For Application Development & Program Management Professionals

Learn More About Your 2009 Business Analysts  (694 KB PPT)

by Mary Gerush, November 13, 2009

These data charts highlight more data from the Forrester Research/IIBA Q2 2009 Global Business Analyst Online Survey, first reviewed in the July 23, 2009, "Your 2009 Business Analysts: Know Them To Grow Them" report.

For Application Development & Program Management Professionals

Case Study: The IRS Got Audited, Leading It To Improve Software Requirements Practices

by Mary Gerush, August 10, 2009

When faced with a mandate to improve its software requirements practices, the United States Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) Business Rules and Requirements Management (BRRM) team stepped up to the plate and embraced the opportunity for improvement. It . . .

For Application Development & Program Management Professionals

Software Size Matters, And You Should Measure It

Find The Right Software-Sizing Technique For Your Development Organization

by Mary Gerush, Dave West, July 27, 2009

It is critical for application development professionals to be able to effectively and objectively answer the question "how big is your software project?" in order to provide effective metrics, improve estimation practices, target improvement initiatives, . . .

For Application Development & Program Management Professionals

Your 2009 Business Analysts: Know Them To Grow Them

by Mary Gerush, July 23, 2009

A recent survey of approximately nine hundred current business analysts (BAs) indicates that business analysts are alive and kicking in organizations of all sizes and in all industries. They report into many different groups, and many are finding homes . . .

For Application Development & Program Management Professionals

Just Do It: Modernize Your Requirements Practices

Incorporate Agile Techniques To Better Meet Business Needs In Five Easy Steps

by Dave West, Mary Gerush, April 15, 2009

Developing sound requirements is one of the most important aspects of any software development project. When requirements are clear, concise, and comprehensive, all other aspects of the process are easier and more successful. But requirements approaches . . .

For Application Development & Program Management Professionals

The PMBOK And Agile: Friends Or Foes?

Reconcile The Tension Between The Two To Achieve A Healthy Balance

by Mary Gerush, Dave West, January 22, 2009

Development organizations strive to optimize software delivery. Application development leaders commonly use the Project Management Institute's A Guide To The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). They may also investigate Agile development methodologies . . .

For Application Development & Program Management Professionals

In An Abysmal Economy, Application Development Pros Can Prevail

Three Strategies To Help You Win During Challenging Economic Times

by Mary Gerush, January 14, 2009

We're reading a lot these days about the poor economy and falling stock markets. These tough times can force organizations to make drastic changes in the form of budget cuts, office closings, and staff reductions. At the same time, organizations need . . .

For Application Development & Program Management Professionals

Harness The Power Of Your Business Analysts

A Guide To Building Your Business Analysis Program

by Mary Gerush, December 9, 2008

IT has long known that business analysis is important, but many shops are just beginning to focus on improving their business analysts' skills and practices. Smart application development leaders recognize that strong business analysis results in increased . . .

For Application Development & Program Management Professionals

Find And Grow Great Business Analysts

How To Define, Hire, And Develop The Best

by Mary Gerush, October 22, 2008

It's time to get serious about optimizing your business analysts and their practices. Why? Project success eludes us, and CIOs struggle to improve customer satisfaction and IT's relationship with the business. Businesses are losing money due to poor and . . .

For Application Development & Program Management Professionals

Business Analyst Assessment Workbook  (90 KB XLS)

by Mary Gerush, October 22, 2008

The Business Analyst Assessment Tool, which was produced in conjunction with the October 22, 2008, "Find And Grow Great Business Analysts" report, can be used to evaluate an individual's strengths and weaker points across a set of capabilities, knowledge, . . .

For Application Development & Program Management Professionals

Stretching Your Project Management Muscles

Five Steps To Increase The Flexibility Of Your Project Management Function

by Mary Gerush, July 8, 2008

Business success requires innovation and adaptation, and technology approaches are evolving to keep pace, employing flexible concepts such as service-oriented architecture (SOA) and Agile development methodologies. But, if your project management function . . .