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		<title>A Business Analyst’s Approach to a System Migration Project</title>
		<link>https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/system-migration-project/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Brandenburg]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2026 12:29:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/?p=38152</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>System migration projects are one of the most common and most complex project types a business analyst will encounter. Whether your organization is consolidating tools, upgrading to a more robust platform, or finally moving off [&#8230;]</p>
The post <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/system-migration-project/">A Business Analyst’s Approach to a System Migration Project</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com">Bridging the Gap</a>.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">System migration projects are one of the most common and most complex project types a business analyst will encounter. Whether your organization is consolidating tools, upgrading to a more robust platform, or finally moving off of spreadsheets and manual processes, the BA&#8217;s role is critical to a successful outcome.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">In this post, we&#8217;ll walk through a practical, step-by-step business analysis approach to a system migration project, including the specific techniques that will serve you best. Watch the video below for a full walkthrough, then use the written guide and free templates to put it into practice.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><figure class="wp-block-embed wp-block-embed-youtube is-type-video is-provider-youtube epyt-figure"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><div class="epyt-video-wrapper"><iframe  id="_ytid_88355"  width="1000" height="563"  data-origwidth="1000" data-origheight="563" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HbyqqtjuP1Q?enablejsapi=1&autoplay=0&cc_load_policy=1&cc_lang_pref=&iv_load_policy=1&loop=0&rel=0&fs=1&playsinline=0&autohide=2&theme=dark&color=red&controls=1&disablekb=0&" class="__youtube_prefs__  no-lazyload" title="YouTube player"  allow="fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy="1" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=""></iframe></div></div></figure></p>
<hr class="border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5" />
<h2 class="text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold">What Is a System Migration Project?</h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">A system migration project is when an organization moves from one enterprise system to another. This could mean:</p>
<ul class="[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3">
<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Moving from one vendor&#8217;s software to a competitor&#8217;s platform (for example, migrating a CRM from one tool to another)</li>
<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Consolidating multiple tools into a single all-in-one system</li>
<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Replacing a homegrown or legacy system with a modern enterprise tool</li>
<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Transitioning from manual processes and spreadsheets to a supported, automated system</li>
</ul>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">In each case, the core challenge is the same: making sure the new system supports the business processes, requirements, and data that the old one did while capturing any improvements along the way.</p>
<hr class="border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5" />
<h2 class="text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold">Why Do Companies Migrate From One System to Another?</h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">System migrations don&#8217;t happen in a vacuum. There&#8217;s usually a clear business driver behind the decision. The most common ones include:</p>
<ol class="[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-decimal flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3">
<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"><strong>Mergers and acquisitions</strong> — When one company acquires another, system consolidation is often a key cost-savings objective. Redundant platforms get rationalized.</li>
<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"><strong>Outgrowing the current tool</strong> — A company scales up and needs more features, customization options, or integration capabilities than their current system provides.</li>
<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"><strong>Simplification and consolidation</strong> — Organizations streamline their technology stack to improve interoperability and reduce the overhead of managing multiple systems.</li>
<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"><strong>Executive direction</strong> — Sometimes a leader hears about a new platform at a conference and decides it will solve a problem in their department. (It happens!)</li>
</ol>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Understanding the real driver behind the migration matters. It shapes what &#8220;success&#8221; looks like and helps the BA prioritize what to focus on.</p>
<hr class="border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5" />
<h2 class="text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold">A Business Analyst&#8217;s 8-Step Approach to a System Migration Project</h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Here&#8217;s the <a title="Business Analysis Process Framework: Step-By-Step Guide" href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analysis-process/">8-step business analysis process framework</a> we teach at Bridging the Gap.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analysis-process/"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-37831 size-full" src="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1-BA-Process-updated.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="900" srcset="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1-BA-Process-updated.jpeg 1600w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1-BA-Process-updated-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1-BA-Process-updated-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1-BA-Process-updated-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1-BA-Process-updated-1536x864.jpeg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></a></p>
<p>Let&#8217;s look at how to apply this within the context of a system migration project.</p>
<h3 class="text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold">Understand the Business Objectives for the System Migration</h3>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Start with the &#8220;why.&#8221; What outcomes is the organization trying to achieve with this migration? Ideally, you&#8217;re involved early, even in the tool evaluation and selection process. But even if the new system has already been chosen, you need to understand the expected business outcomes so you can shape the migration to meet them.</p>
<h3 class="text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold">Define Scope of the Migration</h3>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Identify what&#8217;s in and out of scope at a high level. This includes:</p>
<ul class="[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3">
<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Which business processes will be covered</li>
<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">What functional capabilities will be set up and configured in the new system</li>
<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Which systems the new platform will integrate with</li>
<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Whether any data will be migrated, and if so, what</li>
</ul>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Keep it high-level at this stage. You&#8217;ll get into the details later.</p>
<blockquote class="ml-2 border-l-4 border-border-300/10 pl-4 text-text-300">
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="💡" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Pro Tip:</strong> A <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/system-context-diagram/">system context diagram</a> is one of the most useful visual models you can create alongside a scope statement. It maps the new system&#8217;s relationships to surrounding systems, people, and data flows at a glance — making it easy to communicate scope and flag integration risks early.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 class="text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold">Plan Your Work for the System Migration Project</h3>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">With scope defined, build out your project plan. Identify the stakeholders you need to engage, the techniques you&#8217;ll use, and how you&#8217;ll sequence your analysis activities, and start defining the detailed requirements.</p>
<hr class="border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5" />
<h2 class="text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold">Key Requirements Techniques for a System Migration Project</h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The three core technique areas in The Business Analyst Blueprint® are especially well-suited to system migration work:</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37832" src="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2-BA-Blueprint-updated.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1350" srcset="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2-BA-Blueprint-updated.jpeg 1600w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2-BA-Blueprint-updated-300x253.jpeg 300w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2-BA-Blueprint-updated-1024x864.jpeg 1024w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2-BA-Blueprint-updated-768x648.jpeg 768w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2-BA-Blueprint-updated-1536x1296.jpeg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></p>
<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Business Process Analysis for System Migrations</strong></h3>
<p>Understand how people are using the current system today. What are the workflows? What works well? What are the pain points? This current-state analysis is the foundation for designing how processes will work in the new system. Then model the future state to show how workflows will change in the new system.</p>
<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Software Requirements for System Migrations</strong></h3>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Map current system capabilities to the new platform and identify gaps. Document any custom enhancements needed and use prototyping to validate configuration decisions with stakeholders. This is often the lightest-lift area when there&#8217;s an existing system to work from. For any custom enhancements needed in the new tool, document those as requirements. Use prototyping to illustrate key configuration options and validate your understanding with stakeholders.</p>
<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Data Modeling for System Migrations</strong></h3>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">This is often the most time-intensive part of a migration. You&#8217;ll need to:</p>
<ul class="[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3">
<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Understand any differences in data domain between the two systems</li>
<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Complete a <a title="What is Data Mapping?" href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/data-mapping/">data map</a> showing how data fields in the current system translate to the new one</li>
<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">For any integrations, create data maps showing how data flows between systems</li>
</ul>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">These three technique areas, along with an end-to-end business analysis approach, are what we teach inside <a title="The Business Analyst Blueprint training program" href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analyst-blueprint/">The Business Analyst Blueprint® training program</a>.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analyst-blueprint/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-36473 size-full" src="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A.png" alt="" width="1650" height="280" srcset="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A.png 1650w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A-300x51.png 300w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A-1024x174.png 1024w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A-768x130.png 768w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A-1536x261.png 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1650px) 100vw, 1650px" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5" />
<h2 class="text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold">Free Templates to Get You Started on a System Migration Project</h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">We have several free templates in our <a title="The Business Analyst Deliverable Collection (Free)" href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/deliverables/">BA Deliverables collection</a> that are directly applicable to system migration projects:</p>
<ul class="[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3">
<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"><strong>Scope Statement Template</strong> — Define what&#8217;s in and out of scope, document business objectives, and create a clear foundation for your project.</li>
<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"><strong>Business Process Template</strong> — Document current and future-state workflows in a structured, stakeholder-friendly format.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Tutorials to Help You On a System Migration Project</h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">And if you want to go deeper on any of the specific techniques, these video tutorials walk you through them step by step:</p>
<h3>Scope Tutorial</h3>
<p>A 5-part approach to <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/project-scope/">how to scope a project</a> or initiative to gain clarity and build momentum.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A5tRXo6qnH0?si=ekQMAnSRAQ-a7TZ0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Data Mapping Tutorial</h3>
<p>Essential to the data migration aspect of a system migration, a <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/data-mapping/">data map</a> will help you showcase how data flows between information systems.</p>
<h3><iframe loading="lazy" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LKFaa54VoLM?si=n6ZWe45D9NfEPhJI" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><br />
Business Process Tutorial</h3>
<p>Understanding current and future state <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/how-to-analyze-a-business-process/">business processes</a> is key to a successful system migration.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5-r7oQwZ5Uo?si=as_uerleq8rFbqAI" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Entity Relationship Diagram Tutorial</h3>
<p>An <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/erd-entity-relationship-diagram/">entity relationship diagram</a> helps identify key concepts and how they relate to one another, giving you a high-level understanding of the data model of your existing and target system, so you can identify overlaps and inconsistencies before starting to migrate data.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WuZt1X3kztI?si=MBBrF9JgNvrtB85k" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<hr class="border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5" />
<h2 class="text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>What does a business analyst do on a system migration project?</strong><br />
A business analyst on a system migration project is responsible for understanding the business objectives behind the migration, defining scope, analyzing current-state processes and data, documenting requirements for the new system, and ensuring that gaps between the old and new platforms are identified and addressed. The BA bridges the gap between the business stakeholders and the implementation team.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>What requirements techniques are most useful for system migrations?</strong><br />
The three most impactful technique areas are business process analysis (to document current and future workflows), software requirements (to map capabilities and identify gaps), and data modeling (to map data between systems and document integrations). All three are covered in The Business Analyst Blueprint® training program.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>What is a system context diagram and when should I use it?</strong><br />
A system context diagram is a visual model that shows a system and all of the external systems that interact with it. It&#8217;s an excellent tool for communicating scope on a migration project because it makes integration points and system boundaries visible at a glance. It pairs well with a written scope statement.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>What&#8217;s the difference between a data map and an entity relationship diagram?</strong><br />
A data map shows how specific data fields move from one system to another. It&#8217;s about the translation of data during migration or integration. An <a title="How to Create an Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD)" href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/erd-entity-relationship-diagram/">entity relationship diagram (ERD)</a> shows the structure of data within a system — the entities, their attributes, and how they relate to each other. Both can be relevant on a system migration project depending on the complexity of the data involved.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Do I need to document requirements if the new system is an out-of-the-box tool?</strong><br />
Yes! Even with a packaged solution, you&#8217;ll need to document which capabilities will be configured and how, any gaps that require custom development or workarounds, data migration rules, and integration requirements. The format may be lighter than a custom development project, but the analysis is just as important.</p>
<hr class="border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5" />
<h2 class="text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold">Ready to Set Yourself Up for Success on System Migrations?</h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Whether you&#8217;re a solo BA looking to sharpen your skills or you&#8217;re developing your entire business analysis team, <a title="The Business Analyst Blueprint training program" href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analyst-blueprint/">The Business Analyst Blueprint® training program</a> gives you the techniques, templates, and end-to-end approach you need to lead complex projects like system migrations with confidence.</p>
<p>I also offer <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analyst-training-courses/">private cohorts for business analyst teams looking for training.</a></p>The post <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/system-migration-project/">A Business Analyst’s Approach to a System Migration Project</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com">Bridging the Gap</a>.]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Top 10 New Business Analysis Videos for 2025</title>
		<link>https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analysis-videos-2025/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Brandenburg]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:08:31 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[BA Skill Set]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/?p=37946</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>2025 was a year of shorter, high-impact videos &#8211; all specifically for business analysts of course! My goal was to continue to go for depth, just in shorter increments. I started with a series of [&#8230;]</p>
The post <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analysis-videos-2025/">Top 10 New Business Analysis Videos for 2025</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com">Bridging the Gap</a>.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>2025 was a year of shorter, high-impact videos &#8211; all specifically for business analysts of course!</p>
<p>My goal was to continue to go for depth, just in shorter increments. I started with a series of tips from my new book &#8211; <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/value"><em>The Value-Driven Business Analyst</em> &#8211;</a> and then started answering your questions and addressing challenges I was seeing in our community.</p>
<p>What did you think of the change? Please reach out and let me know.</p>
<h2>#10 &#8211; Stop Reinventing Your Business Analysis Approach on Every Project</h2>
<p>While every project is different, reinventing your approach every time only leads to confusion, reactivity, and burnout. Explore how following a flexible framework brings clarity, consistency, and long-term success&#8230;even in fast-moving, diverse environments.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Stop Reinventing Your BA Approach Every Project" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XMcSMnujtDg" width="661" height="1175" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h2><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4cc.png" alt="📌" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> FAQs</h2>
<h3><strong>Question: If every project is unique, why use a structured business analysis process?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: A flexible framework helps you adapt without starting from scratch. It gives you a foundation to build from, so you&#8217;re proactive instead of reactive&#8230;and focused on what the business truly needs, not just what&#8217;s urgent.</p>
<h3><strong>Question: Won’t using a process make me rigid or too formal?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Not at all. The most successful BAs flex their process intuitively. A strong structure gives you freedom because you always know what step to take next, and how to adjust it for your project context.</p>
<h3><strong>Question: What process does<a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/value/"><em> The Value-Driven Business Analyst</em></a> teach?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Laura teaches an eight-step <a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analysis-process/">business analysis process</a> refined across industries and methodologies. It includes deep dives into <a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/how-to-analyze-a-business-process/">business process analysis</a>, software / <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/functional-specification/">functional requirements</a>, and <a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/data-modeling-techniques/">data modeling </a>and it’s designed to scale with your career.</p>
<h2>#9 &#8211; Overwhelmed at the Start of a Project? Watch This</h2>
<p>Explore why overwhelm can be a positive sign and discover one practical, value-focused tip to break through the fog and start leading with confidence.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Overwhelmed at the Start of a Project? Watch This." src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4pjKYTZ0mv8" width="661" height="1175" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h2><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4cc.png" alt="📌" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> FAQs</h2>
<h3><strong>Question: Why is feeling overwhelmed at the start of a project actually a good thing?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Overwhelm often means you&#8217;re absorbing critical context and raw information needed to drive meaningful change. It&#8217;s a natural part of early-stage analysis where ambiguity is high.</p>
<h3><strong>Question: How do I avoid getting stuck in analysis paralysis?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Instead of trying to solve everything at once, focus on identifying <em>just the next decision</em> your team needs to make. This creates momentum and keeps your analysis grounded in immediate value.</p>
<h3><strong>Question: What if stakeholders resist taking a step back to define business objectives?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Reframe the conversation by connecting the objective-setting work to a tangible outcome, like choosing the right system. This positions your analysis as enabling faster, smarter decisions, not slowing things down.</p>
<p><a href="http://bridging-the-gap.com/value"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37836" src="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Launch-Graphic-1-Option-A.png" alt="" width="1080" height="1080" srcset="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Launch-Graphic-1-Option-A.png 1080w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Launch-Graphic-1-Option-A-300x300.png 300w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Launch-Graphic-1-Option-A-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Launch-Graphic-1-Option-A-150x150.png 150w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Launch-Graphic-1-Option-A-768x768.png 768w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Launch-Graphic-1-Option-A-45x45.png 45w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></a></p>
<h2>#7 &#8211; Scoping an AI Project: Don&#8217;t Miss This Step</h2>
<p>Explore how to strategically evaluate generative AI as a solution option during the scoping phase and the <a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/what-questions-do-i-ask-during-requirements-elicitation/">key questions</a> every business analyst should be asking to unlock its real business value.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Scoping AI Projects: Don’t Miss This Step" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AoJQvkz-6Z8" width="661" height="1175" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h2><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4cc.png" alt="📌" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> FAQs</h2>
<h3><strong>Question: Why should business analysts consider AI during project scoping?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Generative AI isn&#8217;t just a trend, it’s a new category of solution that can enhance communication, summarization, simulation, and decision support. Business analysts are uniquely equipped to evaluate whether it&#8217;s the right fit for a business need.</p>
<h3><strong>Question: What types of questions should I ask when scoping an AI-driven solution?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Start with core questions like: What <a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/10-ways-to-discover-what-the-problem-really-is/">problem are we solving</a>? What data do we have? Where can AI be trusted, and where is human review still needed? These help you align the solution to business goals while managing risk and feasibility.</p>
<h3><strong>Question: When is traditional software still the better choice?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Rule-driven, structured processes are often best served by traditional programming. AI shines in creative, iterative, or variable tasks, like drafting content or generating concepts, not rigid workflows.</p>
<h2>#6 &#8211; Scope Creep Starts Small &#8211; Here&#8217;s How to Stop It</h2>
<p>Discover how minor changes can quietly derail a project and how value-driven business analysts reframe the conversation to stay focused, deliver results, and avoid unnecessary complexity.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Scope Creep Starts Small - Here’s How to Stop It" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b5KE80v39rg" width="661" height="1175" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h2><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4cc.png" alt="📌" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> FAQs</h2>
<h3><strong>Question: Why is scope creep such a big issue if the changes seem small?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Small additions often create ripple effects—more testing, more complexity, more documentation—adding friction without delivering real value. Over time, these seemingly minor changes can overwhelm the project.</p>
<h3><strong>Question: How can business analysts prevent scope creep?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Shift the conversation from &#8220;Can we add this?&#8221; to &#8220;What will it cost?&#8221; and &#8220;Is it worth it?&#8221; Use strategic questioning to evaluate impact, trade-offs, and alignment with business objectives before saying yes.</p>
<h3><strong>Question: What should I ask when assessing a scope change?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Ask questions like: Does this support our core objectives? How often will it be used? Are there workarounds? What will we de-prioritize to make space? These help surface hidden costs and keep the project focused.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/scope"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37478" src="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Scope-Statement-Template-2.png" alt="" width="1080" height="1080" srcset="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Scope-Statement-Template-2.png 1080w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Scope-Statement-Template-2-300x300.png 300w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Scope-Statement-Template-2-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Scope-Statement-Template-2-150x150.png 150w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Scope-Statement-Template-2-768x768.png 768w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Scope-Statement-Template-2-45x45.png 45w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></a></p>
<h2>#5 &#8211; Agile is NOT a Business Analysis Process</h2>
<p>Agile may guide how software is delivered, but it doesn’t replace the structured analysis business analysts bring. Explore why the <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analyst-role">business analyst role</a> is more critical than ever&#8230;and how to move beyond “just writing <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/user-stories/">user stories</a>.”</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Agile Is Not a Business Analysis Process" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/90xHWLWpyW4" width="661" height="1175" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h2><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4cc.png" alt="📌" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> FAQs</h2>
<h3><strong>Question: Isn’t agile already a process that includes business analysis?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Agile is a delivery framework—it tells teams how to deliver software, but it doesn&#8217;t provide a process for discovering business needs, analyzing processes, or aligning stakeholders. That’s where <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/agile-business-analyst/">agile business analysis</a> comes in.</p>
<h3><strong>Question: Why do business analysts often feel reduced to “just writing user stories” on agile teams?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: When analysis activities aren’t clearly defined, BAs default to story writing. But without upfront work like clarifying objectives and evaluating options, agile teams risk delivering software that doesn’t meet real <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/ba-stories-do-you-define-the-business-need-babok-5-1/">business needs</a>.</p>
<h3><strong>Question: How can business analysts create more value in agile environments?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Use a value-driven process to guide your work before, during, and between sprints. This ensures you’re not just keeping pace with Agile: you’re enhancing its impact by making sure the right problems are being solved.</p>
<h2>#4 &#8211; Great Requirements Start with Great Questions</h2>
<p>Clear, actionable requirements don’t come from guesswork. They emerge from <a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/what-questions-do-i-ask-during-requirements-elicitation/">smart questions</a> and structured analysis. Explore how value-driven business analysts build credibility by asking what others overlook.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Great Requirements Start with Great Questions" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JcviHMugw_g" width="661" height="1175" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h2><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4cc.png" alt="📌" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> FAQs</h2>
<h3><strong>Question: Why are great questions so important when defining requirements?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: The right question can reveal hidden gaps and spark clarity. It builds trust and credibility, often making the difference between <a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/requirements-documentation/">requirements</a> that drive value and those that miss the mark.</p>
<h3><strong>Question: Where do those great questions come from?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: They come from analysis. By using tools like requirements questionnaires, <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/process-map/">business process maps</a>, and <a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/data-modeling-techniques/">data models</a>, you develop insights that help surface the questions no one else is asking.</p>
<h3><strong>Question: What techniques help uncover hidden or vague requirements?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Techniques like <a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/what-is-a-use-case/">use cases</a>, process models, <a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/what-is-data-mapping/">data maps</a>, and structured working <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/effective-meetings/">meetings</a> give you multiple perspectives on the same requirement&#8230;helping you dig deeper and build stakeholder buy-in.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/freechecklist/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-35767" src="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Free-Requirements-1.png" alt="" width="1080" height="1080" srcset="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Free-Requirements-1.png 1080w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Free-Requirements-1-300x300.png 300w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Free-Requirements-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Free-Requirements-1-150x150.png 150w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Free-Requirements-1-768x768.png 768w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Free-Requirements-1-45x45.png 45w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></a></p>
<h2>#3 &#8211; The #1 Reason Business Analysts Don&#8217;t Get Recognition</h2>
<p>If your work as a business analyst feels overlooked, the issue may not be your effort. It may be that the <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/how-does-a-business-analyst-create-value/">value of business analysis</a> isn’t clearly understood. Explore how to shift that narrative and build recognition through structured, value-driven work.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="The #1 Reason Business Analysts Don’t Get Recognition" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O0Br8uIQSiM" width="661" height="1175" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h2><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4cc.png" alt="📌" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> FAQs</h2>
<h3><strong>Question: Why do so many business analysts feel unrecognized or undervalued?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Often, the value of business analysis isn’t clearly articulated, even by those doing the work. Without a shared understanding, BAs can be sidelined, underutilized, or buried in task work that hides their true contribution.</p>
<h3><strong>Question: How can I better explain the value I bring as a business analyst?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: When you follow a structured, value-driven <a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analysis-process/">business analysis process</a>, it becomes easier to communicate the impact you&#8217;re making, such as reducing rework, aligning stakeholders, and solving the right problem (not just the stated one).</p>
<h3><strong>Question: What’s the first step to earning more recognition as a BA?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Own your role by adopting a repeatable, trusted process—like the 8-step framework in <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/value/"><em>The Value-Driven Business Analyst</em></a>—that helps you lead with clarity, gain confidence, and demonstrate consistent value.</p>
<h2>#2 &#8211; How to Sequence Your Business Analysis Work Strategically</h2>
<p>When everything feels like a priority, it&#8217;s easy to stall out. Discover four practical strategies to sequence your business analysis work with clarity, reduce risk, and keep your project moving forward with purpose.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="How to Sequence Your BA Work Strategically" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q9Juu84GuyE" width="661" height="1175" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h2><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4cc.png" alt="📌" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> FAQs</h2>
<h3><strong>Question: Why is sequencing business analysis work so important?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Without a clear strategy, BAs can create bottlenecks or overlook critical insights. Strategic sequencing helps manage complexity, align teams, and ensure you&#8217;re solving the right problems at the right time.</p>
<h3><strong>Question: What are some effective strategies for sequencing analysis work?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Key strategies include identifying dependencies, working to the critical path, reducing risk early, and generating quick wins. Each helps you balance momentum, clarity, and delivery value.</p>
<h3><strong>Question: How do I know which sequencing strategy to use?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Most projects benefit from a blend. Start by analyzing where ambiguity or risk is highest, what work unlocks progress for others, and where you can deliver early value. Use these insights to build a smart, flexible business analysis plan.</p>
<h2>#1 &#8211; A Simple Business Analyst Mindset That Changes Everything</h2>
<p>Use case thinking isn’t about documentation. It’s about perspective. Uncover how adopting a simple, scenario-focused mindset helps you uncover <a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/incomplete-business-requirements/">missed requirements</a>, align software behavior with real-world use, and add immediate value to any project.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="The Simple BA Mindset That Changes Everything" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aHwpO2XshiQ" width="661" height="1175" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h2><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4cc.png" alt="📌" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> FAQs</h2>
<h3><strong>Question: What is use case thinking, and how is it different from writing use cases?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Use case thinking is a mindset that focuses on how users interact with a system. It’s less about documentation and more about uncovering the hidden steps and edge cases that ensure your solution works in the real world.</p>
<h3><strong>Question: Can I use use case thinking without formal use case documents?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: Absolutely. This mindset can be applied when writing user stories, creating flowcharts, or simply discussing requirements. It helps you ask smarter questions that reveal gaps stakeholders often overlook.</p>
<h3><strong>Question: What kinds of issues does use case thinking help prevent?</strong></h3>
<p>Answer: It helps catch edge cases like forgotten passwords, incomplete forms, or simultaneous data edits that can derail functionality or user experience if missed. It ensures the system behavior aligns with user expectations.</p>
<h2>That&#8217;s a wrap! 10 videos!</h2>
<p><em><strong>What business analysis topics would you like to see us cover next year? Please reach out and let me know.</strong></em></p>
<h2>Ready to go deeper? Join us for The Business Analyst Blueprint training program:</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analyst-blueprint/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-36473" src="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A.png" alt="" width="1650" height="280" srcset="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A.png 1650w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A-300x51.png 300w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A-1024x174.png 1024w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A-768x130.png 768w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A-1536x261.png 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1650px) 100vw, 1650px" /></a></p>The post <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analysis-videos-2025/">Top 10 New Business Analysis Videos for 2025</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com">Bridging the Gap</a>.]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>New Book for Business Analysts: How to Deliver More Value</title>
		<link>https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/value-driven-business-analyst-book/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Brandenburg]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2025 09:00:30 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Tips for Growing Your BA Career]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/?p=37827</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Want to boost your impact as a business analyst? Learn a new approach to delivering real value and staying ahead in a changing world with my newest book: The Value-Driven Business Analyst. Celebrating My New [&#8230;]</p>
The post <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/value-driven-business-analyst-book/">New Book for Business Analysts: How to Deliver More Value</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com">Bridging the Gap</a>.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Want to boost your impact as a business analyst? Learn a new approach to delivering real value and staying ahead in a changing world with my newest book: The Value-Driven Business Analyst.</p>
<style>.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }</style>
<div class="embed-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed//PgT5OV-75nE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>
<h2>Celebrating My New Book &#8211; <em>The Value-Driven Business Analyst</em></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/value/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-37708" src="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Front-Cover-204x300.jpg" alt="" width="204" height="300" srcset="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Front-Cover-204x300.jpg 204w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Front-Cover-697x1024.jpg 697w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Front-Cover-768x1129.jpg 768w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Front-Cover-1045x1536.jpg 1045w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Front-Cover-1394x2048.jpg 1394w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Front-Cover-scaled.jpg 1742w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 204px) 100vw, 204px" /></a>Hi, I&#8217;m Laura Brandenburg with Bridging the Gap, and today I just want to share a little bit more about my new book, <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/value/"><em>The Value Driven Business Analyst</em></a>. It&#8217;s so new that I still don&#8217;t have my actual copy yet, I only have my review copy. But it is very much a real book with tables and diagrams of call outs.</p>
<p>Quite thick and hefty as well. Over, I think, almost 300 pages. And I just wanted to share a bit about why this book, why now we are at such an inflection point in the world, in the profession, in how we do business.</p>
<h2>Why This Book for Business Analysts, Why Now</h2>
<p>There is never been more change, more acceleration, more needs to pivot. What? No matter what kind of organization you are at and what do we need when there&#8217;s change?</p>
<p>We need business hours and we need <a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/good-business-analysts/">good business analysts</a> to focus on <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/how-does-a-business-analyst-create-value/">value</a>. I think this is a time for the BAs to be really elevating the conversation about what business analysis is, and also be 100% committed at every layer of our work to deliver value and to shift how people see us as valuable. And so <i>The Value-Driven Business Analyst </i>is both a collection of practices and techniques.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s a how to guide of how to be a value-driven business analyst, what to actually do on a project or a change initiative. But it is also about how to ensure that you&#8217;re doing those things in a value creating way, and also shifting the perception of the <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analyst-role">business analysis role</a> as you go through the business analysis work.</p>
<h2>The Foundation of the Book: The 8-Step Business Analysis Process</h2>
<p>So I want to share it today a bit about what&#8217;s included at the book, and also how you can go ahead and get your copy and claim some exclusive bonuses. So the foundational structure of the book is the <a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analysis-process/">business analysis process</a>, this eight step framework that goes from this initial idea that comes in the form of an email or maybe a high level document dropped into our lap that we need to get oriented around what this project is, who to include, what our role is, and all the way through.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analysis-process/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37831" src="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1-BA-Process-updated.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="900" srcset="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1-BA-Process-updated.jpeg 1600w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1-BA-Process-updated-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1-BA-Process-updated-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1-BA-Process-updated-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1-BA-Process-updated-1536x864.jpeg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></a></p>
<p>Discovering the business objectives are why we&#8217;re doing this project. Defining scope or what&#8217;s the boundary of what&#8217;s in and out. Super important to get clarity on early on our plan. So as a business analyst, what deliverables will we be creating to, elaborate that scope into a set of implementable details for the solution team and then defining those requirements, which involves discovery, analysis, and validation to make sure everyone is on the same page.</p>
<p>That avoids a lot of rework right there. And then we shift to more of a supportive role where we&#8217;re supporting the tactical implementation and ensuring they are implementing a value driven solution and the business to embrace that solution and adopt it as part of their day to day practice. And then finally, we look at what value was created, what was the ROI on this project, how can I improve my business and off this practice going forward?</p>
<p><em>Learn more about the 8-step business analysis process here:</em></p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cHJkPdBuF4E?si=2h8bxyxmWYymbQ9j" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h2>The Book Also Includes Business Analysis Techniques and Tutorials</h2>
<p>All throughout the book, I&#8217;ve included, call outs and techniques and tutorials, from <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analyst-blueprint/">The Business Analyst Blueprint</a>®, which is a framework of techniques that we teach in detail at Bridging the Gap.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37832" src="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2-BA-Blueprint-updated.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1350" srcset="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2-BA-Blueprint-updated.jpeg 1600w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2-BA-Blueprint-updated-300x253.jpeg 300w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2-BA-Blueprint-updated-1024x864.jpeg 1024w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2-BA-Blueprint-updated-768x648.jpeg 768w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2-BA-Blueprint-updated-1536x1296.jpeg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></p>
<p>So for example, in step one, I&#8217;m getting oriented. There is a technique tutorial on the <a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/glossary/">glossary</a> in step two on discovery the primary business objectives. There is a technique sectorial on a <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/process-map/">process map</a>.</p>
<p>And then there are entire chapters dedicated to the software level where we cover <a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/what-is-a-use-case/">use cases</a>, <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wireframes/">wireframes</a>, <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/user-stories/">user stories</a> and <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/an-agile-experience-my-first-product-backlog/">product backlogs</a>, as well as the information level where we go into the end of the relationship diagram, data map, data dictionary as well as some others. So there&#8217;s a lot of depth in content in this book. It&#8217;s really designed to be a how to manual for you and your business analysis work.</p>
<h2>Generative AI Guidance for BAs Included in the Book</h2>
<p>Now, one thing I wanted to add, because generative AI is such a big deal and it is influencing so much, you really can&#8217;t get away from incorporating AI in some way.</p>
<p>Every chapter has these call outs with ways and ideas for you to enhance your productivity with generative AI, and the early readers has said this is a really great balance of not handing over all my work to AI, but how do I lead and and use and leverage AI as a co-creative partner in my work, and have it help facilitate some of the more Indic mundane aspects of that role?</p>
<p><em>Want to learn more about Generative AI? Check out with my latest video on <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/ai-prompt-engineering/">Prompt Engineering for Business Analysts</a></em>.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wd0V5e6kvh8?si=zu303GU0EGl-3WM1" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>For me? So that&#8217;s a big piece that people have really liked so far when they&#8217;ve seen it. All right.</p>
<h2>How to Get Your Copy of the Book</h2>
<p>The book is available at <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/value/">https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/value/ </a></p>
<p>It&#8217;s also available on Amazon &#8211; in every possible country Amazon allows us to distribute to. You can find country-specific URLs at the link above. Or, if you just search for the &#8220;value driven business analyst&#8221; or my name, &#8220;Laura Brandenburg&#8221; it will show up for you.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/value/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37836" src="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Launch-Graphic-1-Option-A.png" alt="" width="1080" height="1080" srcset="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Launch-Graphic-1-Option-A.png 1080w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Launch-Graphic-1-Option-A-300x300.png 300w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Launch-Graphic-1-Option-A-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Launch-Graphic-1-Option-A-150x150.png 150w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Launch-Graphic-1-Option-A-768x768.png 768w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Launch-Graphic-1-Option-A-45x45.png 45w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></a></p>
<h2>Register Your Book Purchase for Exclusive Bonuses</h2>
<p>And when you get the book, make sure to register your purchase at: <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/value/">https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/value/</a></p>
<p>There will be some exclusive bonuses for you to receive once you register your purchase. And that will allow us to deliver those bonuses for you.</p>
<p>I&#8217;m so super excited to have you be part of the program or a part of the book and part of our reader circle, and part of what we&#8217;re doing at Bridging the Gap.</p>
<p>Please continue to do the great work you&#8217;re doing as a business analyst. We really, truly built our profession, one business analyst at a time, one person, and we changed the world one project at a time. Thank you for doing what you do as a business analyst, and I hope that you&#8217;ll pick up a copy of the book. Thanks so much.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/value/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37838" src="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Book-Quote_Page-292.png" alt="" width="1080" height="1080" srcset="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Book-Quote_Page-292.png 1080w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Book-Quote_Page-292-300x300.png 300w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Book-Quote_Page-292-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Book-Quote_Page-292-150x150.png 150w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Book-Quote_Page-292-768x768.png 768w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Book-Quote_Page-292-45x45.png 45w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></a></p>The post <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/value-driven-business-analyst-book/">New Book for Business Analysts: How to Deliver More Value</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com">Bridging the Gap</a>.]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>AI Prompt Engineering for Business Analysts</title>
		<link>https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/ai-prompt-engineering/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Brandenburg]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 May 2025 12:00:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[BA Skill Set]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured-resource]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/?p=37656</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>If you&#8217;re a business analyst and you know AI is the next skill you need to master—but you’re not sure how to get real, tangible, and useful results—this post is for you. Maybe you’ve tried [&#8230;]</p>
The post <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/ai-prompt-engineering/">AI Prompt Engineering for Business Analysts</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com">Bridging the Gap</a>.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="" data-start="242" data-end="411">If you&#8217;re a business analyst and you know AI is the next skill you need to master—but you’re not sure how to get real, tangible, and useful results—this post is for you.</p>
<p class="" data-start="413" data-end="568">Maybe you’ve tried AI, but the output felt a little off. Or maybe you haven’t even started because it feels overwhelming and you don’t know where to begin.</p>
<p class="" data-start="570" data-end="708">Or perhaps you’re already using AI daily (which is a fantastic practice!), but you still sense there’s untapped potential waiting for you.</p>
<p class="" data-start="710" data-end="932">Here’s the truth: It’s not just about <strong data-start="748" data-end="757">using</strong> AI—it’s about <strong data-start="772" data-end="779">how</strong> you communicate with it. Prompt engineering is a critical skill for business analysts who want to be more purposeful and intentional in how they use AI.</p>
<p class="" data-start="934" data-end="1139">In this post, I’ll walk you through <strong data-start="970" data-end="995">five types of results</strong> you can expect from AI, along with <strong data-start="1031" data-end="1060">practical prompt examples</strong> to help you draft, refine, and even improve a <a href="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/how-to-analyze-a-business-process/">business process</a>. Let’s dive in!</p>
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<div class="embed-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed//Wd0V5e6kvh8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>
<hr class="" data-start="1141" data-end="1144" />
<h2 class="" data-start="1146" data-end="1201">Why Prompt Engineering Matters for Business Analysts</h2>
<p class="" data-start="1203" data-end="1330">AI isn’t magic. It’s powerful, but it needs clear input to give you the right output. That’s where prompt engineering comes in.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1332" data-end="1520">Think of it like this: You wouldn’t give vague requirements to your development team and expect a perfect solution. The same applies to AI. You have to be clear, specific, and intentional.</p>
<hr class="" data-start="1522" data-end="1525" />
<h2 class="" data-start="1527" data-end="1587">The 5 Types of Results Business Analysts Can Get When With Good AI Prompts</h2>
<p class="" data-start="1589" data-end="1678">When you craft your prompts effectively, you can unlock five high-value types of results:</p>
<h3 class="" data-start="1680" data-end="1696">1. Prompt Engineering Opportunity: <strong data-start="1687" data-end="1696">Draft a Deliverable</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="1698" data-end="1882">AI can generate a solid <strong data-start="1722" data-end="1737">first draft</strong> of just about any type of deliverable. Your results improve significantly when you use <strong data-start="1825" data-end="1848">annotated templates</strong> to “train” AI on what you expect.</p>
<blockquote data-start="1884" data-end="2063">
<p class="" data-start="1886" data-end="2063"><strong data-start="1886" data-end="1904">Prompt example</strong>:<br data-start="1905" data-end="1908" /><em data-start="1910" data-end="2063">&#8220;Using this business process template and the instructions provided, please draft a current state business process to enroll new composting customers.&#8221;</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p class="" data-start="2065" data-end="2109">We’ll walk through this one in a demo below.</p>
<hr class="" data-start="2111" data-end="2114" />
<h3 class="" data-start="2116" data-end="2133">2. Prompt Engineering Opportunity: <strong data-start="2123" data-end="2133">Refine A Deliverable</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="2135" data-end="2237">Already have a deliverable? Ask AI to revise or enhance it to meet a specific standard or expectation.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2239" data-end="2355">You can provide specific updates to make, such as improving clarity, applying formatting, or removing passive voice.</p>
<blockquote data-start="2357" data-end="2495">
<p class="" data-start="2359" data-end="2495"><strong data-start="2359" data-end="2377">Prompt example</strong>:<br data-start="2378" data-end="2381" /><em data-start="2383" data-end="2495">“Please revise this document to remove passive voice and ensure every step specifies who performs the action.”</em></p>
</blockquote>
<hr class="" data-start="2497" data-end="2500" />
<h3 class="" data-start="2502" data-end="2531">3. Prompt Engineering Opportunity: <strong data-start="2509" data-end="2531">Identify Questions to Ask Stakeholders</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="2533" data-end="2598">Upload a deliverable, <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/effective-meetings/">meeting notes</a>, or <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/user-stories/">user story</a>, and ask AI:</p>
<blockquote data-start="2599" data-end="2685">
<p class="" data-start="2601" data-end="2685"><em data-start="2601" data-end="2685">“What questions should I be asking to clarify or validate this with stakeholders?”</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p class="" data-start="2687" data-end="2784">This can help you create stronger alignment, reduce ambiguity, and uncover potential risks early.</p>
<hr class="" data-start="2786" data-end="2789" />
<h3 class="" data-start="2791" data-end="2810">4. Prompt Engineering Opportunity: <strong data-start="2798" data-end="2810">Optimize a Process or Solution</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="2812" data-end="2884">Ask AI to suggest improvements based on a particular business objective.</p>
<blockquote data-start="2886" data-end="2993">
<p class="" data-start="2888" data-end="2993"><strong data-start="2888" data-end="2906">Prompt example</strong>:<br data-start="2907" data-end="2910" /><em data-start="2912" data-end="2993">“How can we streamline this process to reduce customer onboarding time by 20%?”</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p class="" data-start="2995" data-end="3063">This shifts AI from a passive assistant to a strategic collaborator.</p>
<hr class="" data-start="3065" data-end="3068" />
<h3 class="" data-start="3070" data-end="3089">5.Prompt Engineering Opportunity: <strong data-start="3077" data-end="3089">Research</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="3091" data-end="3260">Before you even get to deliverables, AI can help you <strong data-start="3144" data-end="3156">research</strong> <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/terminology-is-important/">terminology</a>, <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/new-business-domain/">explore new domains</a>, or understand systems—without accessing any confidential information.</p>
<blockquote data-start="3262" data-end="3383">
<p class="" data-start="3264" data-end="3383"><strong data-start="3264" data-end="3282">Prompt example</strong>:<br data-start="3283" data-end="3286" /><em data-start="3288" data-end="3383">“Explain the typical components of a supply chain management system for the retail industry.”</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p class="" data-start="3385" data-end="3503">And remember: <strong data-start="3399" data-end="3451">Always check your organization’s AI use policies</strong> before inputting any proprietary or sensitive data.</p>
<hr class="" data-start="3505" data-end="3508" />
<h2 class="" data-start="3510" data-end="3566">You Don’t Need Perfectly Engineer Prompts (Just Start Somewhere)</h2>
<p class="" data-start="3568" data-end="3701">Some <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analyst-role">business analysts</a> feel stuck because they think they need to engineer the “perfect prompt” from the beginning. That’s not the case.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3703" data-end="3829">Personally, I treat AI like a <strong data-start="3733" data-end="3758">collaborative partner</strong>. I’ll often write a rough prompt, see what comes back, then revise it based on what I learn</p>
<p class="" data-start="3831" data-end="3855">Here’s a trick I love:</p>
<blockquote data-start="3856" data-end="4019">
<p class="" data-start="3858" data-end="4019"><em data-start="3858" data-end="3950">“What would you say to a highly intelligent high school student to explain what you need?”</em><br data-start="3950" data-end="3953" />That’s usually the right level of detail to give AI clear context.</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="" data-start="4021" data-end="4158">You can also go the other way—invest more time into building a deep, detailed prompt. Both strategies work, and it depends on your style.</p>
<hr class="" data-start="4160" data-end="4163" />
<h2 class="" data-start="4165" data-end="4209">Prompt Engineering Demo: Drafting a Business Process With AI</h2>
<p class="" data-start="4211" data-end="4288">Let’s walk through a real example: using <a href="https://chatgpt.com/">ChatGPT</a> to draft a business process.</p>
<p class="" data-start="4290" data-end="4413">I started with a <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/get-business-process-template/"><strong data-start="4307" data-end="4336">business process template</strong></a>.</p>
<p class="" data-start="4415" data-end="4529">This template includes annotated instructional text, originally written for BAs—but it doubles as guidance for AI.</p>
<blockquote data-start="4531" data-end="4682">
<p class="" data-start="4533" data-end="4572"><strong data-start="4533" data-end="4569">Sections in the template include</strong>:</p>
<ul data-start="4575" data-end="4682">
<li class="" data-start="4575" data-end="4586">
<p class="" data-start="4577" data-end="4586">Purpose</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="4589" data-end="4607">
<p class="" data-start="4591" data-end="4607">Entry criteria</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="4610" data-end="4620">
<p class="" data-start="4612" data-end="4620">Inputs</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="4623" data-end="4648">
<p class="" data-start="4625" data-end="4648">Activity descriptions</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="4651" data-end="4670">
<p class="" data-start="4653" data-end="4670">Exception flows</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="4673" data-end="4682">
<p class="" data-start="4675" data-end="4682">Outputs</p>
</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<p class="" data-start="4675" data-end="4682"><strong style="font-size: 16px;">Interested in learning more? Check out this video tutorial on analyzing a business process. </strong></p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed wp-block-embed-youtube is-type-video is-provider-youtube epyt-figure"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><div class="epyt-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy"  id="_ytid_67779"  width="1000" height="563"  data-origwidth="1000" data-origheight="563" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5-r7oQwZ5Uo?enablejsapi=1&autoplay=0&cc_load_policy=1&cc_lang_pref=&iv_load_policy=1&loop=0&rel=0&fs=1&playsinline=0&autohide=2&theme=dark&color=red&controls=1&disablekb=0&" class="__youtube_prefs__  no-lazyload" title="YouTube player"  allow="fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy="1" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=""></iframe></div></div></figure>
<h3 class="" data-start="4684" data-end="4725">Step 1: Upload the Annotated Template and Write Your Prompt</h3>
<p class="" data-start="4727" data-end="4777">I uploaded the template and gave AI a prompt like:</p>
<blockquote data-start="4779" data-end="4917">
<p class="" data-start="4781" data-end="4917"><em data-start="4781" data-end="4917">“Using this template and the instructions provided, please draft a current state business process to enroll new composting customers.”</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p class="" data-start="4919" data-end="5029">I also included a few sample steps and business rules I already knew, just to steer AI in the right direction.</p>
<hr class="" data-start="5031" data-end="5034" />
<h3 class="" data-start="5036" data-end="5070">Step 2: Review the First Draft</h3>
<p class="" data-start="5072" data-end="5093">The output was solid:</p>
<ul data-start="5095" data-end="5216">
<li class="" data-start="5095" data-end="5122">
<p class="" data-start="5097" data-end="5122">Clear purpose statement</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="5123" data-end="5155">
<p class="" data-start="5125" data-end="5155">Defined start and end points</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="5156" data-end="5186">
<p class="" data-start="5158" data-end="5186">Good activity descriptions</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="5187" data-end="5216">
<p class="" data-start="5189" data-end="5216">Useful exception handling</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-start="5218" data-end="5269">But I noticed a few areas for improvement, such as:</p>
<ul data-start="5271" data-end="5492">
<li class="" data-start="5271" data-end="5342">
<p class="" data-start="5273" data-end="5342">A step was written in passive voice: <em data-start="5310" data-end="5340">“Once billing is confirmed…”</em></p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="5343" data-end="5428">
<p class="" data-start="5345" data-end="5428">Exception flows were embedded in activity steps rather than referenced separately</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="5429" data-end="5492">
<p class="" data-start="5431" data-end="5492">Some ambiguity remained around responsibility for key actions</p>
</li>
</ul>
<hr class="" data-start="5494" data-end="5497" />
<h3 class="" data-start="5499" data-end="5528">Step 3: Prompt AI to Refine the Output</h3>
<p class="" data-start="5530" data-end="5565">So I asked AI to make four updates:</p>
<ol data-start="5567" data-end="5783">
<li class="" data-start="5567" data-end="5598">
<p class="" data-start="5570" data-end="5598">Number the exception flows</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="5599" data-end="5682">
<p class="" data-start="5602" data-end="5682">Remove exception details from activity descriptions and reference them instead</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="5683" data-end="5730">
<p class="" data-start="5686" data-end="5730">Rewrite passive language into active steps</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="5731" data-end="5783">
<p class="" data-start="5734" data-end="5783">Review the entire process for similar ambiguities</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p class="" data-start="5785" data-end="5975">The updated version was cleaner, clearer, and easier to follow. Was it perfect? No. But I’d reached the <strong data-start="5889" data-end="5921">point of diminishing returns</strong>—and it made sense to finish the refinements manually.</p>
<hr class="" data-start="5977" data-end="5980" />
<h2 class="" data-start="5982" data-end="6061">Final Thoughts: Let AI Do the Heavy Lifting (But Keep the Analyst in Charge)</h2>
<p class="" data-start="6063" data-end="6220">You’re not asking AI to be perfect. You’re using it to <strong data-start="6118" data-end="6142">accelerate your work</strong> so you can focus on analysis, decision-making, and stakeholder collaboration.</p>
<p data-start="6063" data-end="6220">And as you learn and get better at engineering prompts for your work as a business analyst, you are going to be more prepared to help your teams and your stakeholders do the same. And that&#8217;s what you know coming next. There are already some organizations that are on the leading edge of deploying AI within their businesses, within their business processes, and there&#8217;s some great business analysts doing that work.</p>
<p data-start="6063" data-end="6220">But if your organization is not, the skill set to focus on now is prompt engineering.</p>
<p class="" data-start="6222" data-end="6302">The more intentional you are with your prompts, the better your results will be. AI needs context and will do better when you are specific about what you want as a result. Annotated templates are a great way to train AI on what you expect.</p>
<hr class="" data-start="6304" data-end="6307" />
<h2 class="" data-start="6309" data-end="6327">Ready to Start?</h2>
<p class="" data-start="6329" data-end="6485">Grab the free <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/get-business-process-template/"><strong data-start="6343" data-end="6372">Business Process Template</strong></a>, try the prompt examples above, and begin using AI more confidently today.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/get-business-process-template/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-35762 aligncenter" src="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Business-Process-1-300x300.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Business-Process-1-300x300.png 300w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Business-Process-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Business-Process-1-150x150.png 150w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Business-Process-1-768x768.png 768w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Business-Process-1-45x45.png 45w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Business-Process-1.png 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a></p>
<h2>Looking for More Guidance on How to Engineer Prompts? Use AI to Draft a Scope Statement</h2>
<p>A strong AI skill set will support you in thriving in a continued career as a business analyst. If you do want even more help on amplifying your value and being more strategic and thinking ahead about what&#8217;s coming both with AI but also with strategic business analysis, I have a video on creating a <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/project-scope/">scope document</a> that will really help you be more forward thinking and proactive about managing scope.</p>
<p>And in this video, I share another example of how to engineer an AI prompt to draft documentation.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A5tRXo6qnH0?si=ekQMAnSRAQ-a7TZ0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>The post <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/ai-prompt-engineering/">AI Prompt Engineering for Business Analysts</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com">Bridging the Gap</a>.]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>{Workshop} Mastering the Business Analysis Plan</title>
		<link>https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/workshop-mastering-the-business-analysis-plan/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Brandenburg]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Apr 2025 20:12:44 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/?p=37635</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>I’m doing something special on April 23, and I wanted to be sure you heard all about it! I’m hosting an exclusive, bonus interactive workshop for everyone who joins The Business Analyst® training program by [&#8230;]</p>
The post <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/workshop-mastering-the-business-analysis-plan/">{Workshop} Mastering the Business Analysis Plan</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com">Bridging the Gap</a>.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p id="ember2593" class="ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph">I’m doing something special on April 23, and I wanted to be sure you heard all about it!</p>
<p id="ember2594" class="ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph">I’m hosting an exclusive, bonus interactive workshop for everyone who joins <a class="onRHPXypfWLuNOCinrLJfqDJJJaXLBUXSKz " tabindex="0" href="http://www.bridgin-the-gap.com/business-analyst-blueprint" target="_self" data-test-app-aware-link="">The Business Analyst® training program</a> by Tuesday, April 22, 2025.</p>
<p id="ember2595" class="ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph">It’s called:</p>
<p id="ember2596" class="ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Mastering the Business Analysis Plan</strong></p>
<p id="ember2597" class="ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Hands-On, Interactive Virtual Workshop</strong></p>
<p id="ember2598" class="ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph" style="text-align: center;">Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 1-4 Eastern</p>
<p class="article-editor-content__paragraph">Approach your next project with clarity and purpose using practical strategies and tools. This 3-hour hands-on workshop will equip you with the tools and strategies to define, plan, and execute your business analysis work effectively while leveraging generative AI to streamline the process.</p>
<p class="article-editor-content__paragraph"><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p>
<ul class="article-editor-content__bullet-list">
<li class="article-editor-content__list-item">
<p class="article-editor-content__paragraph"><strong>Define Deliverables:</strong> Identify the types of deliverables your project requires, tailored to your methodology and scope, while ensuring comprehensive coverage of the project’s needs.</p>
</li>
<li class="article-editor-content__list-item">
<p class="article-editor-content__paragraph"><strong>Engage Stakeholders:</strong> Map out which stakeholders need to be involved, define their roles, and gain alignment for your analysis effort.</p>
</li>
<li class="article-editor-content__list-item">
<p class="article-editor-content__paragraph"><strong>Estimate the Work:</strong> Develop accurate estimates for your analysis work, creating realistic expectations for you and your team.</p>
</li>
<li class="article-editor-content__list-item">
<p class="article-editor-content__paragraph"><strong>Sequence the Work into a Timeline:</strong> Plan and sequence your analysis tasks, building a timeline that supports team success and project goals.</p>
</li>
<li class="article-editor-content__list-item">
<p class="article-editor-content__paragraph"><strong>Engineer AI Prompts:</strong> Discover how to use genAI tools to streamline your planning process. Participants will receive prompt templates and examples.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="article-editor-content__paragraph">You’ll leave this virtual, interactive workshop with a clear, actionable plan to bring structure and clarity to your business analysis efforts.</p>
<p class="article-editor-content__paragraph"><strong>You’ll receive access to this exclusive workshop at no extra charge, when you complete your registration for The Business Analyst Blueprint® training program, <em>by Tuesday, April 22, 2025.</em></strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analyst-blueprint/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-36473 size-large" src="http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A-1024x174.png" alt="" width="1024" height="174" srcset="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A-1024x174.png 1024w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A-300x51.png 300w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A-768x130.png 768w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A-1536x261.png 1536w, https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Blueprint-Blog-Graphic-A.png 1650w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></p>
<p class="article-editor-content__paragraph">If you are already an active participant or member in <strong>The Business Analyst Blueprint® training program</strong> you also get to join the workshop!</p>
<p class="article-editor-content__paragraph article-editor-content__has-focus">If you are a past participant in the program and want to join the workshop, message me about exclusive (and discounted) membership options that include workshop access.</p>The post <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/workshop-mastering-the-business-analysis-plan/">{Workshop} Mastering the Business Analysis Plan</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bridging-the-gap.com">Bridging the Gap</a>.]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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