Agile2013

The Business Analyst role seems conspicuously absent from most Agile methods. Do Agile methods make the Business Analyst role obsolete like that of a locomotive fireman? Certainly not! But how does a BA exploit the short cycle times, and collaborative nature of Agile methods? Drawing metaphorically and literally from Donald Reinersten’s principles of product development flow, this workshop introduces 5 principles for the agile BA, Open the Channels, Chart the Flow, Generate Flow, Lean Out the Flow, and Bridge the Flow. First and foremost a BA is a communicator and must Open the Channels, and Chart the Flow to align all stake holders. BAs can leverage traditional tools such as use cases and other models to Generate Flow and feed user stories to fast moving agile teams. However, large backlogs of stories are wasteful and lean principles are applied to Lean Out the Flow. Finally BAs work in a complex ecosystem of mixed methods and practices, and may need to Bridge the Flow between more traditional elements of the organization and the agile teams. Fall in love with Business Analysis all over again by deliver more value without working longer hours.