IFN562 Advanced Business Analysis
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | IFN562 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | (IFN585 or (IFN552 and IFN558) or (IFN552 and IFN554) or (IFQ552 and IFQ558) or (IFQ552 and IFQ554)) OR (admission into IN14 or IN17 or IN23 or IN25 or PM20 or PQ20 or PV20 or PV21) |
| Equivalent(s): | IFQ562 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | IFN562 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (IFN585 or (IFN552 and IFN558) or (IFN552 and IFN554) or (IFQ552 and IFQ558) or (IFQ552 and IFQ554)) OR (admission into IN14 or IN17 or IN23 or IN25 or PM20 or PQ20 or PV20 or PV21) |
| Equivalent: | IFQ562 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Basic IT skills and knowledge |
| Coordinator: | Jason Watson | ja.watson@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Business Analysis is a fast-developing domain. With the increased usage of digital technologies, IT graduates need to have multidisciplinary skills in Business, Process & Project Management and be able to devise innovative business solutions that align with the needs and values of the corporation.The Advanced Business Analysis unit aims to develop knowledge in using digital technologies, as well as skills in interpreting and reflecting the different perspectives – both internal and external to the organisation. The unit focuses on building problem-solving ability, analytical and communication skills, and technical capabilities. This unit is balanced with theoretical and practical aspects of business analysis. The unit is fundamental for future business analysts.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse an organisational context to determine users and stakeholders’ needs including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and diagnose organisational problem/s and to identify opportunities.
- Elicit organisational, user and stakeholder requirements to identify a problem or opportunity in an organisational context, using digital tools (including AI), to support analysis and engagement
- Develop abstract representations of organisational processes, systems and data using established business analysis techniques.
- Ideate and critically evaluate a range of solutions to make well-justified recommendations to decision makers.
- Demonstrate well-developed written, visual, and verbal communication skills, including the use of AI tools, to gather requirements, present solutions and create implementation plans.
- Collaborate effectively in a team environment to produce a cohesive outcome to meet organisational needs.
Content
The unit will introduce you to topics such as business analysis lifecycle,strategic business analysis and portfolio management, requirement elicitation, requirement verification & evaluation, BA approach, stakeholder management, performance metrics, future state analysis, target operating model, and feasibility study. The unit will provide you with an opportunity to apply your learning to real life case studies. This unit will develop specific skills in business analysis as well as general skills in critical and creative thinking, teamwork, presentation and writing skills.
Learning Approaches
The unit develops BA skills that are in high demand in the industry. The unit uses real-life case studies in the lectures, tutorials and for the assessments.These cases are designed to encourage you to actively engage in authentic problem solving, innovation to develop robust IT solutions. The learning activities are designed to underpin key theoretical concepts and are delivered through a range of facilitation approaches, supported by relevant industry examples. The tutorials are designed to apply the techniques using a hands-on approach. The unit provides a range of additional support mechanisms such as drop-in sessions, online discussion forums, opportunity to engage with practitioners and a comprehensive list of reference resources.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You may obtain feedback on your progress throughout the unit in the following ways:
- teaching staff will be available for advice and assistance during lectures and tutorial sessions
- feedback will be given by teaching staff during the weekly tutorial exercises
- assessment items will be returned to you promptly with comments on your progress
- teaching staff will be available for private consultation outside the lecture and tutorial sessions.
Assessment
Overview
You will analyse a real-world (or equivalent) case study to identify the current Business issues, which will be followed by a comprehensive analysis using BA life cycle. You will recommend solutions to overcome the identified gaps and address opportunities. The structure of the assessment (tasks and questions) is designed by the unit coordinator with contribution from industry experts to ensure that the assessment reflects real-world BA practices. You will need to use appropriate tools, methods, techniques, and analytical frameworks to develop your business case. We expect you to demonstrate competency in executing the various tools and techniques and out-of-the-box thinking in your work. You should reflect on your learning and skills throughout the entire process, and will be asked to review the effectiveness of the outputs. Extra support is provided through the alignment of the tutorial activities, sample cases, drop-in sessions and online discussion forums, and we encourage peer-to-peer learning, just as much as getting feedback for progressive work from the teaching staff.
This unit will further develop your teamwork capabilities through authentic Business Analysis activities that require collaboration to achieve successful outcomes. Supported by tutorial exercises, tutor guidance, and formative feedback, you will develop the communication, coordination, negotiation, and collaboration skills required to analyse organisational problems, reconcile stakeholder perspectives, and produce integrated recommendations and deliverables. The effectiveness of your contribution to team collaboration will be assessed independently using multiple evidence sources such as: reflective accounts of team processes and individual contributions, and participation in the assessed Q&A activity.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Strategic and Business Needs Analysis
In this assessment, you will complete a Strategic and Business Needs Analysis using the Business Analysis Lifecycle. Working in a group, you will produce a written report that investigates an organisational problem, analyses the current and future states, evaluates solution options, and recommends a preferred direction. You will also communicate your analysis and recommendations through a presentation and reflective summary in response to some key questions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
With the exception of the presentation component, this assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Requirements Analysis and Design (including oral and Q&A)
In this assessment, you will complete a requirements elicitation, analysis, validation, and transition report for the solution identified in Assignment One. This assessment builds on the defined problem context and proposed solution, and focuses on how the solution is understood, structured, validated, and prepared for implementation. You will also communicate your analysis, and recommendations through a group recorded presentation and participate in an Individual Oral Q&A with your tutor.
The effectiveness of your contribution to team collaboration will be assessed independently using a combination of strategies such as: peer feedback, reflective accounts of team processes and individual contributions, and participation in the assessed Q&A activity.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
With the exception of the oral component, this assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
International Institute of Business Analysis. (2015). Babok v3: A guide to business analysis body of knowledge (Version 3). IIBA. ISBN 9781927584026
Paul, D., & Cadle, J. (2020). Business analysis (Fourth edition). BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. ISBN 9781780175102
Project Management Institute (Ed.). (2023). Business analysis for practitioners: A practice guide (Second edition). Project Management Institute. ISBN 9781628258080
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with studying this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.IN20 Master of Information Technology
- Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in at least one information technology discipline.
Relates to: ULO2, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis - Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including oral and Q&A) - Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex IT systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including oral and Q&A) - Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others.
Relates to: ULO6, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including oral and Q&A) - Communicate effectively in IT professional and scholarly contexts to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, visual and oral formats.
Relates to: ULO5, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including oral and Q&A) - Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
Relates to: Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including oral and Q&A) - Create positive change through critically reflecting upon and actioning responses to the social, cultural, ethical, sustainability, legal and accessibility issues in the IT field, including how they relate to First Nations Australians and diverse populations.
Relates to: ULO1, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including oral and Q&A)
IN25 Graduate Certificate in Business Process Management
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of Business Process Management discipline
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including oral and Q&A) - Investigate and apply BPM specific process analysis, design, and problem-solving skills to develop inclusive solutions to address complex business problems
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including oral and Q&A) - Work effectively in both self-directed and collaborative contexts
Relates to: ULO2, ULO6, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including oral and Q&A) - Communicate professionally in written, visual and oral formats.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO5, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including oral and Q&A) - Demonstrate professional and ethical aptitude, sustainability values and judgement when employing BPM knowledge and skills
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including oral and Q&A)