Process Analysis and Problem Solving

Topic

Process Analysis and Problem Solving

Instructions

Read chapter 4 of Business Analysis (Paul, Cadle and Yeates, 2014).
Technique 90 (Cultural analysis) and 8 (McKinsey 7-S analysis for example) from Business Analysis Techniques (Cadel, Paul and Turner, 2014).
You may wish to peruse technique 31-34 (Stakeholder analysis) from Business Analysis Techniques (Cadel, Paul and Turner, 2014)
The business analysis process model has the business context as the overriding starting point to direct the model. So we, the business analyst must be aware of the Mission, Objective, Strategy and Tactics (MOST) or an added term Vision (VMOST).
What are some of the possible techniques you would utilise to enhance the understanding of the business context? How would you utilize them and why? Please give real world example/s to further explain your ideas with
references. 350-450 words not including references.
Suggested starting points:
http://www.strategyconsultingltd.com/business-consulting/m-o-s-tanalysis-explained/
Chapter 3: Business Analysis Techniques (Cadel, Paul and Turner, 2014)

Answer preview

Techniques that could be used to enhance the understanding of the business context include activity diagrams, mind maps, rich pictures and Ishikawa diagrams (Cadle, Paul, & Turner, 2010). Rich pictures would be used to document important factors in the business context. For instance, if there were issues of concern or contention in the business situation, a rich map would clearly show all aspects of the business using annotations and symbols in order to clearly document where misunderstandings were arising from. Conversely, mind maps would be used to show relationships between members of staff, their units, and the equipment or tools that they use on an everyday basis. This would help to clarify the responsibilities of each member in the different divisions of the business.

Word count: 521