IIBA Updated CBAP Exam Questions and Answers by jai

The T in SWOT analysis stands for Threats. These are external factors that may pose risks or challenges to the organization, its projects, or its solutions. Threats can be related to the market, the industry, the technology, the environment, the society, the regulation, or the competition. Business analysts should identify and assess the potential threats and their impact on the organization’s objectives and strategies, and recommend ways to mitigate or avoid them. References:

• CBAP® Handbook, page 15, section 4.1.2.3
• BABOK® Guide, page 32, section 3.2.3
• SWOT Analysis: How To With Table and Example
• SWOT Analysis Threats: Definition & Examples

According to the BABOK Guide, defining the business needs is the process of identifying the ends that the organization is seeking to achieve. Business goals and objectives are statements of the desired outcomes of the change initiative that align with the organization’s strategy and vision. They provide the context for identifying and evaluating alternative solutions that can satisfy the business needs. Alternative identification, solution assessment, and requirements are parts of other processes that follow defining the business needs. References:

• BABOK Guide, Chapter 5: Strategy Analysis, Section 5.1: Define the Business Need, p. 100-101
• CBAP Certification Study Guide v3.0, Chapter 5: Strategy Analysis, Section 5.1: Define the Business Need, p. 5-3 to 5-4

A business case is a document that clearly identifies the reasoning for initiating a project to justify the resources required. It is written to justify the resources required for the project (money or effort) and align the project objectives to the business needs. It also includes the costs, benefits, and risks of the proposed solution, and compares it with alternative options1. A business case is an important input for the project initiation and approval process, as it helps the decision makers to assess the value and feasibility of the project2.

To write a business case, you need four main inputs: feasibility study, assumptions and constraints, business need, and solution options3. A feasibility study is an analysis that evaluates the technical, economic, social, and environmental aspects of the project, and determines whether it is viable and worth pursuing4. Assumptions and constraints are factors that affect the project scope, cost, schedule, and quality, and that need to be identified and documented in the business case. Assumptions are things that are believed to be true or certain, while constraints are things that limit or restrict the project5. Business need is the problem or opportunity that the project aims to address, and that aligns withthe strategic goals and vision of the organization. Solution options are the different ways of solving the business need, and their respective costs, benefits, and risks.

Stakeholder concerns are not an input for writing a business case, but rather an output of stakeholder analysis. Stakeholder analysis is a process of identifying and prioritizing the people or groups who have an interest or influence in the project, and understanding their needs, expectations, and perspectives. Stakeholder concerns are the issues or challenges that the stakeholders face or anticipate in relation to the project, and that need to be addressed or resolved. Stakeholder concerns are important for defining the requirements, managing the communication, and ensuring the stakeholder satisfaction, but they are not directly used for writing the business case. References:

• How to Write a Business Case (Template Included) - ProjectManager
• How to Write a Business Case | Smartsheet
• Business Case Examples, explained in simple language - Chase Consulting
• Feasibility Study: Definition, Methods, and Examples
• Project Assumptions and Constraints: Examples and Differences
• [Business Need - IIBA®]
• [Solution Options - IIBA®]
• [Stakeholder Analysis: Overview, Tools and Techniques - KnowledgeHut]
• [Stakeholder Concerns - IIBA®]

A plan-driven approach to business analysis is a methodology that focuses on minimizing up-front uncertainty and ensuring that the solution is fully defined before implementation begins in order to maximize control and minimize risk. This approach tends to be preferred in situations where requirements are stable and clear, and where changes are costly and disruptive. Therefore, changes in the plan-driven approach are generally avoided unless they are genuinely necessary to address a significant issue or opportunity. Changes in the plan-driven approach require formal approval and documentation, and may affect the scope, schedule, budget, and quality of the project. Changes in the plan-driven approach should be carefully analyzed and justified before being implemented123. References: 1: How to Choose the Right Business Analysis Approach1 2: Plan driven projects versus change driven2 3: Business Analysis Methodology3