Category Archives: Tools and methods

Old-Timey Calculators: Before Electronic Computers (and Even After)

Some time around 2004, as I was bouncing around the country doing data collections and research in support of the simulation and analysis of transportation and security systems, I happened to visit the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History … Continue reading

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Conceptual Modeling Work May Occur In Many Contexts

During a previously-referenced recent conversation I was asked why I refer to certain research, discovery, and data collection activities as “conceptual modeling.” I do so because it is a surprisingly general standard term of art that has its own Wikipedia … Continue reading

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“Where in the Framework Do You Think About How To Add Value?”

I was recently asked this by a very intelligent and insightful individual. My expanded answer follows. The short answer is that I differentiate between the solution and the engagement in several different ways. The solution, and the analysis performed beforehand … Continue reading

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Three Layers of Architecture, and Three Dimensions of Iterative Phase Loops

As I’ve been developing my engagement framework over the past few years, I have sometimes struggled to classify the exact phase in which certain activities take place. Or, more to the point, I have sometimes had difficulty contextualizing multiple different … Continue reading

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Basic Framework Presentation

I found it necessary to put together a shorter introduction to my business analysis framework than my normal, full-length presentation(s). The link is here.

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Decision Modeling

Many business processes require decisions to be made. Decision modeling is about the making and automating of repeatable decisions. Some decisions require unique human judgment. They may arise from unusual or entrepreneurial situations and involve factors, needs, and emotions that … Continue reading

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Decision Analysis

Some decisions are fairly straightforward to make. This is true when the number of factors is limited and when their contributions are well defined. Other decisions, by contrast, involve more factors which contributions are less clear. It is also possible … Continue reading

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Estimation

Estimation is used to try to predict future outcomes related the the iron triangle elements of time, money, and, to a lesser degree quality (or features or performance). The BABOK essentially only discusses the first two. Estimates can be made … Continue reading

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Item Tracking

Item tracking is how participants in an effort monitor what concerns, issues, and tasks are valid and need to be addressed, and who has responsibility. Items can arise in any phase of an engagement and be tracked through any other … Continue reading

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Benchmarking and Market Analysis

Benchmarking involves learning about activities and characteristics across industries, organizations, products, methodologies, and technologies to identify best practices, product options, and competitive requirements. Benchmarking may be performed by comparing the presence or absence of features (which video editing programs can … Continue reading

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