Hi.  I'm Lynn.  I started off as a developer (mainframe - COBOL) then switched to the BA route - so I have a more techie background rather than Business.  I've been a Business Systems Analyst for just under 4 years now and have been in my current company (public sector) for just over a year.  Currently, doing analysis work on IVR systems and Oracle CRM system.  I came across the site after doing a search on Agile Methodology which my work are now using for a new project in the company.  I had my concerns about the future of the BA role in this methodology so it was great to come across Andrew Arch's article on "Is the BA an endangered species with the growth of Agile".  I look forward to joining in some of the Threads. Thanks :o)

ldoherty80 wrote Hi.  I'm Lynn.  I started off as a developer (mainframe - COBOL) then switched to the BA route - so I have a more techie background rather than Business.  I've been a Business Systems Analyst for just under 4 years now and have been in my current company (public sector) for just over a year.  Currently, doing analysis work on IVR systems and Oracle CRM system.  I came across the site after doing a search on Agile Methodology which my work are now using for a new project in the company.  I had my concerns about the future of the BA role in this methodology so it was great to come across Andrew Arch's article on "Is the BA an endangered species with the growth of Agile".  I look forward to joining in some of the Threads. Thanks :o)

Hi Lynn,

Welcome!  I hope you get a lot out of being part of this community. 

Also, I am very excited to hear about both the successes and challenges of using an Agile methodology on your specific project as things progess.  Please share as much and as often as you can.  I can see some great conversation coming from this.

ldoherty80 wrote Thanks Chris.  It looks as though we will be using stories and use cases in terms of doumentation (currently we use Functional Specs and Design Layout Specs).  However, due to very tight deadlines we may not be covering every user/system scenario which is my main concern re. cowboy developers going off and doing what they want without any proper discussion with the Business Community, Business Systems Analysts and Testers.  Added to the fact that there may only be 3 BSAs covering 4 functional areas in a larger team of approx. 30 to 40 (majority of which will possibly be developers) and with each iteration lasting about 4 weeks.  Shall keep the forum posted on progress/thoughts.....

Yes, please keep us posted.

My first question to you is as follows.  There are a lot of differnt methodologies that get lump under the term Agile.  Some of them even try to eliminate the need for Business Analysts (in essence the developer plays the role fo the analyst).  It sounds like your company is maintaining separate BAs for this Agile project.  Can you give us a high level overview of how your SDLC is being implemented from working with the business to elicit requirements to getting them implemented in code to validating the software is meeting the requirements.

Thanks.