Solution evaluation

The solution evaluation knowledge area is used by business analysts to evaluate the value delivered by a solution and to recommend the removal of constraints for full value realization.

The activities that are performed in the solution evaluation task are quite similar to those activities which are performed in the strategy analysis or the requirements analysis and design definition task.

But the difference between the activities performed in those knowledge areas and the activities performed in the solution evaluation task is that when the solution evaluation tasks are being performed a solution would actually exist.

The solution being assessed might not necessarily be complete but it would be implemented and in use by the stakeholders in the enterprise.

The solution evaluation tasks can be performed on solution components at various stages of solution development and these stages are :

a. Prototypes : these are a working but limited version of the solution that is used to show the benefits that are to be realized by the solution.

b. Beta releases: these are limited versions of the solution that are implemented in order to fix some problems and understand how well the solution would actually deliver value before fully releasing the solution.

c. Operational releases: these are full versions of a partial or complete solution which are used to fulfill a desired outcome.

The solution evaluation describes tasks that analyze the actual value being delivered by the solution.

It also identifies constraints which may be preventing the full value of the solution from being realized, and if necessary makes recommendations which could increase the value of the solution.

To achieve this, the business analyst would have to perform a combination of performance assessments and may combine both objective and subjective assessments of value.

The solution evaluation is usually focused on a component of an enterprise rather than the entire enterprise. In order to do that some tasks need to be performed.

The tasks are:

1. Measure Solution Performance: this is used to decide on the best way to estimate the performance of a solution, including how it is aligned with the enterprise goals and objectives, and how the assessment is performed.

2. Analyze Performance Measures: this is used to understand the information related to the performance of a solution so that the value which the solution delivers is better understood.

3. Assess Solution Limitations: this is used to examine the issues related to the solution which might prevent the solution from fulfilling the current business needs.

4. Assess Enterprise Limitations: this is used to examine the issues outside the scope of the solution that may be preventing the enterprise from fulfilling its full value.

5. Recommend Actions to Increase Solution Value: this is used to identify and describe the actions that the enterprise can take to increase the value delivered by a solution.