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These modules alsmost all have explanatory notes in (except the data modelling one - but there is plenty of explanantion of that in the article "Business Data Modelling - Why and How" also on the website). There is also a case study to download with it.
Feel free to download these files and edit using standard PC software such as OpenOffice or Powerpoint, Word, and Excel. The only request we have is tell them where you got it - go on, give us a plug!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
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5 comments:
Hi Guy Beauchamp,
I got to know of your blog and smart-ba.com through a BA forum. This is my first post/query. First of all thank you for such helpful information and manuals published by you for the BA community.
I have a query regarding BCS & ISEB Business Analysis Diploma. Is it worth doing the weekend 2 day training courses for the modules namely
Organizational Context
Business Analysis Essentials
Modelling Business Processes
Requirements Engineering
sufficient to get the certifications and then a Diploma on clearing the interview.
Is it worth spending 2500 GBP for 4 module i.e. 4 weekend course?
I am an IT Professional with 10 years work experience.
I had taken a short break and at present I am doing working as independant consultant self-employed since Jan 2010), but I am finding it difficult to get a full time job in the industry.
Hence, I was thinking of joining one of the BCS accredited institutes in London and get the Diploma at the earliest possible.
Please request you to guide if this would help in clearing the certifications within a months time and getting a good full time job.
I am sorry if i have posted this query in wrong place.
Please advise and thank you in advance.
Regards,
Pragati
Hi Pragati,
To answer your question "is it worth doing the training course" I have to know how you would assess whether it was worth it or not. From your comment that your are finding it difficult to get a full time job I guess you would judge the worth of the course on whether it gets you a full time job.
If that is the case then you can start to answer the question yourself by reviewing the type of jobs you are seeking on job websites and see if they ask for the BCS ISEB BA Diploma.
If they do then the answer is yes!
If they don't then you need to form a view on whether the Diploma would help you in some other way. Perhaps it would help you get an interview for these roles? I don't know the answer to that - it would depend on the roles you are seeking and the way the organisations you seek them from operate. But one thing is quite likely - it won't harm.
Now the question is whether you need to do a course to take the exams.
Again, you can start to answer this yourself by downloading the 3 manuals on my website for getting certificates LIKE the Business Analysis Essentials, Modelling Business Processes, Requirements Engineering - these have exam style questions in them you can attempt and then compare with model answers. These manuals also have suggested reading in them as well as the material you might need to pass these kind of exams.
This might help you assess whether you need a course to develop your skills or whether you could just attempt the exams.
Notes.
1. Please note my website has nothing specifically about the subject matter of Organisational Context (I just lost the will to live when trying to write a manual on that subject).
2. Please note that the manual for certificates LIKE Business Analysis Essentials is the only item on my entire website for which there is a charge (because it was not written by me).
I hope some of the above helps and I wish you luck in your job hunt.
Guy
P.S. by the way, with 10 years experience perhaps staying an independant consultant self-employed is something to consider if you carry on finding it hard to get a full time job?
Hi Guy,
That was really prompt response and helpful too.
Being, an independant self-employed consultant is the best option but it is becoming a struggle to get 40 hrs/week work consistently these days and managing it all by myself, hence the interest in getting a full time job.
Once again thank you for this email.
Thanks & Regards,
Pragati
Hello Guy,
Im posting here because the above query is relevant to mine.
I have noticed there is lack of self study guides on the market for BCS business analysis modules, incomparison to CBAP and other professional knowledge area qualifications such as prince 2.
While searching for a relevant gyuide, i stumbled upon your site, and was pleasantly surprised to find such rich content available for free.
I work for a social housing housing provider and have been performing a business analysis role. I have submitted a business case for my employer to pay for my BCS diploma certification, however i am considering going it alone, so to speak, should this be declined.
As such self study seems like an attractive option due to the cost involved if i have to pay for it myself.
My question is, i have noticed that the self study manuals were published a few years ago, is the content still relevant to the BCS examinations as they are at present?
Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
Ali
Hi Ali,
Thanks for your email. I don’t know for sure if the manuals are still relevant but I would be surprised if they were not as business analysis does not change much though the jargon does.
The way to find out is download the syllabus from the BCS website and compare to the index – the way I wrote the manuals was to organise the chapters in line with the syllabus.
Please be aware that since BCS threatened legal action if I used the words ISEB etc that the manuals are positioned for exams SUCH AS the ISEB certificates.
Good luck with the exams!
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