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Entries for the 'Data Analysis & Modeling' Category

» FEATURED: An Introduction to Data Flow Diagrams

(4360 Views) (8 Comments)

A data flow diagram (commonly abbreviated to DFD) shows what information is needed within a process, where it is stored, and how it moves through a system to accomplish an objective. As its name implies, a data flow diagram depicts the flow of data within a system.

» FEATURED: Data Modelling & Object Oriented Development

(2366 Views) (4 Comments)

Data Modelling & Object Oriented Development

At some stage in their working life, every business analyst will have some involvement with data modelling. They may need to model how data is (or will be) used or - if they only deal with requirements investigation - then someone else in the team will need to verify that the data to support new functions will be available.

» FEATURED: Data Flow Diagram with Examples & Tips

(12469 Views) (4 Comments)

The Data Flow Diagram (DFD) provides a graphical representation of the flow of data through a system. It shows logically what information is exchanged by our system processes and external interfaces or data stores, but it does not explicitly show when or in what sequence the information is exchanged.

» FEATURED: Putting Systems Analysis “Into Context” using the Context Diagram

(6098 Views) (2 Comments)

This article is all about putting your systems analysis into context; literally and metaphorically. It’s all about drawing and interpreting the not-quite-UML Context Diagram that is sometimes referred to as the System Context Diagram.

» Transaction Business Logic

(2531 Views) (0 Comments)

Transaction Business Logic is the processing required in processing database transactions to enforce business policies. It is sometimes characterized as Enforcement logic, since the transaction should be rejected if the rules are not passed. Consider the insertion of a new Purchase Order...

» FEATURED: Better, Faster, Cheaper Part II - The Decision Model Meets Data Quality Head On

(3393 Views) (7 Comments)

Better, Faster, Cheaper Part II - The Decision Model Meets Data Quality Head On

In this article, I explain a project completed in the financial services industry. A client asked me to lead a project to redesign a failed sub-process that had resulted in billions of dollars of backed up financial transactions. This particular financial process had a history of failed and abandoned process improvement projects. The pressure was o...

» FEATURED: Software Tools for The Decision Model-Part 2

(3506 Views) (2 Comments)

Software Tools for The Decision Model-Part 2

You are experiencing success with decision models even without the assistance of decision modeling software. Imagine the possibilities with proper software support!

» FEATURED: A Data-Driven Approach to Specifications

(4189 Views) (3 Comments)

A Data-Driven Approach to Specifications

Business requirements are usually captured in narratives and graphics that, regardless of how detailed, structured, cross-referenced and validated, are fundamentally imprecise. A data-driven approach to specifications has the potential to help avoid these problems and subsequently decrease the risk and increase the return on companies' IT investmen...

» FEATURED: How the BA Can Take Advantage of Free Online Diagramming Tools

(8259 Views) (4 Comments)

How the BA Can Take Advantage of Free Online Diagramming Tools

Almost every business analyst uses diagramming software in their arsenal of analysis tools. According to BABOK 2.0, an analyst’s traditional purpose in using diagramming tools is to “support the rapid drawing and documentation of a model, typically by providing a set of templates for a particular notation which are used to develop diagrams based on...

» How Static Modeling Skills Can Improve Your Performance as a Business Analyst

(4974 Views) (9 Comments)

How Static Modeling Skills Can Improve Your Performance as a Business Analyst

While most business analyst roles don't explicitly require static modeling expertise, developing a better understanding of static modeling concepts can be a measurable forward step for business analysts seeking to develop new competencies. Such skills can be useful in many aspects of the BA work, from obtaining a better understanding of stakeholder...

» Uncover the Hidden Truth in Your Data with Interactive Visual Analytics

(3210 Views) (0 Comments)

Uncover the Hidden Truth in Your Data with Interactive Visual Analytics

It is no surprise that organizations spend over $15B annually on business intelligence and data mining technologies. But despite this focus on infrastructure technologies, there is little emphasis on the art of analysis. Analysts are being asked to assimilate increasing amounts of data into meaningful information that can be acted upon q...

» FEATURED: What You Need to Know About Business Rules

(5135 Views) (9 Comments)

What You Need to Know About Business Rules

Business rules should be externalized from processes and established as a separate resource. Rule Independence permits direct management of the business rules, so they can evolve at their own natural pace rather than that of the software release cycle. Other benefits include better process models, and much closer tie-in to the business side (a.k.a....

» Golden Rules for Business Analysts

(6443 Views) (0 Comments)

Like all professions, business analysis has its golden rules – rules that are fundamental to the design of successful business systems. They might seem like common sense but it’s surprising how often we forget them and get ourselves into hot water.

» FEATURED: Data Analysis for Business Analysts: The Zachman Framework and Data Architecture

(12171 Views) (5 Comments)

When ModernAnalyst asked me to propose an article for their issue on Enterprise Architecture, I thought about the question framework developed by John Zachman, that provides the basic building blocks of that practice. The primary function of a Business Analyst is to ask questions that uncover requirements then to document those requirements s...

» FEATURED: Data Analysis for Business Analysts: Data Management Body of Knowledge

(17373 Views) (0 Comments)

Business Analysts rely on input from a subject matter expert (SME) to help complete scoping and requirements documents. This simple truth is the reason ModernAnalyst has asked me to share an overview of the Data Management Association Body of Knowledge (DAMA-DMBOK). The purpose of the article is not to teach you data management, but to provide you ...

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Business Analyst Articles: Business Analysis & Systems Analysis

Entries for the 'Data Analysis & Modeling' Category

Join the Premier Community for Business Analysts, Business Process Professionals, Systems Analysts, Data Analysts, and more…

Business Analyst Articles: Business Analysis & Systems Analysis

Entries for the 'Data Analysis & Modeling' Category

Join the Premier Community for
Business Analysts, Business Process Professionals,
Systems Analysts, Data Analysts, and more…