IFQ562 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: | IFQ562 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | IFQ585 or IFN585 or (IFQ552 and IFQ558) or (IFN552 and IFN558) or Admission to IN14 or IQ14 or IN17 or IN31 or IN25 or PQ20 or PM20 or PV20 or PV21 |
| Equivalent(s): | IFN562 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,116 |
| International unit fee | $5,616 |
Unit Outline: Session 1 2026, QUT Online, Online
| Unit code: | IFQ562 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | IFN585 or (IFN552 and IFN558) or (IFQ552 and IFQ558) or Admission to IN14 or IQ14 or IN17 or IN23 or IN25 or PQ20 or PM20 |
| Equivalent: | IFN562 or IAB204 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Basic IT skills and knowledge |
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 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.
- 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 to gather requirements, present solutions and create implementation plans.
- Collaborate 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, team work, 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 students to actively engage in authentic problem solving, innovation to develop robust IT solutions. The lectures are designed to underpin theoretical concepts supported by 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
In this fully online unit, you will have the opportunity to learn through active engagement with the interactive learning resources, peer learning, moderated and facilitated online discussions, learning events and self-directed learning materials.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in this unit is provided in the following ways:
- You can ask the teaching staff for advice and assistance during lectures and practical sessions.
- You will receive formative peer and academic feedback on your practical exercises conducted in labs.
- You will receive written feedback on submitted assessment items.
- You can request private consultation with teaching staff.
Assessment
Overview
You will analyse a real-world case study to identify the current Business issues, which will be followed by a comprehensive analysis using BA lifecycle. 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. Students should reflect on their learning and skills throughout the entire process, and will be asked to review the effectiveness of the outputs. Extra support is provided through private consultations, and online discussion forums, and we encourage peer-to-peer learning, just as much as getting feedback for progressive work from the online facilitator.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Requirement Analysis
This group assessment is focused on the analysis of business needs and requirements. You are required to develop, based on a real business problem and through various data gathering techniques, a business requirements document detailing the scope of analysis, the current business situation and needs within the established scope.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Solution Design and Evaluation
This group assessment requires you to propose an appropriate IT solution, detailing and arguing how the business requirements identified will be addressed by the solution. As as team you will develop a comprehensive business case for your recommended solution. Teams are expected to prepare and deliver a short presentation for the sponsor.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
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)
IIBA (2015) A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide) 3rd Edition, International
Institute of Business Analysis, ISBN: 978-1927584026
Milani, F. (2019). Digital Business Analysis. Springer International Publishing.
PMI (2015) Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide, Project Management Institute. ISBN: 978-
1628250695
Paul, Cadle, and Yeates (2014) Business Analysis, BCS Learning & Development Limited. ISBN: 978-
1780172774
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with studying this unit.
Unit Outline: Session 3 2026, QUT Online, Online
| Unit code: | IFQ562 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | IFQ585 or IFN585 or (IFQ552 and IFQ558) or (IFN552 and IFN558) or Admission to IN14 or IQ14 or IN17 or IN31 or IN25 or PQ20 or PM20 or PV20 or PV21 |
| Equivalent: | IFN562 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Basic IT skills and knowledge |
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 ethical 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 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
In this fully online unit, you will have the opportunity to learn through active engagement with the interactive learning resources, peer learning, moderated and facilitated online discussions, learning events and self-directed learning materials. Activities include numerous short videos, podcasts and exercises carefully chosen to reinforce key skills and concepts. You will have the opportunity to participate in online discussions with peers and teaching staff.
The unit develops BA skills that are in high demand in the industry. The unit uses real-life case studies in the pre-recorded lectures, self-paced learning activities and for the assessments. These cases are designed to encourage students to actively engage in authentic problem solving, innovation to develop robust IT solutions. The pre-recorded lectures are designed to underpin theoretical concepts supported by industry examples. The self-paced learning activities are designed to help you 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
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in this unit is provided in the following ways:
- formative in-class individual and whole-of-class feedback provided by unit staff during discussion activities
- responses to questions posed through the unit communication channel from your peers and teaching staff
- feedback given on your assessment items individually via the rubric and written feedback.
Assessment
Overview
You will analyse a real-world case study to identify the current Business issues, which will be followed by a comprehensive analysis using BA lifecycle. 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 private consultations, and online discussion forums, and we encourage peer-to-peer learning, just as much as getting feedback for progressive work from the online facilitator.
You will also enhance your practical team-working skills by completing authentic Business Analysis (BA) tasks and by undertaking assessment that considers both the quality of the final deliverables and the effectiveness of team collaboration. 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 group recorded presentation and individually submit a 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.
This assignment (including the recorded presentation) is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Requirements Analysis and Design (including Oral 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.IQ14 Graduate Certificate in Business Analysis
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the business analysis discipline.
Relates to: ULO2, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis - Critically analyse complex business challenges and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate solutions.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including Oral Q&A) - Employ industry-best practice, business analysis methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement business information systems, processes, and/or software.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including Oral Q&A) - Work effectively in both self-directed and collaborative contexts.
Relates to: ULO6, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including Oral Q&A) - Communicate effectively in business and IT professional contexts using written, visual and oral formats.
Relates to: ULO5, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including Oral Q&A) - Critically reflect on the social, cultural, ethical and diversity issues related to business analysis, and more generally the IT field.
Relates to: ULO1, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including Oral Q&A)
IQ19 Graduate Diploma in Information Technology
- Demonstrate advanced IT knowledge in one or more IT disciplines.
Relates to: ULO2, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis - Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate solutions.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including Oral Q&A) - Apply advanced, industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement IT systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including Oral Q&A) - Work effectively in both self-directed and collaborative contexts.
Relates to: ULO6, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including Oral Q&A) - Communicate effectively in IT professional contexts using written, visual and oral formats.
Relates to: ULO5, Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including Oral Q&A) - Demonstrate developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
Relates to: Requirements Analysis and Design (including Oral Q&A) - Critically reflect on the social, cultural, ethical and diversity issues related to 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 Q&A)
IQ20 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 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 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 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 Q&A) - Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgements in professional contexts.
Relates to: Strategic and Business Needs Analysis, Requirements Analysis and Design (including Oral 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 Q&A)