Free IIBA ECBA Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 2

Process analysis is a business analysis technique that benefits from frameworks and methodologies like Six Sigma and Lean. These methodologies are focused on improving processes by eliminating waste and reducing variation. Six Sigma uses a set of quality management methods, including statistical tools, and creates a special infrastructure within the organization (champions, Black Belts, Green Belts, etc.) who are experts in these methods. Lean, on the other hand, is centered around providing value to the customer by optimizing processes, reducing waste, and improving flow. Both methodologies are process-centric and align with the goals of process analysis, which aims to understand and document the current process and design an improved future state.

In the context of business analysis, interviews are a fundamental elicitation technique used to gather detailed information. There are two basic types of interviews: structured and unstructured. A structured interview is one where the interviewer comes prepared with a specific set of questions that are asked in a systematic manner. This approach ensures consistency and comparability of responses. On the other hand, an unstructured interview is more flexible, allowing the conversation to flow more naturally based on the interviewee’s responses. This can lead to the discovery of information that might not have been uncovered through a structured approach. References: The information aligns with the guidelines provided by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) and is verified according to their standards for elicitation techniques12.

Scope modelling is the technique used to identify the elements and boundaries of the requirements architecture. This technique involves defining what is included within the project or initiative and what is outside its boundaries. Scope modelling helps in clarifying the scope of the work, the features and functions that are to be included in the solution, and any constraints or limitations that should be considered. It provides a structured approach to understanding the overall context and limits of the change being proposed, ensuring that stakeholders have a common understanding of what the initiative aims to achieve and what it does not cover.

In business analysis, the predictive approach is characterized by its structured nature, where requirements are approved at the end of a phase or during planned change control meetings. This approach is in contrast to adaptive approaches, which approve requirements more iteratively and as needed throughout the project lifecycle. References: The information is consistent with the practices described in the BABOK Guide and other IIBA resources, which specify that predictive approaches typically involve approvals at the end of the phase12.

In the context of business analysis, a requirements viewpoint refers to a perspective or lens through which requirements are formulated and understood. A use case is an example of a requirements viewpoint because it represents a sequence of actions, typically involving an actor and a system, to achieve a goal. Use cases are used to capture functional requirements and describe how users will interact with a solution. References: The BABOK Guide mentions use cases as a tool within the requirements analysis and design definition, which aligns with the concept of a requirements viewpoint1.

 The task of planning stakeholder engagement is a crucial part of the business analysis planning and monitoring knowledge area. It involves identifying stakeholders, understanding their needs and expectations, and determining the best ways to engage them in the business analysis process. Effective stakeholder engagement is essential for ensuring that the requirements and solutions developed align with stakeholder needs and contribute to project success. References: The Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring knowledge area includes tasks such as planning the business analysis approach, stakeholder engagement, governance, information management, and identifying business analysis performance improvements1.

In process analysis, the BA evaluates a process to determine how efficiently and effectively it is achieving its goals. This involves analyzing process steps, identifying waste or redundancy, and seeking opportunities for optimization.

BABOK® Reference – Technique: Process Analysis (Section 10.33):

“Process analysis evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of a process, identifying opportunities to improve performance.”

While assessing requirements changes, a business analyst (BA) determines the formality of the assessment process based on the governance approach. The governance approach provides the framework within which changes are evaluated and decisions are made regarding the approval or rejection of changes. This approach outlines the processes, roles, responsibilities, and standards that guide how changes are managed, ensuring that changes align with organizational policies and strategic objectives .

Business analysts use ‘Acceptance and Evaluation Criteria’ to measure the quality of requirements. This technique involves setting specific criteria that the requirements must meet to be accepted. These criteria are used to evaluate whether the requirements are well-defined, clear, and meet the necessary standards for successful project outcomes. By establishing these criteria, BAs can ensure that the requirements are aligned with business objectives and can be tested against predefined standards. References: The use of acceptance and evaluation criteria is a common practice in business analysis for ensuring requirement quality and is discussed in various business analysis resources, including the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) guide1.

In the Elicitation and Collaboration knowledge area, the task "Prepare for Elicitation" takes "needs" and "stakeholder engagement approach" as key inputs. The purpose of this task is to understand the scope, identify stakeholders, choose elicitation techniques, and prepare the logistics to ensure a productive elicitation session.

Needs define the business problem or opportunity prompting the elicitation.

Stakeholder engagement approach outlines how stakeholders will be involved, influencing techniques and planning.

BABOK® Guide v3 – Section 4.1: Prepare for Elicitation:

Inputs: "Needs" and "Stakeholder Engagement Approach"

“The purpose of Prepare for Elicitation is to understand the scope of the elicitation activity, select appropriate techniques, and plan for the elicitation.”