You are a business analyst for your organization. Your current business analysis endeavor includes working with stakeholders located in offices around the world. Because these stakeholders are dispersed, what is likely to increase in this endeavor as opposed to a collocated group of stakeholders?
Correct Answer: C
Communication needs are likely to increase in this endeavor as opposed to a collocated group of stakeholders. Communication needs are the requirements and expectations of the stakeholders regarding the type, frequency, format, and content of the information that is exchanged among them. Communication needs are influenced by various factors, such as the stakeholder roles, interests, influence, preferences, and availability. When the stakeholders are dispersed across different locations, time zones, cultures, and languages, the communication needs become more complex and challenging, as the stakeholders may face difficulties in coordinating, collaborating, and understanding each other. Therefore, the business analyst needs to plan, manage, and monitor the communication needs of the dispersed stakeholders, and use appropriate techniques and tools to facilitate effective and efficient communication12 Option A is incorrect because costs are not likely to increase in this endeavor as opposed to a collocated group of stakeholders, but to decrease. Costs are the expenses or resources that are incurred or consumed in the business analysis work. Costs are influenced by various factors, such as the scope, schedule, quality, and risk of the business analysis work. When the stakeholders are dispersed, the costs may decrease, as the stakeholders may save on travel, accommodation, and equipment expenses, and use online or virtual platforms to communicate and collaborate. However, the costs may also increase, if the stakeholders need to invest in more advanced or reliable technology, or incur additional fees or charges for using online services or tools3 Option B is incorrect because face-to-face meetings are not likely to increase in this endeavor as opposed to a collocated group of stakeholders, but to decrease. Face-to-face meetings are a type of communication and elicitation technique that involves direct and personal interaction and collaboration among the stakeholders in a physical or virtual setting. Face-to-face meetings are influenced by various factors, such as the availability, accessibility, and convenience of the stakeholders. When the stakeholders are dispersed, face-to-face meetings may decrease, as the stakeholders may face challenges in scheduling, attending, and participating in the meetings, due to the differences in location, time zone, culture, and language. Therefore, the business analyst may need to use alternative or complementary techniques or tools, such as email, phone, video conference, or chat, to communicate and elicit information from the dispersed stakeholders.
Option D is incorrect because risks are not likely to increase in this endeavor as opposed to a collocated group of stakeholders, but to vary. Risks are the uncertainties or events that may affect the business analysis work positively or negatively. Risks are influenced by various factors, such as the complexity, volatility, and ambiguity of the business analysis work. When the stakeholders are dispersed, the risks may vary, as the stakeholders may face different types and levels of risks, depending on their location, situation, and context. For example, some stakeholders may face more technical or operational risks, such as network or system failures, while others may face more social or cultural risks, such as miscommunication or misunderstanding. Therefore, the business analyst needs to identify, analyze, respond, and monitor the risks of the dispersed stakeholders, and use appropriate techniques and tools to mitigate or exploit the risks.
Reference:
Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide), Version 3, Chapter 2: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring, Section 2.3: Plan Business Analysis Communication, p. 36-37.
Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA) - Simplilearn, Module 5: Planning and Monitoring, Lesson 5.3: Plan Business Analysis Communication, p. 6-7.
Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide), Version 3, Chapter 2: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring, Section 2.4: Plan Business Analysis Governance, p. 38-39.
[Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA) - Simplilearn], Module 5: Planning and Monitoring, Lesson 5.4: Plan Business Analysis Governance, p. 6-7.
[Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide)], Version 3, Chapter 10: Techniques, Section 10.15: Facilitated Workshops, p. 349-350.
[Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA) - Simplilearn], Module 6: Elicitation and Collaboration, Lesson 6.3: Conduct Elicitation, p. 6-7.
[Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide)], Version 3, Chapter 10: Techniques, Section 10.16: Interviews, p. 351-352.
[Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA) - Simplilearn], Module 6: Elicitation and Collaboration, Lesson 6.4: Confirm Elicitation Results, p. 6-7.
