on different methodologies and techniques used in business analyses. But for me it was a bit hard to read as it does not offer any cases or real life examples of applying those methodologies.
Want to read
May 31, 2019Ідеальна книжка, якщо потрібно складати якийсь екзамен чи атестацію по безнес-аналізу, але зовсім не підходить для ознайомлення зі сферою чи поглиблення знань — багато означень очевидних понять і жодного практичного прикладу — фактично книга-довідник.
October 2, 2019
A companion book to keep close to you not only when you are working as a BA properly, but everytime you need a guide to develop an idea from high scope to detail getting consensus with stakeholders (people, departments, external organizations) focus on maximum benefits.
February 18, 2020
This is the best book to study for your ECBA certification exam. However, it is a very boring book to read. The book consists of six knowledge area that you need to understand in order to pass the exam and become a business analyst.
January 5, 2019
A go-to book for Business Analyst. It covers all aspects and approaches to documenting a Business requirement
February 3, 2020
Such a great resource for Business Analysts. As a newer BA, I utilized a lot of the techniques in here. I’ll definitely be bringing this back out when I work towards future certifications.
September 20, 2024
BABOK. A Guide to Business Analysis Body of Knowledge. v3
by the International Institute of Business Analysis
page no. 514
If something fails despite being carefully planned, carefully designed, and conscientiously executed, that failure often bespeaks underlying change and, with it, opportunity.
~ Peter Drucker
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Purpose of the BABOK® Guide
1.2 What is Business Analysis?
1.3 Who is a Business Analyst?
1.4 Structure of the BABOK® Guide
Chapter 2: Business Analysis Key Concepts
2.1 The Business Analysis Core Concept Model™
2.2 Key Terms
2.3 Requirements Classification Schema
2.4 Stakeholders
2.5 Requirements and Designs
Chapter 3: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring
3.1 Plan Business Analysis Approach
3.2 Plan Stakeholder Engagement
3.3 Plan Business Analysis Governance 37
3.4 Plan Business Analysis Information Management
3.5 Identify Business Analysis Performance Improvements
Chapter 4: Elicitation and Collaboration
4.1 Prepare for Elicitation
4.2 Conduct Elicitation
4.3 Confirm Elicitation Results
4.4 Communicate Business Analysis Information
4.5 Manage Stakeholder Collaboration
Chapter 5: Requirements Life Cycle Management
5.1 Trace Requirements
5.2 Maintain Requirements
5.3 Prioritize Requirements
5.4 Assess Requirements Changes
5.5 Approve Requirements
Chapter 6: Strategy Analysis
6.1 Analyze Current State
6.2 Define Future State
6.3 Assess Risks
6.4 Define Change Strategy
Chapter 7: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition
7.1 Specify and Model Requirements
7.2 Verify Requirements
7.3 Validate Requirements
7.4 Define Requirements Architecture
7.5 Define Design Options
7.6 Analyze Potential Value and Recommend Solution
Chapter 8: Solution Evaluation
8.1 Measure Solution Performance
8.2 Analyze Performance Measures
8.3 Assess Solution Limitations
8.4 Assess Enterprise Limitations
8.5 Recommend Actions to Increase Solution Value
Chapter 9: Underlying Competencies
9.1 Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
9.2 Behavioural Characteristics
9.3 Business Knowledge
9.4 Communication Skills
9.5 Interaction Skills
9.6 Tools and Technology
Chapter 10: Techniques
10.1 Acceptance and Evaluation Criteria
10.2 Backlog Management
10.3 Balanced Scorecard
10.4 Benchmarking and Market Analysis
10.5 Brainstorming
10.6 Business Capability Analysis
10.7 Business Cases
10.8 Business Model Canvas
10.9 Business Rules Analysis
10.10 Collaborative Games
10.11 Concept Modelling
10.12 Data Dictionary
10.13 Data Flow Diagrams
10.14 Data Mining
10.15 Data Modelling
10.16 Decision Analysis
10.17 Decision Modelling
10.18 Document Analysis
10.19 Estimation
10.20 Financial Analysis
10.21 Focus Groups
10.22 Functional Decomposition
10.23 Glossary
10.24 Interface Analysis
10.25 Interviews
10.26 Item Tracking
10.27 Lessons Learned
10.28 Metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
10.29 Mind Mapping
10.30 Non-Functional Requirements Analysis
10.31 Observation
10.32 Organizational Modelling
10.33 Prioritization
10.34 Process Analysis
10.35 Process Modelling
10.36 Prototyping
10.37 Reviews
10.38 Risk Analysis and Management
10.39 Roles and Permissions Matrix
10.40 Root Cause Analysis
10.41 Scope Modelling
10.42 Sequence Diagrams
10.43 Stakeholder List, Map, or Personas
10.44 State Modelling
10.45 Survey or Questionnaire
10.46 SWOT Analysis
10.47 Use Cases and Scenarios
10.48 User Stories
10.49 Vendor Assessment
10.50 Workshops
Chapter 11: Perspectives
11.1 The Agile Perspective
11.2 The Business Intelligence Perspective
11.3 The Information Technology Perspective
11.4 The Business Architecture Perspective
11.5 The Business Process Management Perspective
Appendix A: Glossary
Appendix B: Techniques to Task Mapping
Appendix C: Contributors
Appendix D: Summary of Changes from BABOK® Guide v 2.0
Reminder:
If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there.
~Lewis Carroll
by the International Institute of Business Analysis
page no. 514
If something fails despite being carefully planned, carefully designed, and conscientiously executed, that failure often bespeaks underlying change and, with it, opportunity.
~ Peter Drucker
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Purpose of the BABOK® Guide
1.2 What is Business Analysis?
1.3 Who is a Business Analyst?
1.4 Structure of the BABOK® Guide
Chapter 2: Business Analysis Key Concepts
2.1 The Business Analysis Core Concept Model™
2.2 Key Terms
2.3 Requirements Classification Schema
2.4 Stakeholders
2.5 Requirements and Designs
Chapter 3: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring
3.1 Plan Business Analysis Approach
3.2 Plan Stakeholder Engagement
3.3 Plan Business Analysis Governance 37
3.4 Plan Business Analysis Information Management
3.5 Identify Business Analysis Performance Improvements
Chapter 4: Elicitation and Collaboration
4.1 Prepare for Elicitation
4.2 Conduct Elicitation
4.3 Confirm Elicitation Results
4.4 Communicate Business Analysis Information
4.5 Manage Stakeholder Collaboration
Chapter 5: Requirements Life Cycle Management
5.1 Trace Requirements
5.2 Maintain Requirements
5.3 Prioritize Requirements
5.4 Assess Requirements Changes
5.5 Approve Requirements
Chapter 6: Strategy Analysis
6.1 Analyze Current State
6.2 Define Future State
6.3 Assess Risks
6.4 Define Change Strategy
Chapter 7: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition
7.1 Specify and Model Requirements
7.2 Verify Requirements
7.3 Validate Requirements
7.4 Define Requirements Architecture
7.5 Define Design Options
7.6 Analyze Potential Value and Recommend Solution
Chapter 8: Solution Evaluation
8.1 Measure Solution Performance
8.2 Analyze Performance Measures
8.3 Assess Solution Limitations
8.4 Assess Enterprise Limitations
8.5 Recommend Actions to Increase Solution Value
Chapter 9: Underlying Competencies
9.1 Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
9.2 Behavioural Characteristics
9.3 Business Knowledge
9.4 Communication Skills
9.5 Interaction Skills
9.6 Tools and Technology
Chapter 10: Techniques
10.1 Acceptance and Evaluation Criteria
10.2 Backlog Management
10.3 Balanced Scorecard
10.4 Benchmarking and Market Analysis
10.5 Brainstorming
10.6 Business Capability Analysis
10.7 Business Cases
10.8 Business Model Canvas
10.9 Business Rules Analysis
10.10 Collaborative Games
10.11 Concept Modelling
10.12 Data Dictionary
10.13 Data Flow Diagrams
10.14 Data Mining
10.15 Data Modelling
10.16 Decision Analysis
10.17 Decision Modelling
10.18 Document Analysis
10.19 Estimation
10.20 Financial Analysis
10.21 Focus Groups
10.22 Functional Decomposition
10.23 Glossary
10.24 Interface Analysis
10.25 Interviews
10.26 Item Tracking
10.27 Lessons Learned
10.28 Metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
10.29 Mind Mapping
10.30 Non-Functional Requirements Analysis
10.31 Observation
10.32 Organizational Modelling
10.33 Prioritization
10.34 Process Analysis
10.35 Process Modelling
10.36 Prototyping
10.37 Reviews
10.38 Risk Analysis and Management
10.39 Roles and Permissions Matrix
10.40 Root Cause Analysis
10.41 Scope Modelling
10.42 Sequence Diagrams
10.43 Stakeholder List, Map, or Personas
10.44 State Modelling
10.45 Survey or Questionnaire
10.46 SWOT Analysis
10.47 Use Cases and Scenarios
10.48 User Stories
10.49 Vendor Assessment
10.50 Workshops
Chapter 11: Perspectives
11.1 The Agile Perspective
11.2 The Business Intelligence Perspective
11.3 The Information Technology Perspective
11.4 The Business Architecture Perspective
11.5 The Business Process Management Perspective
Appendix A: Glossary
Appendix B: Techniques to Task Mapping
Appendix C: Contributors
Appendix D: Summary of Changes from BABOK® Guide v 2.0
Reminder:
If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there.
~Lewis Carroll
February 27, 2021
İs analisti ya da sistem analisti roluyle calisan kisilerin mutlaka okumasi gereken bir kitap diye dusunuyorum. Cunku bu kitap sayesinde analistlik mesleginin ne oldugu, ne olmadigi ve standartlari cok net bicimde anlasiliyor. Ozellikle turkiye gibi rolun sorumluluklarinin sirketten sirkete cok degistigi bir ulkede bu bilgilere hakim olmanin hem kendi yetkinligini anlayabilmek hem de kendini gelistirebilmek adina cok onemli oldugunu dusunuyorum. Peki kitap ne iceriyor derseniz onu da biraz acayim.
Kitap 3 ana bolumden olusuyor diyebiliriz. İs analistinin temel gorevleri, bu gorevleri yerine getirirken kullanilacak teknikler ve farkli is alanlarinin is analistiligine yaklasimlari. Ek olarak kitabin basinda 2 kucuk ama kritik bolum daha var. İlki, is analistligi konseptinin aciklanmasi. Kitap, detaylarla sizi bogmadan once is analistligi konsepti nedir, hangi fikrin uzerinden bu kitap yazilmis onu acikliyor. İkincisi de bircok kitapta eksik olan bu kitap nasil okunur bolumu. 500 sayfalik, bir meslekle ilgili bircok ayrintiyi iceren bu kitap icin cok degerli bir bolum oldugunu dusunuyorum.
Bu kitabi okumak icin analist olmak zorunda degilsiniz. Ozellikle IT sektorunde hemen her pozisyondaki calisanlar icin de faydali bilgiler iceriyor. Ama yazilimcilar filan tenezzul edip de okur mu bilmem :) BABOK ingilizce ve turkcesi yok. Ama dilinin gayet basit ve anlasilir oldugunu soyleyebilirim. Kitap uzun oldugu icin okumasi biraz uzun surse de keyifle, bilgilene bilgilene okuyabilirsiniz
Kitap 3 ana bolumden olusuyor diyebiliriz. İs analistinin temel gorevleri, bu gorevleri yerine getirirken kullanilacak teknikler ve farkli is alanlarinin is analistiligine yaklasimlari. Ek olarak kitabin basinda 2 kucuk ama kritik bolum daha var. İlki, is analistligi konseptinin aciklanmasi. Kitap, detaylarla sizi bogmadan once is analistligi konsepti nedir, hangi fikrin uzerinden bu kitap yazilmis onu acikliyor. İkincisi de bircok kitapta eksik olan bu kitap nasil okunur bolumu. 500 sayfalik, bir meslekle ilgili bircok ayrintiyi iceren bu kitap icin cok degerli bir bolum oldugunu dusunuyorum.
Bu kitabi okumak icin analist olmak zorunda degilsiniz. Ozellikle IT sektorunde hemen her pozisyondaki calisanlar icin de faydali bilgiler iceriyor. Ama yazilimcilar filan tenezzul edip de okur mu bilmem :) BABOK ingilizce ve turkcesi yok. Ama dilinin gayet basit ve anlasilir oldugunu soyleyebilirim. Kitap uzun oldugu icin okumasi biraz uzun surse de keyifle, bilgilene bilgilene okuyabilirsiniz
Read
December 22, 2020Really did not enjoy this but don't think it's fair to give 1 star considering it's not the books fault that it sucks, it is the fault of business analysis for being extremely awful and also because reading this helped me pass the ecba.
December 30, 2021
Velmi dobrá reference pro každého business analytika. Nejde v detailech příliš do hloubky, spíše ukazuje koncept jako takový. A je založený na praxi. Pro pokročilého BANa je to skoro jako povinná literatura.
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July 2, 2020Probably, the longest 600 pages in my life :)
Read
August 24, 2020It is good for people who are involved in Business Analysis job.
May 7, 2021
A very easy understanding and crisp explanation of business analysis approach provided here. A very useful book for quick referencing. A must-have for business analysts.
Read
October 24, 2021Even better the 5th time
August 20, 2024
The BABOK Guide taught me to focus on clear strategies and practical solutions for effective business analysis.
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September 22, 2025Good
May 1, 2025
The BABOK v3 is undeniably comprehensive, but it can be quite overwhelming due to the sheer volume of condensed information. The structure itself is also confusing at times, making it difficult to navigate through the dense content. The book is heavy on theory, terminology, and jargon, which may make it challenging to apply the concepts to real-life scenarios. Unfortunately, it lacks practical, concrete examples that could help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
However, the Techniques section stands out as the most valuable part of the guide. It provides useful tools and methods that can enhance a business analyst’s toolkit. If you’re looking for actionable insights, this section is where you’ll find the most applicable knowledge. Overall, while BABOK v3 is a crucial resource for understanding the field, it might require additional materials or experience to effectively translate its content into practical application.
However, the Techniques section stands out as the most valuable part of the guide. It provides useful tools and methods that can enhance a business analyst’s toolkit. If you’re looking for actionable insights, this section is where you’ll find the most applicable knowledge. Overall, while BABOK v3 is a crucial resource for understanding the field, it might require additional materials or experience to effectively translate its content into practical application.
September 19, 2021
Worst. Book. Ever. Total nonsense!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews