In the Integrated Modelling Method there are five distinct stages to Business Analysis & Modeling:
- Information gathering
- Analysis and investigation
- Modelling
- Feedback
- Implementation
All of these stages should be followed, regardless of whether you are modelling an enterprise with 5 employees, 5,000 employees or 25,000 employees.
You might think that all these stages seem unnecessary and too many, especially for a business with only 5 employees! Not if you want to deliver quality results first time every time!
In larger projects and organisations, the stages will be distinct project phases. In smaller enterprises they should be considered as stages of thinking that you need go through for a successful outcome. They do not need to take a great deal of time, but they ought to be done.
Always start with Information Gathering. Do not be tempted, especially in a small enterprise, to 'dive' straight in and start modeling what the enterprise is currently doing.
Information Gathering consists of identifying the key people or other sources within the enterprise that can tell you:
- What the business OUGHT to be doing.
- The order in which it ought to be done.
- The information required to do it.
If you establish the above points and if you go through the remaining stages (in the right order and skipping none!) you will achieve quality results and get the right answer first time, every time!
I have tested these in all sizes of organisation from 5 to 30, 000 and they worked - every time!
In my next articles I will take you step-by-step through effective information gathering including:
- Using existing documents.
- Running strategic interviews.
- Running modeling workshops.
These methods are not mutually exclusive! In a well run project each of them will be used as appropriate.
Next, find out how Function Modelling with the Integrated Modeling Method can get you started in the right place and heading in the right direction.
Author: John Owens
Business Modelling Consultant, author and speaker.
Creator of the Integrated Modelling Method.
Email: john@integrated-modeling-method.com
Blog: http://www.johnowensblog.com
Skype: johnowensnz
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_J_Owens
