More BA Basics and BA/PM Debate

As you read this, you may well be gearing up for the July 4 Independence Day holiday or, if you’re in Canada, winding down after the July 1 Canada Day holiday. Whatever the celebration, I hope a good time was or will be had by all.

In this Business Analyst Times, Bob Wysocki and Glenn Brûlé continue with their respective ongoing series. This time, Bob takes A First Look under the Hood of the BA/PM Position Family. In his last article, he took a general look at the BA/PM “landscape.” In this issue, he defines the six positions he sees in a BA/PM family, looks at the skills required and discusses professional development for the BA/PM position. Glenn continues his Back to Basics series (should that be BAck to BAsics?) with Getting Back to Basics: Fourth Fundamental – Choosing Elicitation Techniques. In this article, he examines the complications, stumbling blocks and other problems inherent to elicitation. But he also offers very constructive tips and help to overcome obstacles in the process.

In Agile Oxymorons, regular blogger, Terry Longo, asks some probing questions about why the BABOK doesn’t have a more prominent role in the lives of BAs and wonders if terminology needs to be clarified. Hiring a BA? Looking for a BA Position? If you’re in either camp, What are Gen X and Y BAs are Looking for in Their Careers? should provide some practical information.

I hope you find some interesting reading in this issue and that we hear from you with your suggestions for future issues.

Many thanks.

Adam R. Kahn
Publisher, Business Analyst Times
[email protected]