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The Active Observation Approach is used when a business analyst (BA) asks questions during the job shadowing with a subject matter expert. This approach involves the observer interacting with the person performing the task, allowing the BA to ask questions and gain immediate understanding of the process and reasoning behind actions taken during the activity. It is a method that enables the BA to quickly comprehend undocumented processes and the rationale behind the tasks being observed.

References: The Active Observation Approach is a recognized technique in business analysis for gathering information and understanding workplace activities. It is particularly useful for identifying needs, opportunities, and understanding business processes12. This approach is detailed in various business analysis resources and aligns with the practices recommended in the BABOK® Guide34.

A data flow diagram illustrates the movement and transformation of data between externals (entities) and processes. The output from one external or process is the input to another. The data flow diagram also illustrates the temporary or permanent repositories (referred to as data stores or terminators) where data is stored within a system or an organization. The data defined should be described in a data dictionary.

 In the context of Business Analysis, requirements should be initially prioritized based on the business benefits they are expected to deliver. This approach aligns with the principle of delivering the most value to the organization and ensuring that the most impactful requirements are addressed first. Prioritizing by business benefits helps in focusing on what is most important for achieving business objectives and delivering value to stakeholders.

References: The prioritization of requirements is a critical step in the requirements life cycle management, as outlined in the BABOK® Guide. While the guide itself is not publicly accessible without membership, it is widely recognized that business benefits are a key factor in prioritization. This is supported by various resources and articles that discuss prioritization methods within the domain of Business Analysis.

Automating steps that are more routine and predictable is a common change made to improve a process. This approach helps in reducing human errors, speeding up the process, and freeing up human resources to focus on more complex tasks. Automation ensures consistency and reliability in the execution of routine tasks, leading to increased efficiency and productivity within the process. For example, implementing workflow management systems or straight-through processing can significantly enhance the efficiency of business operations.

References:

•Business Analysis.pdf, Section on "Redesign the process" which discusses automating steps to improve process efficiency .