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BCS Professional Certificate in Agile Business Analysis Syllabus
Version 1.2 April 2017 This professional certification is not regulated by the following United Kingdom Regulators - Ofqual, Qualification in Wales, CCEA or SQA
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BCS Professional Certificate in Agile Business Analysis
Contents
Change History .................................................................................................................. 4
Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 5
Assessment Objectives ...................................................................................................... 5
Target Audience ................................................................................................................. 5
Eligibility for this Examination ............................................................................................. 5
Duration and Format of the Examination ............................................................................ 6
Additional time for candidates requiring Reasonable Adjustments ..................................... 6
Additional time for candidates whose native language is not that of the examination ......... 6
Format of the Examination ................................................................................................. 7
Syllabus ............................................................................................................................. 8
1. Agile Philosophy (10%, K4) ......................................................................................... 8
1.1 The rationale for adopting an Agile approach 8 1.2 The Agile manifesto 8 1.3 The three overarching aspects of Agile 8 1.4 Business Analysis thinking and how it is relevant in Agile business 8
2. Agile Principles (5%, K4) ............................................................................................. 8
2.1 The 12 core principles 8 2.2 Key principle – collaborative working 8 2.3 Key principle – self organising teams 8 2.4 Key principle – continuous improvement 8 2.5 Key principle – iterative development and incremental delivery 8 2.6 Key principle – building in change 8
3. Agile Methods (5%, K4) .............................................................................................. 8
3.1 Elements of a method 8 3.2 Defined V empirical methods 8 3.3 Characteristics of Agile methods 8 3.4 Advantages and Disadvantages of Agile methods 8
4. Understanding Stakeholders (10%, K4) ...................................................................... 9
4.1 Stakeholder groups 9
5. Agile Modelling (20%, K4) ........................................................................................... 9
5.1 Rationale and principles for Agile modelling 9 5.2 Hierarchy of models using the Functional Model Map (FMM) 9 5.3 MoSCoW prioritisation 9
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6. Decomposing and organising business goals (10%, K4) ............................................. 9
6.1 Goal decomposition V Functional decomposition 9 6.2 Benefits of a goal decomposition approach as the basis for agile development 9 6.3 Prioritising business goals using the POPIT model 9 6.4 Modular business architecture as a strategic tool to enable business capability
reuse 9
7. Agile requirements (20%, K4) ..................................................................................... 9
7.1 Hierarchy of requirements and how this relates to agile projects 9 7.2 User Roles 9 7.3 User Stories 9
8. Managing requirements (2.5%, K4) ........................................................................... 10
8.1 The solution backlog 10 8.2 Managing the backlog 10 8.3 Levels of traceability through goals 10 8.4 Estimation techniques: 10
9. Managing the iteration (15%, K4) .............................................................................. 10
9.1 Planning the iteration 10 9.2 Calculating and utilising velocity 10 9.3 Techniques to manage the iteration: 10
10. BA role in Agile projects (2.5%, K4) .......................................................................... 10
10.1 Agile business analysis 10 10.2 The Generalising Specialist 10
Levels of Knowledge / SFIA Levels / Blooms ................................................................... 11
Question Weighting .......................................................................................................... 11
Recommended Reading List ............................................................................................ 12
Additional Reading ........................................................................................................... 14
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Change History Any changes made to the syllabus shall be clearly documented with a change history log. This shall include the latest version number, date of the amendment and changes made. The purpose is to identify quickly what changes have been made.
Version Number Changes Made
Version 1.2
April 2017
Copyright information updated.
Version 1.1
December 2016
Strapline regarding regulated statement has been added.
Version 1.0
October 2015
Syllabus created.
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Introduction The BCS Professional Certificate in Agile Business Analysis assesses competence with regard to the philosophy, methods, principles and techniques of the Agile approach and its relevance to business analysis.
Assessment Objectives The examination leading to the BCS Professional Certificate in Agile Business Analysis has the following assessment objectives. Candidates must be able to demonstrate that they can:
Describe the philosophy underpinning Agile approaches
State the core Agile values in the agile manifesto
Interpret the key Agile principles
The application of agile in the wider business context
Describe a range of Agile methods (process, roles, principles)
State the role of the BA in an agile team
Evaluate the applicability of an agile method for a given situation (Scaled methods
V’s Product development methods)
Analyse the stakeholders in Agile projects
Discuss the 8 wastes of Lean
Discuss the FMM
Illustrate the use of Agile analysis, modelling and documentation techniques
Analyse business goals and their decomposition
Identify and document user roles
Illustrate the application of the user story technique
Explain the role and management of the solution backlog
Explain techniques used to plan and manage an iteration
State the role of the BA in an Agile team
Target Audience This certification is relevant for anyone wishing to understand the Agile approach from a business perspective. This includes business architects, business analysts, project managers and business managers.
Eligibility for this Examination There are no pre-requisites for sitting this examination although candidates should be prepared to be assessed in line with the objectives listed in the previous section. While not compulsory, it is recommended that candidates attend a BCS accredited training course. Candidates should also understand the following techniques: CATWOE, Business Activity Model and Use Case Diagrams prior to attending an accredited course or sitting the examination.
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Duration and Format of the Examination The format for the examination is a 90 minute assessment comprising two sections. Section A comprises 20 Multiple Choice Questions worth 2 marks each. Section B uses scenarios and asks candidates to answer Multiple Choice Questions and to construct short answer responses to questions. Section B is worth 60 marks in total. The examination is closed book i.e. no materials can be taken into the examination room. The pass mark is 65/100 (65%) overall and candidates must also achieve a score of at least 20/40 (50%) on Section A and at least 30/60 (50%) on Section B.
Additional time for candidates requiring Reasonable Adjustments Candidates may request additional time if they require reasonable adjustments. Please refer to the reasonable adjustments policy for detailed information on how and when to apply.
Additional time for candidates whose native language is not that of the examination If the examination is taken in a language that is not the candidate’s native / official language then they are entitled to 25% extra time. If the examination is taken in a language that is not the candidate’s native / official language then they are entitled to use their own paper language dictionary (whose purpose is translation between the examination language and another national language) during the examination. Electronic versions of dictionaries will not be allowed into the examination room.
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Format of the Examination
Type Two Sections. Section A comprises 20 Multiple Choice Questions
worth 2 marks each. Section B uses scenarios and asks candidates to
answer Multiple Choice Questions and to construct short answer
responses to questions. Section B is worth 60 marks in total.
Duration 1 Hour and 30 Minutes. Candidates are entitled to an additional 23
minutes if they are sitting an examination in a language that is not their
native/official language.
Example
Question
Section A What are the 3Cs used in the development of user stories?
A. Card, Criteria, Conversation B. Criteria, Confirmation, Closure C. Card, Conversation, Confirmation D. Criteria, Conversation, Confirmation
Section B Scenario: A team of Business Analysts (BAs) are working on an Agile project and are using the Functional Model Map to decide on the models they wish to use to elaborate the requirements. The team is currently examining the business goals that have been defined for the project and wish to decompose and prioritise these business goals. Question: What level of the Functional Model Map are the team currently at? Summary
Pre-requisites Accredited training is strongly recommended but is not a pre-requisite
Supervised Yes
Open Book No
Pass Mark 65/100 (65%) overall and at least 20/40 (50%) on Section A and 30/60
(50%) on Section B.
Distinction Mark None
Calculators Calculators cannot be used during this examination
Delivery Paper-based examination
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Syllabus For each top-level area of the syllabus a percentage and K level is identified. The percentage is the exam coverage of that area, and the K level identifies the maximum level of knowledge that may be examined for that area. 1. Agile Philosophy (10%, K4)
1.1 The rationale for adopting an Agile approach
Definition of Agile
3 pillars of Agile 1.2 The Agile manifesto
1.3 The three overarching aspects of Agile
Principles
Methods
Techniques 1.4 Business Analysis thinking and how it is relevant in Agile business
Systems thinking
Service thinking
Lean business analysis o Lean thinking o 8 wastes of Lean o Value proposition
2. Agile Principles (5%, K4)
2.1 The 12 core principles
2.2 Key principle – collaborative working
2.3 Key principle – self organising teams
Tuckman & Jenson theory of group development 2.4 Key principle – continuous improvement
Kaizen
DMAIC (from Lean) 2.5 Key principle – iterative development and incremental delivery
2.6 Key principle – building in change 3. Agile Methods (5%, K4)
3.1 Elements of a method
3.2 Defined V empirical methods
3.3 Characteristics of Agile methods
Product development methods o SCRUM o XP o Lean software
Scaled methods o DSDM o SAFe
3.4 Advantages and Disadvantages of Agile methods
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4. Understanding Stakeholders (10%, K4)
4.1 Stakeholder groups
Business Stakeholders: Project sponsor; Business Managers; Business Architect
Project Stakeholders: Project Manager; Programme Manager
Technical Stakeholders: Technical Architect
Development Team: Subject Matter Expert; End-users; Business Analyst; Designer; Team Leader; Solution Developer; Solution Tester
5. Agile Modelling (20%, K4)
5.1 Rationale and principles for Agile modelling
Levels of definition
o Black box
o White box
5.2 Hierarchy of models using the Functional Model Map (FMM)
Organisation ideal view
o Business activity models
o Business use cases
System level view
o Context diagram
o System use cases
System component view
o component designs
5.3 MoSCoW prioritisation 6. Decomposing and organising business goals (10%, K4)
6.1 Goal decomposition V Functional decomposition
6.2 Benefits of a goal decomposition approach as the basis for agile development
6.3 Prioritising business goals using the POPIT model
6.4 Modular business architecture as a strategic tool to enable business capability reuse 7. Agile requirements (20%, K4)
7.1 Hierarchy of requirements and how this relates to agile projects
General
Technical
Functional
Non-functional
7.2 User Roles
o Identifying and documenting users roles
o Personas and extreme characters
7.3 User Stories
3 Cs
INVEST
Techniques to elicit user stories:
o Interviews;
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o Surveys;
o Observation;
o Story-writing Workshops
Defining user stories
Hierarchy of user stories
o Themes
o Epics
o User story
User stories and non-functional requirements 8. Managing requirements (2.5%, K4)
8.1 The solution backlog
8.2 Managing the backlog
8.3 Levels of traceability through goals
8.4 Estimation techniques:
Delphi estimating
Planning poker with story points
9. Managing the iteration (15%, K4)
9.1 Planning the iteration
Iteration planning meeting
9.2 Calculating and utilising velocity 9.3 Techniques to manage the iteration:
Daily stand-ups
Agile boards
o Kanban
Burn-down charts
o Story
o Effort
Iteration reviews
o Show and tell
o Retrospectives
10. BA role in Agile projects (2.5%, K4)
10.1 Agile business analysis
The business view
The system view
Transition between the views
Exploring the system view: Scenarios; Storyboards; Wireframes; Prototyping
10.2 The Generalising Specialist
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Levels of Knowledge / SFIA Levels / Blooms This course will provide candidates with the levels of difficulty / knowledge skill highlighted
within the following table, enabling them to develop the skills to operate at the levels of
responsibility indicated. The levels of knowledge and SFIA levels are explained in on the
website www.bcs.org/levels. The levels of knowledge above will enable candidates to
develop the following levels of skill to be able to operate at the following levels of
responsibility (as defined within the SFIA framework) within their workplace:
Level Levels of Knowledge Levels of Skill and Responsibility (SFIA)
K7 Set strategy, inspire and mobilise
K6 Evaluate Initiate and influence
K5 Synthesise Ensure and advise
K4 Analyse Enable
K3 Apply Apply
K2 Understand Assist
K1 Remember Follow
Question Weighting
Syllabus Area Target number of marks
1 – Agile Philosophy 10
2 – Agile Principles 5
3 – Agile Methods 5
4 – Understanding Stakeholders 10
5 – Agile Modelling 20
6 – Decomposing and Organising Business Goals
10
7 – Agile Requirements 20
8 – Managing Requirements 3
9 – Managing the Iteration 15
10 – BA Role in Agile Projects 2
Total 100 Marks
There is a variable number of questions in Section B, and a variable number of marks for each question. A syllabus area may be tested in Section A and / or Section B.
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Recommended Reading List
Title 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Author Dr Stephen Covey
Publication Date January 2004
Publisher Simon and Schuster Limited
ISBN 978 0684858395
Title Agile Estimating and Planning
Author Mike Cohn & Addison Wesley
Publication Date November 2005
Publisher Prentice Hall ISBN 978 0131479418
Title Agile Retrospectives: Making Good Teams Great
Author Esther Derby, Diana Lawson
Publication Date August 2006
Publisher Pragmatic Bookshelf
ISBN 978 0977616640
Title Agile Software Development with SCRUM Author Ken Schwaber and Mike Beedle
Publication Date October 2001
Publisher Prentice Hall
ISBN 978 0130676344
Title Business Analysis 3rd Edition Author Debra Paul, Donald Yeates and James Cadle Publisher BCS, Learning and Development Limited Publication Date September 2014 ISBN 9781780172774 Title Business Analysis Techniques: 72 Essential Tools for Success Author James Cadle, Debbie Paul and Paul Turner Publisher BCS, Learning and Development Limited Publication Date February 2010 ISBN 9781906124236 Title DSDM: Business Focused Development 2nd Edition Author Jennifer Stapleton
Publication Date 2002
Publisher Addison Wesley
ISBN 978 0321112248
Title Extreme Programming Explained Embrace Change Author Kent Beck & Addison Wesley
Publication Date November 2004
Publisher Addison Wesley
ISBN 978 0321278654
Copyright © Assist Knowledge Development 2016 BCS Professional Certificate in Agile Business Analysis Syllabus
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Title Getting Started with Kanban Author Paul Klipp
Publication Date February 2014
Publisher CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform ISBN 978 1495311970 Title Lean Software Development: An Agile Toolkit Author Mary Poppendieck and Tom Poppendieck
Publication Date May 2003
Publisher Addison Wesley
ISBN 978 0321150783 Title Mastering the Requirements Process Author Suzanne and James Robertson
Publication Date August 2012
Publisher Addison Wesley
ISBN 978 0321815743
Title Out of the Crisis Author W Edwards Deming
Publication Date October 2000
Publisher MIT Press
ISBN 978 0262541152 Title Process Dynamics Modeling and Control Author Babatunde Ogunnaike and W. Harmon Ray
Publication Date February 1995
Publisher OUP USA
ISBN 978 0195091199 Title Software Engineering Economics Author Barry Boehm
Publication Date October 1981
Publisher Prentice Hall
ISBN 978 0138221225
Title Software Estimation Demystifying the Black Art Author Steve McConnell
Publication Date 2006
Publisher Microsoft Press
Title Systems Thinking, Systems Practice Author Peter Checkland
Publication Date April 1981
Publisher John Wiley and Sons
ISBN 978 0471279112 Title The Art of Agile Development Author James Shore and Shane Warden
Copyright © Assist Knowledge Development 2016 BCS Professional Certificate in Agile Business Analysis Syllabus
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Publication Date November 2007
Publisher O’Reilly Media
ISBN 978 0596527679 Title The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement Author Eli Goldratt
Publication Date November 2004
Publisher North River Press Inc
ISBN 978 0566086656 Title The Lean Startup: How Constant Innovation Creates Radically
Successful Businesses Author Eric Ries
Publication Date October 2011
Publisher Portfolio Penguin
ISBN 978 0670921607 Title The Reengineering Alternative: A Plan for Making Your Current Culture
Work Author William E. Schneider Publication Date March 1994
Publisher Irwin Professional Publishing
ISBN 978 0786301201 Title Use Case Modelling Author Kurt Bitner and Ian Spence
Publication Date August 2002
Publisher Addison Wesley
ISBN 978 0201709131 Title User Stories Applied: For Agile Software Development Author Mike Cohn
Publication Date March 2004
Publisher Addison Wesley
ISBN 978 0321205681 Title Writing Effective Use Cases: The Agile Software Development Series Author Alistair Cockburn
Publication Date October 2000
Publisher Addison Wesley
ISBN 978 0201702255
Additional Reading Agile Manifesto
DSDM Atern Reference Manual
Managing the Development of Large Software Systems by Winston Royce
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