Business Analysis and Modelling

Aims and objectives

Business analysis and modeling are the activities that provide the link between business requirements and information systems design. As such, they are critical to the success of Information Systems projects in a complex and dynamic business environment. This unit examines the contribution of business models and their influence on the role of information systems in value creation. Specifically, it considers strategic intent and outcomes from the perspective of value creation and capture through value networks. Stakeholder management is considered as an essential activity in creating value networks and also an essential consideration in undertaking business analysis and modeling tasks. The unit also covers theoretical and diagrammatic tools that can be used to analyse and model business requirements and processes. It supports a theory-based understanding of business models to anticipate the successful design and implementation of business information systems.

After completing this students should be able to:
• Develop an awareness of the effectiveness of a business model in achieving alignment between information systems and the organisation’s strategic intent
• Explain and put into practice the fundamental principles underlying stakeholder management
• Identify the role of business information systems in value creation
• Demonstrate a developed proficiency in the Use of diagrammatical and theoretical models (such as Rich Pictures, Use Cases, the BCED Framework) to analyse businesses, identify problems/needs and model solutions
• Demonstrate a holistic perspective of business needs and underlying information systems that takes into account the complex and dynamic business environments
• distinguish between the roles of a business analyst and systems analyst and be familiar with the skills, tasks and tools required each role

Teaching methods

This unit will be taught in a variety of modes including face to face, online, distance and blended modes. Delivery of this unit may be through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, laboratories, seminars and online.

Assessment

Assignment 1: Business Models and Business Modelling 30-40%
Assignment 2: Business Modelling Exercise 30-50%
Invigilated Test around case study application 20-30%

Generic skills outcomes

• Analysis skills: Formative feedback provided on analysis demonstrated in drafts/submissions of assessable work.
• Problem solving skills: These skills are practiced during the second assignments and the test. Formative and Summative Feedback is provided on the work submitted.
• Communications skills: Formative Feedback is provided on written expression and clarity of analysis of submitted assignments and contributions to online discussions and chat sessions.
• Ability to work independently: This is facilitated by having open ended assessable work with formative feedback provided on independent work as demonstrated through originality, distinctiveness and depth.
• Ability to handle unfamiliar problems: This is facilitated by having open ended assessable work to develop a holistic perspective of business needs

Content

• Business models, strategic choices, value creation and capture, value networks
• Stakeholder Management in Business Analysis
• Modelling tools and frameworks and levels of abstraction
• Rich pictures, use cases, the BCED framework