BA Chapter 9: Underlying Competencies


Underlying Competencies are a description of the behaviours, characteristics, knowledge, and personal qualities that support the practice of business analysis. BABOK® defines 6 key groups of competencies that a BA is expected to possess. Each competency group constitutes of multiple sub competencies which are as discussed below:
(Source: https://www.modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/1287/Developing-a-Competency-Model-for-Business-Analysts.aspx)

1.     Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving: These skills are required for business analysts to analyze problems and opportunities effectively, identify which changes may deliver the most value, and work with stakeholders to understand the impact of those changes. Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving core competencies include:
·          Creative Thinking
·          Decision Making
·          Learning
·          Problem Solving
·          Systems Thinking
·          Conceptual Thinking
·          Visual Thinking
2.     Behavioural Characteristics: These characteristics exist at the core of every BA’s skill set. Though these characteristics are not unique to business analysis, they do increase personal effectiveness in the practice of business analysis. Behavioural Characteristics core competencies include:
·          Ethics
·          Personal Accountability
·          Trustworthiness
·          Organization and Time Management
·          Adaptability
3.     Business Knowledge: It is required by BAs to perform effectively within their organization and better understand concepts and value of the situation as it relates to a change or a need. Business Knowledge underlying competencies include:
·          Business Acumen
·          Industry Knowledge
·          Organization Knowledge
·          Solution Knowledge
·          Methodology Knowledge
4.     Communication Skills: Effective communication includes adapting communication styles and techniques to the knowledge level and communication styles of recipients. Communication can be verbal, non-verbal, written or even listening.
5.     Interaction Skills: It is a BAs ability to relate, cooperate and communicate with different kinds of people. Interaction skills core competencies include:
·          Facilitation
·          Leadership and Influencing
·          Teamwork
·          Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
·          Teaching
6.     Tools and Technology: Business analysts use a variety of software applications to support communication and collaboration, create and maintain requirements artifacts, model concepts, track issues, and increase overall productivity. Business Analysis Tools and Technology core competencies include:
·          Office Productivity Tools and Technology
·          Business Analysis Tools and Technology
       Communication Tools and Technology

Comments

  1. Amanjot kaur chahalSeptember 12, 2019 at 11:53 AM

    Analytical thinking and problem-solving behavior play a vital role in any workplace:
    • Analytical thinking skills are critical in the work place because they help you to gather information, articulate, visualize and solve complex problems. Some decisions can even make or break your career. Therefore, it is utmost importance to Have well-developed analytical thinking skills.
    • When you think critically, you make the decision whether an event, an object or situation appears to be right or wrong. Once you are given information, you evaluate the data and determine hoe it should be best interpreted.


    Personality types are considered to b behavioral combinations measured independently, whereas traits are measured on scales. Trait-based measurements provide a sense of relative strength and “dimension “ to one’s personality.
    For example: a person may be very methodical by personality trait and yet have an occasional urge to demonstrate impulsive behavior -pausing only slightly to plan that impulsive move. Or, to illustrate the same point in another way: extroversion is a trait, an extrovert sitting quietly in a meeting is a type of behavior.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Patience NgcoboSeptember 12, 2019 at 11:54 AM

    How will these competencies assist a new BA graduate with zero skill experience?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dalsher Singh VirkSeptember 25, 2019 at 9:29 AM

      Most of these skills are not technical and focus more on the soft skills area and other basic competencies which a fresh graduate usually possesses. Though communication skills, behavioural skills and analytical thinking are polished with time and experience, they are definitely not reserved for those with experience. All the skills and competencies listed above are dynamic and can be acquired and polished by everyone.

      Delete
  3. Yogesh JaglanSeptember 12, 2019 at 1:28 PM

    Organizational knowledge is the collective knowledge and abilities possessed by the people who belong to an organization. It provides the understanding of the management structure and communication channels.

    Measures of effective organization knowledge are:
    • Develop a stakeholder classification and perform a RACI assessment for each group.
    • Understanding of terminology or jargon used in the organization.
    • Social ownership and visual confirmation.
    • Understanding of the products or services offered by the organization.
    • The ability to identify subject matter experts (SMEs) in the organization.
    • The ability to navigate organizational relationships and politics.
    • The ability to act according to informal and formal communications and
    authority channels.




    ReplyDelete

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