Webinar Recording: The Cheshire Cat and the Entrepreneurial BA: Rethinking “Target State” with Nick de Voil

In theory, business analysis is straightforward. Understand the current state – describe the target state – identify the gaps – define actions. What could possibly go wrong? And yet, projects often leave the organisation feeling dissatisfied. Is this a failure of execution? Of planning? Of competence?

In this webinar recording, Nick argues that we may need to revisit some of the basic ideas which are baked into our mental model of business analysis. Drawing on his own experience with public sector bodies, capital markets participants and internet startups, he shows how business analysts can achieve greater impact and raise their profile by challenging the organisation’s thought processes.

The webinar was recorded and can be viewed below:

Can’t see an embedded video? Your browser is likely blocking cookies. You can view the video directly on YouTube instead.

Topics discussed include:

✔️ What should be the role of gap analysis in the project lifecycle?
✔️ Why can thinking in terms of projects be harmful? Is there a better way?
✔️ Agile approaches: vital for the business or a distracting sideshow for geeks?

About the Speaker

Nick de Voil is a consultant business analyst, user experience architect and service designer with four decades of experience in helping organisations to design and evaluate digital systems, products and services. Nick is passionate about breaking down the barriers between the BA, UX and SD communities and has trained thousands of professionals in the skills of business analysis, user experience, service design, project management and agile development.

Nick is a Certified Management Consultant, Certified Data Management Professional and Chartered IT Professional. A past president of IIBA’s UK Chapter, he holds certifications in business analysis and requirements engineering from BCS, IIBA, IREB and APMG.