Volume 18 Issue 3    

National / International Connection

By Aaron Whittenberger, CBAP, CSPO - Regional Director, Americas East, IIBA Newsletter, June 2018

History has proven that there is nothing as powerful as a steadfast deadline to get people to accomplish a goal.

The most famous steadfast deadline in recent history was Y2K (year 2000). Midnight, January 1,2000 was coming on time whether you wanted it to or not, whether world-wide systems were ready for it or not. No matter what role you played in the software development life cycle (SDLC); business analysts, project managers, testers, but especially developers....  

Enhance Your BA Career:  Are you ready to capture the new opportunities with agile?  

From BALens by IIBA, August 9, 2018

In the fast-paced world surrounding all areas of business, there is a continual need to bring new and improved products, innovations, and services to customers more effectively and sooner. Organizations around the world are continuing to adopt agile practices to help them rapidly meet the needs of their customers. As the value of agile continues to be further understood, it is expected that there will be an even greater opportunity for organizations to use agile to drive their business success.

“Agile has become mainstream!” said Jas Phul, CBAP, Director, IP & Product Development, International Institute of Business Analysis™ (IIBA®). “Increasing numbers of organizations around the world....

Defining your role as a Business Analyst

Many professionals and organizations understand the value of a business analyst (BA), however, the role itself is still ambiguous to many. There are numerous articles and resources that outline business analysis and the general role of a BA so I won’t be focusing on those aspects. Every organization and industry is unique therefore the needs and expectations for a business analyst can vary greatly. However, there are a few core competencies that remain consistent. The goal of this article is to give BA practitioners (especially new practitioners) an approach to determine what their specific organization expects from them in order to get on the path of success throughout their career...  

The Story Behind User Stories

‘Right’ in quotes, because there really is no right or wrong way to write a User Story. All you have are a set of guidelines and common practices, all of which are only tried and true methods as experienced by your peers.

A User Story is somewhat of an enigma. Primarily, it is meant to be a way to communicate requirements to developers so that they know what to build...  

Chapter Member Spotlight...Bronson Zell, CBAP

                                               Bronson Zell, CBAP

Bronson joined the Bluegrass IIBA Chapter in January 2018. He wished to increase his working knowledge of business analysis as well as network with other BAs. The Bluegrass Chapter serves as a great resource for best practices in the field as defined by the BABOK. It is also an excellent conduit for meeting other practitioners. He then decided to pursue his Certified Business Analysis Professional^™ (CBAP^®) certification. He attended a study group which was offered through the Bluegrass IIBA Chapter's Professional Development Program. He also attended a CBAP Preparation Boot Camp which was hosted through the same program. He passed the CBAP exam on August 10, 2018. Bronson graduated from Indiana University, where he earned...  

 Upcoming events

October 11, 2018 - Bluegrass IIBA - Online BA Gaming!

Let’s have some fun! Bluegrass IIBA Chapter has a new, fun, interactive activity with which you can get involved. Online BA Gaming is a series of online business analysis trivia games.  We have a few different formats of gaming and will play one format each session....

October 17, 2018 - From Waterfall to Agile: A Change in Engagement, Not Result

While Agile (as well as other change driven) methodologies have been in widespread use for more than 15 years, many Business Analysts still have not had an opportunity to practice them; or they have worked on a team that was supposedly Agile, but used the approach haphazardly or incorrectly, picking and choosing pieces they liked without truly evolving the way that they work. This is unfortunately common these days...

October 17, 2018 - Bluegrass IIBA - Leadership Fair 

You are invited to explore leadership opportunities with the Bluegrass IIBA Chapter.  Come learn new leadership and collaboration skills, and learn how business decisions are made at the executive level of an organization...

Local Connection

Nominations Now Open for Bluegrass Business Analysis Hall of Fame!

Nominations are now being accepted from the community for the Bluegrass Business Analysis Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame exists to recognize the those individuals that have given significant individual contribution to the advancement of the business analysis profession within the Bluegrass State of Kentucky. 

If there is someone that exemplifies business analysis within your organization or within the community, nominate them for this prestigious award to recognize their efforts. Nominations are open through October 31, 2018...

Tech Start-Up Legit Apps Launches New Mobile Solutions for School Communication

There’s no such thing as too much communication—or is there? Parents of school-age children are often inundated with information, from newsletters and emails to the school’s website, PTA directory, information on clubs and activities, and updates on social media. And then there are the myriad platforms....  

Louisville's Gerron Hurt wins 'MasterChef' with southern-inspired dishes

Halfway through the two-hour finale of Fox's "MasterChef" season nine, Louisville native Gerron Hurt had a feeling he'd be headed home with the coveted "MasterChef" title and the $250,000 grand prize.

"I am a very humble person, but when I got to the finale, I walked into the studio feeling....    

BA Humor

Beginning in August 2016, members are able to attend Bluegrass IIBA Chapter meetings for free (some restrictions apply). Remember to renew your membership to continue to enjoy the benefits of membership. Do you have more than 10 professionals who perform business analysis in your organization?  Then the IIBA Corporate Membership and Bluegrass IIBA Corporate Membership programs may be for you.

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