CCBA/CBAP prep questions & answers with explanations – BA planning and monitoring (3)

Question 21. Alexa reviewed the Business analysis approach and stated that the approach does not support appropriate testing of the resulting solution. Alexa is part of which stakeholder group
 A. Operational Support
 B. End user
 C. Tester
 D. Sponsor

The correct answer is C. Tester.

 Explanation:

– Alexa’s concern revolves around the testing of the resulting solution. This indicates that her role is likely related to ensuring that the solution is tested thoroughly and meets quality standards before it is deployed.

– A Tester is typically responsible for verifying that the solution works as expected and meets the requirements through rigorous testing procedures. By stating that the approach does not support appropriate testing, Alexa is identifying gaps in how the solution will be evaluated, which aligns with the responsibilities of a Tester.

Here’s a breakdown of the other stakeholder groups for clarification:

– A. Operational Support: This group is responsible for maintaining the system post-implementation. They focus on ensuring that the system is stable and runs efficiently but aren’t primarily focused on testing during the development phase.

– B. End User: End users are the people who will use the final product. While they may give feedback or participate in user acceptance testing, they are not typically involved in defining or conducting testing approaches.

– D. Sponsor: The sponsor provides financial resources and overall support for the project. They are not involved in the details of testing but focus on the business case, scope, and objectives.

Since Alexa is concerned with testing, her role most closely aligns with the Tester stakeholder group.

Question 22. One of the following factors does not affect the complexity of business analysis work
 A. Number of stakeholders
 B. Number of affected systems
 C. Uniqueness of requirements
 D. Elicitation techniques

The correct answer is D. Elicitation techniques.

 Explanation:

– A. Number of stakeholders: This significantly affects the complexity of business analysis work. More stakeholders mean more perspectives to consider, increasing the likelihood of conflicts or differing priorities, making the process more complex.

– B. Number of affected systems: This also impacts complexity. When multiple systems are affected by a project, integration, compatibility, and interdependencies need to be addressed, making the analysis more challenging.

– C. Uniqueness of requirements: Unique or highly specific requirements can add complexity because they may require custom solutions, novel approaches, or more in-depth analysis to ensure feasibility and alignment with business goals.

– D. Elicitation techniques: While the techniques used to gather information (e.g., interviews, workshops, surveys) are important, they are more about the methods and tools applied, not a direct driver of complexity. The choice of technique is based on the context, but it does not inherently make the analysis more complex. Instead, it’s the nature of the requirements, systems, and stakeholders that drive complexity.

Question 23. Which of the following statements is true
 A. Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring tasks cuts across the entire project lifecycle
 B. The factors that increase the complexity of a business analysis work does not affect the complexity of the project
 C. Change driven business analysis approach involves less risk
 D. Business analysis approach is an input for stakeholder analysis

The correct answer is A. Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring tasks cut across the entire project lifecycle.

 Explanation of the options:

1. A. Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring tasks cut across the entire project lifecycle.  

   This is true. Business analysis planning and monitoring is a continuous process that spans the entire project lifecycle. It starts at the very beginning of the project and continues through all phases—planning, execution, and closing—to ensure that the business analysis work aligns with the project objectives and that stakeholders’ needs are met.

2. B. The factors that increase the complexity of a business analysis work do not affect the complexity of the project.  

   This statement is false. The complexity of business analysis work can directly affect the complexity of the project. For example, the scope, number of stakeholders, and the degree of uncertainty in business requirements all influence both the business analysis work and the overall project complexity.

3. C. Change-driven business analysis approach involves less risk.  

   This is false. A change-driven business analysis approach, often associated with agile or iterative methodologies, can involve higher risk due to continuous changes, evolving requirements, and less predictability in outcomes. Traditional approaches (plan-driven) usually offer more predictability and control but can be less flexible.

4. D. Business analysis approach is an input for stakeholder analysis.  

   This is false. The business analysis approach is not an input for stakeholder analysis. Instead, stakeholder analysis helps identify and understand the stakeholders early on, which can influence the business analysis approach. The two are related, but the relationship is the reverse of what is stated.

Question 24. Times, Task Completion, Contracts, and Formal/Informal Authority are elements of ………..
 A. Defining the project scope
 B. Planning the business analysis approach
 C. Conducting stakeholders analysis
 D. Planning the Business Analysis Communication Plan

The correct answer is B. Planning the business analysis approach.

 Explanation:

– Times, Task Completion, Contracts, and Authority are elements typically considered when planning how to conduct business analysis activities. These factors help define the boundaries of responsibility, the expected timelines, and how the work will be managed.

  Here’s how they fit:

  – Times: Refers to scheduling, deadlines, and time management for analysis activities.

  – Task Completion: Refers to determining when and how tasks in the analysis process are completed.

  – Contracts: Could refer to formal agreements or project charters that define the expectations, roles, and responsibilities in business analysis.

  – Formal/Informal Authority: Refers to decision-making power, whether it’s documented formally (in contracts or agreements) or informally (through influence and relationships).

These are key considerations for planning how business analysis will be carried out, which aligns with Planning the business analysis approach. This process involves deciding the methods, activities, and strategies that will be used for the analysis.

Question 25. One of the following sets of inputs into the Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring knowledge area tasks is not an output from any of the Business Analysis knowledge areas;
 A. Business Need, Performance metrics
 B. Enterprise Architecture, Performance Metrics
 C. Enterprise Architecture, Expert Judgment
 D. Expert Judgment, Business Need

The correct answer is B. Enterprise Architecture, Performance Metrics.

 Explanation:

The Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring (BAPM) knowledge area in the BABOK (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge) defines the tasks needed to organize and coordinate business analysis efforts. Inputs to BAPM tasks include various elements like organizational needs, expert judgment, and performance metrics.

# Let’s evaluate each option:

– A. Business Need, Performance Metrics:  

  *Business Need* is a core input in many business analysis tasks, including those under the Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring knowledge area. *Performance Metrics* are also used to evaluate success in meeting objectives. Both are valid inputs to BAPM tasks and are outputs from other knowledge areas (e.g., Strategy Analysis).

– B. Enterprise Architecture, Performance Metrics:  

  *Enterprise Architecture* refers to the structure of an organization’s operations and IT infrastructure. While *Performance Metrics* can be outputs of tasks (e.g., from Solution Evaluation), *Enterprise Architecture* is typically not an output of any business analysis tasks—it is a broader organizational element, not created by business analysis activities. Hence, this is not a typical output of any knowledge area in the context of business analysis.

– C. Enterprise Architecture, Expert Judgment:  

  *Enterprise Architecture* is not typically an output from business analysis tasks (same reasoning as above). However, *Expert Judgment* is a common input in many areas of business analysis, including BAPM tasks.

– D. Expert Judgment, Business Need:  

  Both *Expert Judgment* and *Business Need* are common inputs and outputs across various business analysis knowledge areas. *Business Need* is crucial in driving business analysis activities, and *Expert Judgment* helps guide decision-making. Both are valid as inputs and outputs in the knowledge areas.

Thus, the correct answer is B, as *Enterprise Architecture* is not a direct output from any Business Analysis knowledge areas. 

Question 26. Which document determines how the business analyst shares requirements information with their stakeholders?
 A. Requirements Management Plan
 B. Project Management Plan
 C. Business Analysis Communication Plan
 D. Requirements Monitoring Plan

The correct answer is C. Business Analysis Communication Plan.

 Explanation:

The Business Analysis Communication Plan specifically outlines how a business analyst will share and communicate requirements and other key information with stakeholders. This plan identifies the methods, frequency, and format of communication that will be used to ensure all stakeholders receive the necessary information throughout the project.

– A. Requirements Management Plan: This focuses on how requirements will be managed and maintained over the course of the project, including tracking changes, but not specifically how communication with stakeholders will occur.

– B. Project Management Plan: This is a broader document outlining the overall project management approach, but it does not specifically focus on communication of requirements.

– D. Requirements Monitoring Plan: This deals with the ongoing monitoring of requirements to ensure they are being met, but does not directly address communication.

Thus, the Business Analysis Communication Plan is the document that defines how information regarding requirements will be communicated to stakeholders.

Question 27. What is the purpose of planning the Requirements Management Process?
 A. To determine requirements prioritization and communication process
 B. To describe the approach that will be used to approve requirements for implementation and manage changes to the solution scope
 C. To describe the approach that will be used to determine the business need
 D. To ensure that there is no scope creep

The correct answer is B. To describe the approach that will be used to approve requirements for implementation and manage changes to the solution scope.

 Explanation:

Requirements Management Process is essential for ensuring that all stakeholders understand how requirements will be managed throughout the project lifecycle. It aims to provide a structured method for tracking, controlling, and implementing changes to requirements to avoid misunderstandings or missed deliverables. Let’s break down why option B is the correct answer:

– Option A: Determining prioritization and communication processes is part of broader project management but isn’t the primary goal of the Requirements Management Process itself.

– Option B: Approving requirements and managing changes is the core of requirements management. It ensures that there is a clear approach for approving requirements before implementation and a structured way to manage any changes to the scope of the solution. This is critical for avoiding scope creep and ensuring that changes are effectively communicated and controlled.

– Option C: Determining the business need is part of business analysis and problem definition but isn’t specifically the focus of managing requirements.

– Option D: Avoiding scope creep is a secondary benefit of a well-managed requirements process but is not the primary objective. Managing scope creep is a result of proper change management, which is covered in option B.

Thus, option B reflects the primary purpose of the Requirements Management Process—defining the process for approving and managing requirements changes.

Question 28. Three BAs were assigned to a project on a global financial system. The first BA takes the lead on requirements efforts for North America, the second BA takes on the requirements efforts for South America since she is fluent in Spanish, and the third BA leads the requirements efforts in Europe because he is interested in European culture and the financial aspects of the system from a European perspective. How was the work divided?
 A. Complexity & previous work experience with stakeholders.
 B. Geography, culture, and areas of interest.
 C. Business analyst availability and physical limitations.
 D. Physical limitations and areas of interest.

The correct answer is B. Geography, culture, and areas of interest.

 Explanation:

– Geography: The work was divided by regions: North America, South America, and Europe.

– Culture: The second BA was assigned to South America specifically because she is fluent in Spanish, a key cultural consideration for that region.

– Areas of interest: The third BA was assigned to Europe because of his personal interest in European culture and financial systems.

None of the other options directly reflect how the work was divided. Here’s why:

– A (Complexity & experience): The description does not mention complexity or previous work experience.

– C (Availability and physical limitations): There’s no mention of physical limitations or availability influencing the assignment.

– D (Physical limitations and interest): Again, there’s no indication of physical limitations, only areas of interest and geographic division. 

Thus, the division was clearly based on geography, culture, and areas of interest.

Question 29. Which of the following stakeholder must approve the business analysis approach to ensure that it aligns with other project activities
 A. Project Sponsor
 B. Business Analyst
 C. Project Manager
 D. Implementation Subject Matter Expert

The correct answer is C. Project Manager.

 Explanation:

The Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the project’s overall execution and ensuring that all components of the project, including the business analysis approach, are aligned with the project’s objectives, scope, and schedule. Approving the business analysis approach ensures that the work being done by the business analyst fits within the broader context of the project and does not conflict with other project activities, timelines, or resources.

Here’s a breakdown of why the other options are less appropriate:

– A. Project Sponsor: The sponsor provides high-level direction and resources for the project but is typically not involved in approving specific approaches like the business analysis approach. Their focus is more on overall project goals and outcomes.

– B. Business Analyst: While the business analyst creates the business analysis approach, they do not approve it themselves. Their role is to define how the business analysis will be conducted, but approval must come from someone who oversees the project as a whole, like the project manager.

– D. Implementation Subject Matter Expert (SME): SMEs provide expert insights into specific areas but are not responsible for approving the business analysis approach. They might provide input or feedback, but they don’t have the authority to approve it within the project management framework.

Thus, the Project Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that the business analysis aligns with other project activities.

Question 30. After completing the Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring activities one of the following output is an input into all other knowledge areas
 A. Business Analysis plan
 B. Business Analysis Approach
 C. Business Analysis Communication Plan
 D. Project Requirement Plan

The correct answer is B. Business Analysis Approach.

 Explanation:

After completing Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring, the Business Analysis Approach serves as an input to all other knowledge areas within the business analysis framework. Here’s why:

1. Business Analysis Approach defines how business analysis work will be performed. It establishes the methodology, tasks, deliverables, techniques, and processes for conducting business analysis on the project. This guidance impacts all subsequent knowledge areas like elicitation, requirements analysis, solution assessment, and validation.

2. The Business Analysis Plan (Option A) is closely related but is more focused on outlining the timeline, resources, and overall project management details. It’s an important document, but it doesn’t influence every aspect of business analysis as directly as the approach.

3. The Business Analysis Communication Plan (Option C) focuses on how stakeholders will be communicated with, but it is specific to managing communications rather than directly affecting all activities across knowledge areas.

4. Project Requirement Plan (Option D) isn’t a standard business analysis output or document, so it’s not relevant in this context.

Thus, the Business Analysis Approach is critical for guiding all subsequent business analysis tasks and processes.