Students will be presented with various modelling tools to enable them to understand the differences and similarities and be able to select the most appropriate tool for a given problem.

BPMN 2.0 standards
DFD, ERD and ELH models
UML modelling (use case, sequence diagrams, class diagrams, etc)
Soft Systems Modelling (rich pictures, CATWOE)






This module will support the development and assessment of the following Core Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours from the DTSP Apprenticeship Standard:

Knowledge

K5 A range of digital technology solution development techniques and tools.

K14 A range of quantitative and qualitative data gathering methods and how to appraise and select the appropriate method.

K18 Techniques of robust research and evaluation for the justification of digital and technology solutions.

Skill

S1 Analyse a business problem to identify the role of digital and technology solutions.

S3 Analyse a business problem to specify an appropriate digital and technology solution.

Behaviours

B5 Interacts professionally with people from technical and non-technical backgrounds. Presents data and conclusions in an evidently truthful, concise and appropriate manner.







This module will support the development and assessment of the following Specialist Route Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours from the DTSP Apprenticeship Standard:



Business Analyst

Knowledge

K34: A range of Business Analysis investigative techniques (LO 1,2)

Skills

S32: Use requirements elicitation, analysis and documentation to produce an acceptable solution for business problems or further opportunities. (LO 2)

S33: Conduct Process Analysis, Definition, Mapping and Modelling within a business situation without supervision (LO 2)

S34: Produce Use Cases which are of value to all stakeholders of a system. (LO 2)

S35: Use tools and benchmarking to support modelling and requirements gathering and recommend approaches to team members as required. (LO 2)

S37: Use products of analysis in the design and development of a system (LO 2)

S39: Recommend and use appropriate software tools to implement Business Analysis tasks and outcomes. (LO1,2)

IT Consultant

Skills

S24: Analyse client needs and determine how to advise them strategically through improved business processes, new ideas, or technology solutions (LO 1,2)



Data Analyst

Skills

S51 Identify barriers to effective analysis encountered both by analysts and their stakeholders within data analysis projects.

Assignment 1 A Written Report (4000 words) which will demonstrate understanding of when, where and how various techniques might be useful to a Business Analyst. The report will include models presenting the ‘as is’ analysis and ‘to be’ design of a process.

Learning Outcome 1 and 2

Assessing the following Core KSBs:

Knowledge

K5 A range of digital technology solution development techniques and tools.

K14 A range of quantitative and qualitative data gathering methods and how to appraise and select the appropriate method.

Skill

S1 Analyse a business problem to identify the role of digital and technology solutions.

S3 Analyse a business problem to specify an appropriate digital and technology solution.

Behaviours

B5 Interacts professionally with people from technical and non-technical backgrounds. Presents data and conclusions in an evidently truthful, concise and appropriate manner.







Assessing the following Specialist Route Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours from the DTSP Apprenticeship Standard:



Business Analyst

Knowledge

K43: A range of Business Analysis investigative techniques

Skills

S32: Use requirements elicitation, analysis and documentation to produce an acceptable solution for business problems or further opportunities.

S33: Conduct Process Analysis, Definition, Mapping and Modelling within a business situation without supervision

S34: Produce Use Cases which are of value to all stakeholders of a system.

S37: Use products of analysis in the design and development of a system

S39: Recommend and use appropriate software tools to implement Business Analysis tasks and outcomes.

IT Consultant

Skills

S24: Analyse client needs and determine how to advise them strategically through improved business processes, new ideas, or technology solutions.

The module will be delivered in a Blended Learning Mode consisting of face to face, online and guided learning sessions.



Teaching sessions will blend theory and practical learning and most importantly where possible contextualised in your workplace as part of your apprenticeship. Learners will be introduced to curriculum concepts and ideas and will then be able to apply theory to practical examples. In addition, students will be provided with a range of resources for independent study such as case studies, academic papers and industry case studies. There will be a mixture of practical and theoretical formative (mock or practice) exercises which will help students build knowledge and confidence in preparation for summative (formal) assessment.



The delivery will be delivered as follows:



Module Launch week: 12 hours.

There will be a module launch session consisting of up to 12 hours face to face contact time devoted to developing your understanding of the core purpose and assessment of the module. Learners will be presented with details of how the learning will be structure and how to access to the learning materials for the remainder of the module.



Structured Learning Sessions: 15 hours

Following the module launch week you will have a further 15 hours of contact time as a class with the module team. This will typically be as 10 x 1.5-hour online classes which will be a combination of activities including lectures, demonstrations, discussions, tutorials and seminars. Some sessions are likely to be in flipped classroom style, where you will be expected to watch online recordings, read materials or respond to practical activities in preparation for active engagement with problem solving in the online session.



1:1 Progress Checks: 1 hour

As a Blended Learner understanding your progress can be a challenge so you are allocated an hour of 1:1 time with your tutor (typically 3 x 20 minute). Some of these may be in small groups if appropriate. These sessions may be used to discuss key topics, troubleshoot salutations, review working drafts etc.



Guided Independent Learning: 178 hours.

The module leader will provide resources through the virtual learning environment which will include videos and presentations as well as links to useful websites and other resources. Additional academic learning will be achieved through reading around the subject area, module tutors will suggest useful texts, though many others will be suitable and can be found in our e-library. You should also draw on the expertise in your workplace via your workplace mentor and other colleagues. If you require help understanding any of the concepts, you should contact your module tutor for assistance.

As an apprentice you are constantly developing your Digital Skills as part of your substantial role, and this applies to the development of the knowledge for your modules too. In some cases, there will be a significant cross over between the module content and in others less so, depending on the nature of your workplace duties, this will have direct impact on to the number of Independent Learning required.



Within the Independent learning time you will be expected to complete your assignments, as a guide a typical module assignment should take around 60 hours to complete.

Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the different software tools and techniques available to business analysts for business process analysis and design

Critically evaluate, select and use appropriate software tools to analyse, define, map and model the current business processes and present Digital Technology based innovations derived from requirements elicitation for a business function in an organisation

All texts and electronic resources will be updated and refreshed on an annual basis and available for students via the online Study Links resource platform. All reference materials will be collated and curated and aligned to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion indicators.



Optional Texts:

Cadle, J.¿et al.¿(2021)¿Business Analysis Techniques: 123 essential tools for success. Swindon: BCS Learning & Development Limited.



Checkland and Scholes (1990), Soft System Methodology in Action, Wiley

David Beckham¿et al.¿(2021)¿Business Analysis Techniques, 3rd Edition. BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.



Howard Podeswa (2021)¿The Agile Guide to Business Analysis and Planning: From Strategic Plan to Continuous Value Delivery. Addison-Wesley Professional.



UMG (2010), Business Process Model and Notation, https://www.omg.org/



UMG (2017), Unified Modelling Language, https://www.omg.org/



Wilson (2001), Soft Systems Methodology: Conceptual Model Building and Its Contribution, Wiley

The Internet¿and office software
Modelling tools such as QSEE Superlite

https://www.lucidchart.com/

https://www.smartdraw.com/

This module introduces you to the tools and techniques used by a business analyst for modelling and innovating business processes. You will learn how to analyse different elements of an organisation and to select the most appropriate tool for a given task. In particular you will study Business Process Modelling Notation and UML modelling as well as techniques from Soft Systems Methodology (rich pictures and CATWOE).