If you are interested in business analysis, you may have heard of the concept of methodology. However, if you haven’t, methodology simply entails the phases and tasks of a project’s life cycle. This also includes the deliverables that are to be used with the roles, as well as output for each step and phase. There are many benefits to using methodologies during a project, the major one being the consistency of concepts and practices that form to create a repeatable, reputable process.
Current processes are based upon Objective-Oriented Analysis and Design (basically this is a technical approach for analyzing and creating an application), the Unified Process (basically the framework behind the process of software development), and Joint Application Development Approach (which is a methodology that directly includes the client/user in the creation of the program- often utilizing workshop coined JAD sessions). These themes represent current trends in terms of the methodology services used for quality projects.
Two ways that these themes are implemented on a more practical level are the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and The Joint Application Development Process. So what is UML? Well, Unified Modeling Language is a developmental modeling language that is primarily used in terms of software engineering. It is often referred to as the standard in terms of how to visualize the make of a system/program. Unified Modeling Language was adopted as a standard by the Object Management Group in 1997 and has been widely used since. Furthermore, UML was approved as an ISO standard in 2005. UML is constantly being revised and it is an incredibly important concept to understand if you want to be successful in the world of business analysis. The Joint Application Development (JAD) Process is another important thing to understand in terms of methodology. JAD is a development methodology system that was once used primarily for designing computers, but now can be applied to really any kind of developmental process. So what does it involve? Well, it includes constant interaction with the users and multiple designers of the system being developed. Often, the JAD Process can be furthered by what are called “JAD sessions.” The purpose of JAD, and JAD sessions, is to bring together IT and the business community in a structured workshop setting to extract consensus based requirements.
In addition to the knowledge gained from collaboration, methodology services feature many benefits. These include: faster development (in terms of building software, reusing existing models and using rapid prototyping), higher quality, easier maintenance (as the systems produced are of a higher quality, and you are able to create dialogue between software and business), reduced cost (faster development means less resources and maintenance reduction translates to cost reduction), increased scalability (improved modularization), and accessibility (changes can be made without rebuilding). If you are interested in learning more about methodology services or seeing how your company or project could benefit from methodologies such as UML or JAD, look no further than Pierson Requirements Group. It has an understanding and expertise of modern methodology practices that will improve and shorten your next project’s life cycle.
