Looking to get ECBA®, CCBA®, or CBAP® certified or recertified? - This course qualifies for 8 PD Hours/CDUs.
Use business analysis techniques to create and recommend the best strategies and solutions to help your organization meet its goals.
When an organization has a big idea but doesn’t have a clue how to bring it to life, it is your responsibility as a Business Analyst to help them bridge that gap…
And it’s my duty as The BA Guide to teach you how.
This course will take you through my 5-Step Strategy Analysis process
Read more
Looking to get ECBA®, CCBA®, or CBAP® certified or recertified? - This course qualifies for 8 PD Hours/CDUs.
Use business analysis techniques to create and recommend the best strategies and solutions to help your organization meet its goals.
When an organization has a big idea but doesn’t have a clue how to bring it to life, it is your responsibility as a Business Analyst to help them bridge that gap…
And it’s my duty as The BA Guide to teach you how.
This course will take you through my 5-Step Strategy Analysis process
Looking to get ECBA®, CCBA®, or CBAP® certified or recertified? - This course qualifies for 8 PD Hours/CDUs.
Use business analysis techniques to create and recommend the best strategies and solutions to help your organization meet its goals.
When an organization has a big idea but doesn’t have a clue how to bring it to life, it is your responsibility as a Business Analyst to help them bridge that gap…
And it’s my duty as The BA Guide to teach you how.
This course will take you through my 5-Step Strategy Analysis process
Analyze the Current State – Learn how to determine where the organization is today so you’re able to move forward fully prepared.
Define the Future State – Understand exactly how to define what a “successful result” is – in order to achieve success, you first need to understand what success looks like.
Assess the Risks – Minimize possible pitfalls and stumbling blocks by identifying them early and taking them into consideration in your planning.
Determine a Change Strategy – Learn how to consider all possible options and determine which to put forward as your recommendation - then, define a strategy for how you intend to make the change.
Create a Business Case – Document all of the previous elements together in a persuasive and cohesive way that gets you approval to move forward with the project.
Within each step, you’ll learn the techniques, tools, and skills through the use of practical, real-world examples – meaning you won’t just understand the 5 steps, you’ll also know how to apply them.
Course enrollment grants you lifetime access, with no expiration, to all the course lectures, activities, handouts, and quizzes. In addition, you’ll also receive 1-on-1 support for any questions or uncertainties that come up. And this all comes with a money-back guarantee. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.
Let’s hear what our current students have to say:
“This is a great course. The real life examples are great for new or inexperienced BAs to connect to the theories taught to real world. A very comprehensive course and excited for the next courses in this series.” – Amy
“I am a college student that is studying science. Not once did I ever consider business as a career option for me. That goes to say I do not have a business background. However, Jeremy explains fully and in detail of each lecture perfectly to where I can understand. This is awesome.” – Sandhya
“The courses provided by Jeremy and The BA Guide are fantastic. I'm currently working through my 5th Business Analysis course and I continue to be amazed at the quality of the courses. I have learned an incredible amount and would recommend the course to anyone looking to increase their business skills.” - Camden
What is included in the course?
Over 8 hours of high-quality video lectures that break down all the concepts covered in an easy-to-understand, step-by-step format.
A 40-page Student Workbook that will enhance your learning and your information retention from the course, as well as giving you reference material after you’ve completed the course.
10 Business Analysis Templates so you have all the tools you need to immediately conduct a strategy analysis while on the job.
7 Practice Activities to help you cement what you’ve learned and give you an opportunity to put your newly acquired skills to the test.
In addition to all the tools you’ll need to start conducting strategy analysis, you’ll also get a foot into the industry by way of an industry expert…
I’m not just the instructor who wrote this course, I will also act as both a resource and a mentor to guide you to a long and rewarding career in Business Analysis.
Still not convinced?
“Another great course in The BA Guide / Jeremy Aschenbrenner series. Although you can take this course individually, I highly recommend that anyone considering this course get the entire series and work through them sequentially. Well worth it.” – Liz
“Great quality work. I like how Jeremy breaks everything down, so it's understandable even if you don't have any background in the business analysis. Awesome courses. ” - Oleg
“I'm in consulting and I have been able to compare what I've learned so far with the materials taught in the course and it's great because I can pick up the concepts and look at my next projects with this approach. I recommend it for anyone that wants to get into consulting.” - Carlos
And if you’re still not sure – here’s my promise to you:
This course comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. That means, if you aren’t completely satisfied with your purchase, I’ll give you a refund – no questions asked.
Whether you are an aspiring or a seasoned Business Analyst, this course is a must.
This course is the second course of the Business Analysis Process Series:
Identify and Define the Problem
=> Conduct a Strategy Analysis <=
Plan the Project
Understand and Elicit Requirements
Analyze, Model, and Organize Requirements
Manage, Prioritize, and Validate Requirements
Transition to the Solution
Complete a Solution Evaluation
Whilst taking the previous course isn’t a requirement, I do recommend it as it will help your understanding of the material covered as we will be building on skills and techniques taught in the previous course lectures.
By the end of this course, you’ll have learned how to analyze an organization’s situation and subsequently recommend the best strategies to help them take their “big idea” from vision to fruition.
So, if you want to earn the prestige of being able to say you’re a Business Analyst who can help organizations make their goals a reality, enroll today.
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Learn how to assess and analyze the current state (as-is) of an organization to get a good feel for their structure, culture, and capabilities
- Understand how to properly define project success by identifying the conditions that need to be met within the future state (to-be)
- Understand how to use gap analysis to uncover the necessary changes to get the organization from the current as-is state to the future to-be state
- Learn how to utilize the brainstorming and workshop techniques to identify, assess, and mitigate risks to the project and the organization
- Learn how to determine viable solutions and recommend the best solution to meet the business needs and fill the identified gap
- Gain the ability to conduct a cost-benefit analysis to validate when the recommended solution will give a return on investment
- Learn to create a business case by tying all of the learnings together into a single document that provides reasoning and financial justification for action
- Show more
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- Learn how to assess and analyze the current state (as-is) of an organization to get a good feel for their structure, culture, and capabilities
- Understand how to properly define project success by identifying the conditions that need to be met within the future state (to-be)
- Understand how to use gap analysis to uncover the necessary changes to get the organization from the current as-is state to the future to-be state
- Learn how to utilize the brainstorming and workshop techniques to identify, assess, and mitigate risks to the project and the organization
- Learn how to determine viable solutions and recommend the best solution to meet the business needs and fill the identified gap
- Gain the ability to conduct a cost-benefit analysis to validate when the recommended solution will give a return on investment
- Learn to create a business case by tying all of the learnings together into a single document that provides reasoning and financial justification for action
- Show more
- Show less
Syllabus
Welcome to the Course!
This course is part of a series of courses called the Business Analysis Process Series. In this lecture we tell you where this course fits within that series.
Read more
Syllabus
This course is part of a series of courses called the Business Analysis Process Series. In this lecture we tell you where this course fits within that series.
Welcome to our official kickoff of the course! Here we will begin to explain the full process of conducting a strategy analysis.
You have tickets for a local sporting event. The problem is, you are at home and the sporting event is at a stadium across town. Let's use our Strategy Analysis Process to solve this problem.
In this lecture, we provide you a ZIP file that contains all of the downloadable resources for the course. While those downloads are still available on appropriate lectures throughout the course, we're providing this ZIP file for convenience and to avoid some of the nuances and issues with downloading the files individually. It is our recommendation that you download this file now and then pull up the files as they are referenced within the course. Happy learning!
Don't forget to download the included student workbook for this course!
What are some of the key terms that you will be hearing throughout this course? Watch this lecture to find out!
Here are some additional terms related to projects.
What is a project team? Come and find out!
At this point there are 3 Key roles in a project team, The Project Sponsor, The Project Manger and The Business Analyst.
The Strategy Analysis Process is the most important part of this course, in this lecture we cover the first step.
A continuation of the previous lecture about the first step of the Strategy Analysis Process. In this part we review the needs of the business.
The third part to Analyzing the Current State. In this part we cover performing an Organizational Assessment.
The fourth part to Analyzing the Current State. In this part we cover understanding capabilities.
The fifth part to Analyzing the Current State. This lecture covers Assessing Policies.
This lecture provides an overview of the technique, Document Analysis.
Here are some benefits and cautions of the technique, Document Analysis.
Here is a helpful template to assist you whenever you do a Document Analysis!
This lecture is the sixth part of Analyzing the Current State, where we cover Assessing Processes.
This lecture is here to teach you about the basics of Process Flow Charts. It is also the seventh part to Analyzing the Current State.
A tool used in Process Flow Charts commonly is Swimlanes. Come and learn all about them!
The ninth part to Analyzing the Current State, where we cover Analyzing Technology and Infrastructure.
This lecture is the tenth part to Analyzing the Current State, it covers Understanding Business Architecture.
The eleventh part to Analyzing the Current State. In this lecture we cover Identifying External Influencers.
The twelfth part to Analyzing the Current State. In this lecture we introduce our real world example, Bob's Towing.
The thirteenth part to Analyzing the Current State. We continue with our real world example Bob's Towing, and provide you with a project!
The fourteenth part to Analyzing the Current State. This lecture continues the Bob's Towing Example.
The fifteenth part to Analyzing the Current State. In this lecture, we continue to talk about Bob's Towing.
The sixteenth and final part to Analyzing the Current State.
An overview of the second step to the Strategy Analysis Process, Defining the Future State.
The second part to Defining the Future State. In this lecture we cover what we are looking to achieve with this step.
The third part to Defining the Future State. Here we cover the elements.
The fourth part to Defining the Future State. Come and learn about setting business goals and objectives!
The fifth part to Defining the Future State. This lecture shows you some examples of setting business goals and objectives using the SMART goal technique.
Defining the solution scope helps to define new capabilities that the project will deliver!
There is sometimes confusion between the Solution Scope and the Project Scope, come and learn the difference!
How do you Define the Future Scope? This lecture talks about writing Solution Scope Statements to Define the Future Scope.
Ever wonder how to know when to move on from the solution scope? This lecture is for you!
We try to make things as easy as possible for you, so we created a handy dandy notes sheet and explain how to use it in this short video.
Identifying constraints can really help you in the long run. This lecture provides you with how to not only find the constraints, but also what the most common ones are!
In this lecture we provide the answer to the question "What changes need to take place for you to achieve your outcome?"
The thirteenth part to Defining the Future State. In this lecture we talk about identifying assumptions.
The fourteenth part to Defining the Future State. This lecture provide insight into Validating Potential Value.
This lecture provides an introduction to our real world example, Bob's Towing.
In this lecture, we continued to help Bob's Towing with the next step in Conducting a Strategy Analysis.
The conclusion to Defining the Current State!
This section starts the third step to Conducting a Strategy Analysis, Assessing the Risks.
There are many different steps to Assessing Risks, in this lecture we introduce you to them
In order to Assess the risks, we first need to know what those risks are.
In the next few lectures, we are going to be talking about the technique of brainstorming. In this lecture, the basics!
In this video we talk about the steps to performing a brainstorming session.
What are some of the benefits and cations to brainstorming? Here are some things to consider before using this technique!
This lecture provides a template to help you with your brainstorming!
Now that the risks are identified, we now need to determine probability and impact.
In the next few lectures, we are going to be talking about the elicitation technique, workshops!
This lecture walks you through the steps to conducting a workshop.
You may be thinking, what are some of the benefits and cautions to performing a workshop? We provide the answer to that question in this lecture!
We have created a template to help you with conducting your workshop!
Now that we have gone through workshops, you might be wondering "Why?". In this lecture we help tie on workshops to Assessing Risks.
Now that we have rated the risk based of of probability and impact, we need to prioritize certain risks.
Here we explain the Risk List and Assessment template, a template we have created to make thing a little more easier for you!
Before we determine our next action, we first need to look at the risk tolerance of the company or business.
Now that we know the risk tolerance of the company or business, we can identify the actions that we need to take in order to move forward.
We are again continuing our Bob's towing example, except this time we are using what we learned in this section to assess the risks for Bob's towing.
Part two of assessing risks foe Bob's Towing.
This lecture wraps up what we learned about assessing risks, and concludes the section.
This lecture provides and overview of the fourth step in Conducting a strategy Analysis, Determining a Strategy.
We introduce you to the elements of the Change Strategy that we will be covering in this section.
In this lecture we talk about Gap Analysis, and how to use it in this step.
Here we love to make things easier for you, so we have created a very handy template to help you with your Gap Analysis.
We can now move on from doing our rework, to actually Defining the Change Strategy.
In the previous lecture, we came up with a list of potential options, now we can analyze all of those options.
After analyzing your options, you want to look at the option within the solution scope. Come and learn how!
When Analyzing options, an important thing to do is a Cost Benefit Analysis.
The previous lecture talked about a Cost Benefit Analysis,. We have provided you with a template to help that process go a bit smoother!
This is a short lecture with some helpful tips on analyzing!
After define your options, you need to make recommendations. Come and learn about them!
Want something to make Scoring Matrices easier? Well we have your back! We have created a helpful template for all of your Scoring Matrix needs!
Now it's time to define Transition states and releases by using three steps!
This lecture will help you visualize better how the three different methodologies flow together.
Continuing the previous lecture, we talk about the key differences between the terms Adaptive and Predictive.
This lecture helps break down the 3 methodologies Waterfall, Iterative and Agile.
The next aspect of Determining the Change Strategy is determining a project schedule.
Now we need to figure out our Transition and Release plan, the next key part of Determining the Change Strategy.
Now that you have learned the steps to Determining the Change Strategy, we will apply it to our real world example Bob's Towing.
A continuation of the last lecture, about applying the steps to Determining the Change Strategy to Bob's Towing.
Part three of the Bob's Towing example.
The fourth and final part to our Bob's Towing example.
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Reviews summary
Structured strategy analysis for bas
Provides templates, workbook, and practice activities.
Qualifies for professional certification hours.
Uses a clear, step-by-step 5-step framework.
Connects theory to real-world business application.
Concepts are explained in an easy-to-follow manner.
Activities
Review Project Management Fundamentals
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of project management principles to better grasp the project-related aspects of strategy analysis.
Show steps
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Review the project lifecycle phases.
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Study key project management terms.
-
Practice creating a simple project plan.
Review 'Business Model Generation'
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of business models to enhance your ability to analyze an organization's current state and define its future state.
View
Business Model Generation: A Handbook for...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the sections on value propositions and customer segments.
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Apply the Business Model Canvas to a familiar company.
-
Reflect on how this framework informs strategy analysis.
Create a SWOT Analysis for a Local Business
Show steps
Practice applying SWOT analysis, a key technique for assessing the current state of an organization, by analyzing a local business.
Show steps
-
Choose a local business to analyze.
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Research the business's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
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Create a visual representation of the SWOT analysis.
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Write a brief summary of your findings.
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Conduct Cost-Benefit Analysis Exercises
Show steps
Sharpen your skills in conducting cost-benefit analyses, a crucial part of determining a change strategy and creating a business case.
Show steps
-
Find sample project scenarios online.
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Identify costs and benefits for each scenario.
-
Calculate the benefit-cost ratio.
-
Interpret the results and make recommendations.
Develop a Business Case Template
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of business cases by creating a reusable template that incorporates all the key elements discussed in the course.
Show steps
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Review the course materials on business cases.
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Identify the essential sections of a business case.
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Design a template with clear headings and prompts.
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Populate the template with sample data.
Read 'The Strategy Book'
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of strategic frameworks and tools to enhance your ability to determine effective change strategies.
View
Alter Ego: A Novel
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the chapters on strategic analysis and planning.
-
Compare the frameworks presented in the book with those discussed in the course.
-
Reflect on how these frameworks can be applied in real-world scenarios.
Analyze the Strategy of a Successful Company
Show steps
Apply the strategy analysis process to a real-world company to deepen your understanding and analytical skills.
Show steps
-
Choose a successful company to analyze.
-
Research the company's history, mission, and values.
-
Analyze the company's current state, future state, risks, and change strategy.
-
Document your findings in a comprehensive report.
Review Project Management Fundamentals
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of project management principles to better grasp the project-related aspects of strategy analysis.
Show steps
- Review the project lifecycle phases.
- Study key project management terms.
- Practice creating a simple project plan.
Review 'Business Model Generation'
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of business models to enhance your ability to analyze an organization's current state and define its future state.
View
Business Model Generation: A Handbook for...
on Amazon
Show steps
- Read the sections on value propositions and customer segments.
- Apply the Business Model Canvas to a familiar company.
- Reflect on how this framework informs strategy analysis.
Create a SWOT Analysis for a Local Business
Show steps
Practice applying SWOT analysis, a key technique for assessing the current state of an organization, by analyzing a local business.
Show steps
- Choose a local business to analyze.
- Research the business's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
- Create a visual representation of the SWOT analysis.
- Write a brief summary of your findings.
Conduct Cost-Benefit Analysis Exercises
Show steps
Sharpen your skills in conducting cost-benefit analyses, a crucial part of determining a change strategy and creating a business case.
Show steps
- Find sample project scenarios online.
- Identify costs and benefits for each scenario.
- Calculate the benefit-cost ratio.
- Interpret the results and make recommendations.
Develop a Business Case Template
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of business cases by creating a reusable template that incorporates all the key elements discussed in the course.
Show steps
- Review the course materials on business cases.
- Identify the essential sections of a business case.
- Design a template with clear headings and prompts.
- Populate the template with sample data.
Read 'The Strategy Book'
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of strategic frameworks and tools to enhance your ability to determine effective change strategies.
View
Alter Ego: A Novel
on Amazon
Show steps
- Read the chapters on strategic analysis and planning.
- Compare the frameworks presented in the book with those discussed in the course.
- Reflect on how these frameworks can be applied in real-world scenarios.
Analyze the Strategy of a Successful Company
Show steps
Apply the strategy analysis process to a real-world company to deepen your understanding and analytical skills.
Show steps
- Choose a successful company to analyze.
- Research the company's history, mission, and values.
- Analyze the company's current state, future state, risks, and change strategy.
- Document your findings in a comprehensive report.
Career center
Strategy Analyst
Business Systems Analyst
Process Improvement Specialist
Management Consultant
Business Architect
Management Analyst
Product Manager
Financial Analyst
Market Research Analyst
Data Analyst
Budget Analyst
Project Manager
Business Development Manager
Operations Research Analyst
Compliance Officer
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