BCS International Diploma in
Business Analysis

Introduction

BCS International diploma is aimed at professionals who wish to demonstrate that they have a detailed understanding of business analysis best practice.

This diploma covers K1–K5 levels of knowledge.

Levels of Knowledge:

  • K6: Evaluate
  • K5: Synthesise
  • K4: Analyse
  • K3: Apply
  • K2: Understand
  • K1: Remember

Example:

K1: What is the definition of a business case?

K2: What is the purpose of producing a business case before initiating a project?

K3: In the scenario of a bank digital transformation project, how would you organise a workshop to identify the solution requirements?

K4/K5: If you were at the start of a new business analysis assignment to help improve the effectiveness of a particular business area, what would you do first?

Syllabus

This Section includes the syllabus with links to various stories about Unhappy Bank’s digital transformation journey. Each section covers a different aspect of the project, providing valuable insights and real-world examples to help you prepare for the BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis. At the end of each section, there is a test designed to help you test your knowledge.

  1. The Business Context (K4/K5)

1.1 Explain the rationale for business analysis.

1.2 The holistic view of a business system

1.3 Competencies of a business analyst

1.4 Professionalism in business analysis

1.5 Business environment analysis

1.6 SWOT analysis

1.7 Business performance measurement

1.8 Business analysis within the lifecycle for business change

Test for Section 1 “The Business Context”



3. Business Case Development

3.1 Rationale for making a business case

3.2 Contents of a business case

3.3 Options

3.4 The financial case

3.5 Investment appraisal techniques

3.6 Risk analysis

3.7 Impact analysis

3.8 Lifecycle for the business case

Test for Section 3 Business Case Development



5. Requirements Management and Documentation

5.1 Requirements management

5.2 Change control

5.3 Version control

5.4 Tools in requirements management

5.5 Types of requirements

5.6 Legal issues and business analysis

5.7 Documenting requirements

5.8 Requirements modelling

Test for Section 5 Requirements Management and Documentation

6. Practitioner Specialism (K2/K3)

How is the module of business analysis diploma by BCS support the role of the business analyst?

The Business Analysis Diploma offered by BCS (British Computer Society) is a comprehensive program that aims to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform the role of a business analyst effectively. The program covers a wide range of topics related to business analysis, including business strategy, requirements engineering, business architecture, stakeholder management, and business process modeling.

By completing the Business Analysis Diploma program, a business analyst can benefit in several ways. Firstly, the program provides a solid foundation in the key concepts, techniques, and tools used in business analysis. This enables the business analyst to better understand the business environment, identify business problems, and propose effective solutions.

Secondly, the program equips the business analyst with the skills and knowledge required to engage with stakeholders effectively. This includes the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, negotiate and manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders.

Thirdly, the program emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and learning. Business analysts who complete the program are encouraged to continue their professional development and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

Overall, the Business Analysis Diploma by BCS provides a comprehensive and structured approach to developing the skills and knowledge required to perform the role of a business analyst effectively. The program supports the role of the business analyst by providing a solid foundation in key concepts, tools, and techniques, as well as emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement, continuous improvement, and professional development.

Why the techniques, methods and models studied in the business analysis diploma by BCS bring greater clarity?

  1. They provide a structured approach: The program teaches a structured approach to business analysis, which enables business analysts to follow a clear and logical path when analyzing business problems. This structured approach helps bring greater clarity to the analysis process and makes it easier for business analysts to identify the root causes of problems.
  2. They offer a common language: The program introduces a common language for business analysis, which helps to reduce ambiguity and misunderstandings when communicating with stakeholders. When everyone involved in the analysis process speaks the same language, it becomes easier to understand each other and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
  3. They provide a framework for analysis: The program introduces various techniques, methods, and models that provide a framework for business analysis. These frameworks provide a clear structure for analyzing business problems, identifying requirements, and proposing solutions. By following these frameworks, business analysts can bring greater clarity to the analysis process and ensure that all relevant factors are considered.
  4. They promote consistency: The program emphasizes the importance of consistency in business analysis. By following a consistent approach and using standardized techniques and methods, business analysts can ensure that their analysis is thorough and comprehensive. This consistency helps to bring greater clarity to the analysis process and makes it easier for stakeholders to understand and evaluate the proposed solutions.

Overall, the techniques, methods, and models studied in the Business Analysis Diploma program bring greater clarity by providing a structured approach, a common language, a framework for analysis, and consistency in the analysis process. By following these principles, business analysts can ensure that their analysis is thorough, comprehensive, and easy to understand for all stakeholders.

How the Business Analysis Diploma program offered by BCS that they studied is relevant to a digital transformation project of a bank

  1. It provides a comprehensive understanding of business strategy: Digital transformation projects require a deep understanding of the bank’s business strategy, objectives, and goals. The Business Analysis Diploma program provides business analysts with the knowledge and skills required to analyze business strategy, identify gaps and opportunities, and propose effective solutions.
  2. It emphasizes requirements engineering: Requirements engineering is a critical aspect of digital transformation projects, as it helps to ensure that the new digital systems and processes meet the bank’s business needs. The Business Analysis Diploma program teaches business analysts the techniques and tools required to elicit, analyze, and manage requirements effectively.
  3. It covers business process modeling: Digital transformation projects often involve redesigning existing business processes to make them more efficient and effective. The Business Analysis Diploma program covers business process modeling, which helps business analysts to understand the bank’s current processes, identify areas for improvement, and design new processes that align with the bank’s strategic objectives.
  4. It includes stakeholder management: Digital transformation projects involve multiple stakeholders, including senior management, IT teams, and end-users. The Business Analysis Diploma program teaches business analysts the skills and techniques required to manage stakeholders effectively, communicate with them clearly, and build strong relationships with them.
  5. It emphasizes continuous improvement: Digital transformation is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement and adaptation. The Business Analysis Diploma program emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, and provides business analysts with the skills and knowledge required to monitor, evaluate, and improve the digital systems and processes implemented as part of the project.

Overall, the Business Analysis Diploma program offered by BCS is highly relevant to a digital transformation project of a bank. It equips business analysts with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to analyze business strategy, requirements, and processes, manage stakeholders effectively, and ensure that digital systems and processes are continuously improving to meet the bank’s evolving needs.