Business Analyst Day in the Life : How I Write High Quality Requirements and User Stories

A quick video breaking down what it means to write good requirements for a business analyst including business requirements, stakeholder requirements, user stories, non-functional requirements & more.
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[@treeokenooon]

Thank you so much to this video. It help me a lot!

[@robalan9975]

Thanks so much for this teaching resource. Really helped me see the process I am a part of. Helped me also understand the role of the transition requirements in the process.

[@AlanSii]

I really like how you explain the workflow of a BA! Just got an offer recently as a fresh graduate and this video really helps me in learning how to be a proficient BA! Thank you!

[@moizkhan8057]

Hi. How is it going with your job. Congrats on your offer. I just got my first BA job as well. I had to b.s a bit to get the job which was after 20+ interviews. I would love to know how its going and what I need to be prepared for. I start in 2 weeks.

[@seun8919]

The most insightful summary I've seen. 👏

[@siddheshthakur2664]

Probably the best video ever on the entire process of Business analysis in an overview

[@AngeloTheBA]

Thanks. I'll take that!

[@christineyo8317]

Amazing content!! thank you so much!

[@tech4ever1]

You sir, are an amazing teacher and coach! I am currently in a qa position and have been in this field for almost 6 years and naturally am keen to migrate into a ba role. Your simple explanations are priceless. Thank you so much for these videos and sharing your knowledge! Do you have an outside website or any other resources?

[@AngeloTheBA]

I have a website ( metabusinessanalyst.com/ ) but the content is very much the same.

[@jackinthebqx]

Thanks, Angelo. Around ~2:40 you speak of the why for requirements. When you're proposing a proven solution, reqirements need to respond to either regulation or a proven competitive advantage. Otherwise it is our role to recommend our solution.

[@radhadivi2302]

Thank you very much. Such short video on so much information. Awesome!

[@srah1718]

What a brilliant breakdown, thanks a lot as I prep for exam.

[@AngeloTheBA]

Thanks and good luck on your exam

[@thomzin6149]

Great video - and an easy way to summarise an often challenging topic to explain. I'd love to see some in-depth comparison on what techniques are often employed in a waterfall VS Agile scenario when it comes to eliciting and managing these requirements. Subbed.

[@AngeloTheBA]

Here you go. I think this is close to what you might be looking for kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpvClqR_g62VeZo

[@estherdogimab9742]

Thank you I was after this as well

[@chesterbryan8750]

@@AngeloTheBA do you have a video how to do use cases from a current state. What must be in a use case?

[@АлександрДемченко-ъ3х]

Thank you Angelo, great video and explanations

[@lydiagiwa2178]

Can you do a requirement video for network projects?

[@wisdomseeker3937]

Your videos are amazing man. Thank you. Do you have a 1 page business requirements template for agile please?

[@ShaheenMatthews]

Hey, it would be great if you could post a vid on creating documentation for marketing automation solutions and integrations between automation platforms and crm systems, or have a video guiding how to create these types of documents. Marketing automation analyst vids perhaps?

[@AngeloTheBA]

The process doesn't change. I haven't specifically done a Marketing Automation integration so I can''t make a specific video for something I'm not qualified to speak on, but if I was assigned to one I would follow exactly what I already explained in this video. Getting into specifics is like getting into specifics about personal tastes. Understand what is (processes, features, data)... Understand what needs to change (processes, features, data)... Document in a way that makes sense for your sdlc (agile vs waterfall).

[@shelbytownsend3511]

I Angelo I like your video. Can you do a video on a system re-design case study?

[@AngeloTheBA]

Something like this kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2XYZ2urrZeEhJo ?

[@RodrigoBertomeu]

fantastic!! you managed to explain in less than 7 minutes my future career hahahah. very accurate btw

[@AngeloTheBA]

My channel is dedicated to people who don't want to watch hour long videos. Short and simple.

[@novaknovakovic1585]

Lovely video content! Excuse me for butting in, I would appreciate your initial thoughts. Have you researched - Peytonivon Abs Takeover (probably on Google)? It is a great one of a kind guide for mastering life with this simple goal setting technique without the headache. Ive heard some incredible things about it and my mate after a lifetime of fighting got astronomical results with it.

[@vondrakav2532]

Thank you😀

[@jenisehampton8818]

Great videos! I am starting out in this role and am having a hard time thinking critically and or putting all of the pieces I need together. Do you have any suggestions on how to understand the business better so you can begin to ask effective questions and become comfortable enough to conduct meetings and actually know what you’re talking about??

[@AngeloTheBA]

Modeling/Diagramming is the best way I know to get yourself to start thinking more critically. You have to think about the information differently in order to organize it accordingly. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6u2gpublpiCZtk

[@chrisdior11]

Think big picture. Think like an investigative journalist. Learn the application and learn HOW the end users used the system. Think of the end result. Always ask yourself, what are the risks who is impacted, what's missing.

[@esmatsahebdil7499]

Hey Angelo! Thanks for the nice content. By the way, what application you are using for this video? Doodle? It looks so similar to a real marker jotting on a paper.

[@AngeloTheBA]

The full details of what I used to produce the video are in the details.

[@nallurilavanya2636]

Hi Angelo, could you take an example and explain what questions can be asked to a stakeholder in order to achieve what they need?

[@AngeloTheBA]

I would start with this for now. It provides some ways to think through asking good questions kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2e9i4qloZiKgNU

[@mohsinsheikh1961]

Hi Angelo First of all, I must acknowledge your channel and your efforts. Good work. Secondly, there is heaps of confusion in BA roles and classification. It seems everyone is kind of having their own understanding. What is functional Non Functional Technical And what not business analyst Please explain in detail with examples. Thank you

[@AngeloTheBA]

I'll consider this topic for my next video. I'll let you know once its up.

[@AngeloTheBA]

Here you go - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJivhX6ZqtiEh8U

[@kp1-072]

Thank you

[@rohitw20]

Thanks Angelo Kalevela sir. I have one question regarding transition requirements - Say suppose there is a project in which we are permanently migrating from home-grown CMS system (Legacy system) to a third party modern CMS system. [CMS stands for Content Management system and project is for an e-commerce company] 1. What will be the temporary requirements and what will be permanent one, request you to share few examples for each type, it would be very helpful. 2. In general what all things we need to consider while migrating to new system from a legacy system and what type of documents we shall prepare with regards to temporary and permanent capabilities. 3. Anything else you would like to share with respect to such project. It will be helpful for everyone. Thanks.

[@AngeloTheBA]

1. Examples might be APIs to interface old data to new system or migration processes. Once everything is moved, you don’t need APIs or process to move things. The permanent ones would be the requirements of the CMS itself. If you lived in a house and were moving to a new house then the size, # of rooms, etc would be requirements of the house. Moving truck and boxes would be transition requirements. Once the move is done, you don’t need a moving truck or the boxes, but you still need the same size house, # of rooms, etc. 2. I look to make sure it can do what the organization needs it to do (processes, data, good UI) 3. No, I think the video covers anything else

[@rohitw20]

@@AngeloTheBA thank you for quick response. Appreciate it! Currently going through all your other videos. Thanks

[@harrygamer4190]

Amazing video love it. I’m currently in my first year of university, studying Business Management. I am looking to become a business analyst, do you know have any lists that cover topics around business analyst role?

[@AngeloTheBA]

What do you mean by lists? My whole channel is BA topics

[@odalytejada5578]

Really well explained, do i need to create an activity for every business process, my project is an APP with many funcionts base on is my question. thanks

[@AngeloTheBA]

Your question is a bit unclear, however every function that isn't well understood creates potential to miss a requirement. If it's complex enough that you don't want to model it, it probably means it's complex enough that you should definitely model it.

[@JC_46]

Hi Angelo - thanks for the great video, I have a couple of questions that I hope you might be able to help with: 1. I read a lot about a BRD which should contain: Intro, Business Process Models (as is/to-be), Functional Models, Requirements Catalogue (general, functional, non-functional), List of Stakeholders, Glossary/RACI etc... where would user stories fit into this - or is the BRD with the requirements catalogue strictly Waterfall and User Stories simply aren't used with one? If the latter is the case, are user stories just documented in their own, standalone document and there is no need for a BRD? I'm struggling to understand how the two work together, or what document user stories fit into (i.e. can they be documented with process maps?) 2. If user stories are used, what, in turn, doesn't need to be used? For instance, if user stories are used does it negate the need for traditional functional and non-functional requirements, as well as no longer needing use case diagrams? It would be great if there is some guidance out there which shows what methods work well with others, what techniques can be used together and what techniques should not be used with others. Thanks for your help.

[@AngeloTheBA]

Requirement = required capability and is the new thing that needs to happen. There are many ways to do this and how you do it is dependent on the nature of the requirement and how the team works together. The goal is to convey what needs to change (which can be represented at multiple levels) and the the value you expect to gain. Features are a form of business requirements usually represent high level needs. User stories are a form stakholder requirements that take it down a level. Functional requirements, can be documented as use cases, acceptance criteria, task flows, Gherkin, process models, etc and take it down another level. Non-functional requirements represent the things you should remember to consider and might exist as Definition of Done. These are all tools to convey a message to Stakeholders, developers, designers, etc. You are the artisan who needs to understand when a tool works best. BRD templates basically serve as a template to do the full job of business analysis. Often in waterfall the project team is new, so you kinda assume everyone is starting from zero. Basically do you understand the process(es)? Do you understand the data? Do you know who all the stakeholders are... Etc. Then, what new things need to happen? In waterfall, requirements happen and essentially get tossed over the fence to designers and developers, so documentation needs to be robust. In agile, because work is continuous and the team is consistent, there wouldn't be a need to document processes or data from scratch every time. Ideally you would just be updating or referencing ones that already exist as you go. Also because the team is consistent and in constant collaboration, there isnt as much of a need for super heavy requirements document. However you (the BA) still determine what the team needs to be successful. Think planning a quarterly trip together with your closest friends (agile) vs giving a stranger the requirements to plan one huge trip for you and your closest friends and hoping for the best (waterfall).

[@conversesoch4007]

Thank you for video could you be. more specific to scrum what is the exact way of gathering requirements (all the requirements are in the form of userstories alone or are their any other kind of requirements to be capture by BA. Please help with the practicality of Scrum BA roles and responsibilities.

[@AngeloTheBA]

I would start with this video that I've already created on the topic kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH2TnWOQnq6jesU

[@09addzy]

Who creates the Solution requirements? The BA? I'm a BA/Product Specialist and when I try draw the UI for a feature explaining functions, I get told leave the solution for Devs and just focus on the Business requirement?

[@AngeloTheBA]

A solution requirement and a UI (design) are not the same. A solution requirement should be describing "what" the system needs to be able to do, whereas the UI design is "how" it is eventually done. In some cases, defining a UI to early makes you unable to search for the best option. Relative to who does what, there are no rules. I was a BA with a passion for UX (and a master's degree in UX), so I made the wireframes and prototypes. However, a BA on a team with a developer who is passionate or more talented in UI design might leave the design up to them.

[@wendybunton5823]

Sorry I didn't provide a good question Based in your explanation in the business process you have to explain the activity for this process flow. Let say my project is an App within this feature we have differences tabs with differences functions. Do I have to explain every activity for theses tabs?

[@AngeloTheBA]

If you are modeling a process, you should model all the activities related to the process. For example, if the checkout process is Activity A -> Activity B -> Activity C -> Finish, then that's what should be in the model. It doesn't matter what tab Activity B. If the project is related to the checkout process and Activity N isn't part of the checkout process, then don't include it in that model. However, a good business analyst would want to know about all the features of an application because it may impact how you define a solution/change to the application.

[@anthonysomian5407]

NIce summary

[@AngeloTheBA]

Thank you

[@mrd9908]

Hey thanks for uploading this video. I’ve been asked to convert system requirements like ‘system shall do xyz’ to user stories. What do you think the best approach is?

[@AngeloTheBA]

Here is my video on writing user stories. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJmlhqykhrODqdk , but the short answer is if "the system must do XZY", then you need to add "who does it" and "why." For example As a new user (the who) I want to be able to do XYZ So that I can accurately do my task (the why)

[@sadiai3144]

Need help with practical side of ba.

[@AngeloTheBA]

Could you be more specific on what you mean by that?

[@AlejandroMoreno-sy7fi]

Good morning Sir, How long is this course? Business Analysis Career Readiness Course

[@AngeloTheBA]

~40 minutes of "lecture" total (the full curriculum with durations is available on the page if you want to be exact), but there are 7 assignments and I can't predict how low it might take you to do those.

[@hermanosmc4272]

Hello, I would like to know the difference between the stakeholders defining vs bounding viewpoints. thanks for your attention

[@AngeloTheBA]

Can you clarify defining and bounding so I can make sure I answer your question as accurately as possible?

[@hermanosmc4272]

@@AngeloTheBA , so for example if I have functional viewpoints for a washing machine, following my university lecture slides, bounding functions are for example installation, user interaction, or maintenance, and defining viewpoints are washing (wash, rinse, spin) and load management ( determine load, select wash cycle...) but they dont give more information and I am having a bit of a difficulty understanding the differences, thanks for your help!

[@AngeloTheBA]

​@@hermanosmc4272 I'm assuming there is some translation happening and the use of the word "bounding" and "viewpoints" is what's throwing me off. So I'm going to try and you can correct me if I make incorrect assumptions... I think bounding might be coming from like a boundary or "scope" and viewpoints to roughly translate to requirement. Relative to this video, Bounding would be the higher-level business requirements, features/epics (around 02:50 ) or even stakeholder requirements (03:20). These are broken down into the specifics of how you want to accomplish each piece which is "defining" how the solution & functional requirements (04:30) The other way bounding could be interpreted is like to bind or tie-down, which might be a "constraint," but your examples don't quite fit that model, so I don't think that is what was meant. If you think there is more to it and I'm misunderstanding feel free to message me on Facebook (see description)

[@hermanosmc4272]

@@AngeloTheBA Thanks for your response, peace with you!

[@sadiai3144]

There is no video out there that tells you about the practical side of ba. Like daily duties, how to make creation of Business Cases, User Stories, and Workflow Diagrams. creation of Functional Requirements, data mapping, data modeling, and systems migrations . Sql. When will these be used and know why to use them ?

[@AngeloTheBA]

That is because every BA is in a different situation and can approach their job differently. The contents of this video explain what a BA does. How it is done is up to the business analyst. This isn't a job that comes with a step by step manual. You have to understand the goal then determine what activities you will undertake to achieve it. Diagrams, data maps, work flows, user stories, etc are just tools. You decide how to use them best. The BABOK has the most comprehensive list of techniques that I'm aware of, from there its up to you on how and when to use them.

[@sadiai3144]

Well this reply you gave me is a video you can make in itself. As someone trying to pursue a career as a ba it’s so foggy . Don’t know when to use what . Does a process analyst use same techniques use it analyst ? Everything is so confusing relating to practical field .

[@AngeloTheBA]

@@sadiai3144 I'll try do dig a little deeper into this with a video to see if I can bring some clarity.

[@conversesoch4007]

@Sadia thank you for question on the steps and flow of the BA. How are you learning the various concepts of BA and more specific to scrum what is the exact way of gathering requirements (all the requirements are in the form of userstories alone or are their any other kind of requirements to be capture by BA. Please help with the practicality of Scrum BA roles and responsibilities.

[@Farlid57868]

Sadia I I had this confusion with videos and I recommend that you find pdfs of Software deliverables from your industry. The EU has a lot of public software implementation and documentation resources that you can read and gain some understanding of the practicality side of ba role. Good luck!

[@mounaamani6864]

hello Angelo, I really like your videos there are simple and very attractive, I can not stop watching them :) . I am currently interested in doing a business analysis certificate . I have few questions for you: 1. Do I need coding knowledge in ordre to successed as a BA ? 2. I am a computer engineer . Can I get hired without the need without a certificate in BA. for example if I pass a BA test exam and have a good score , can I get hired ? Thanks

[@AngeloTheBA]

Hi Mouna, 1. No you do not need coding to be a successful Business Analyst. I don't have to do any coding to accomplish my job. 2. Yes you can get hired without a certificate in Business Analysis, but you'll have to be able to sell why your skills and experience make you a good business analyst candidate. The certification will actually help you do that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqnTgpR4gJpjhqc This video should help you think about the transition. Sorry for the slow reply and good luck

[@mounaamani6864]

@@AngeloTheBA Thank you very much for your feedback.I really appreciate it.

[@zakh.h]

Hi, my name is zakh and I am a high school student who wants to work in a business background. When I receive my business homework that includes making data managment and graphing given information into a chart or data sheet. Just wanted to ask you if you know any business jobs that require such skills.

[@AngeloTheBA]

Hey Zakh. I would say Business Intelligence or Data Analytics is most directly related to making data understandable and valuable. However, most business jobs require making data within your space into decision making information (accounting, finance, marketing, business operations, etc). Here is my video from an Information Technology perspective and I talk about Business Intelligence. kzbin.info/www/bejne/baeYmGxnmJaGjas If you choose to go to college, try to get yourself into the kinds of freshman lectures that give you a broad scope of all business jobs.

[@kalmkrew]

I got a gig as a business analyst through recommendation from a friend but Ive done analyst work but not business analyst work . I sold my self now they want me to start working but I feel I have no actual working knowledge and it's kinda stressing me out lol

[@AngeloTheBA]

Is it a junior level or more experienced level position?

[@kalmkrew]

@@AngeloTheBA it's in-between, I feel they expect me to know my way but not necessarily be an expert. I've never made a flow chart in my life lol so I've been watching tons of videos to get up to scratch. My experience is with analytics and some low level process improvement. Not on the same scale as documentation as a BA

[@aline51mor]

you should be not so fast!!!! But I really liked.

[@AngeloTheBA]

I'm glad you enjoyed. I'll try to be less fast next time.

[@daredevil1189]

you can play it at less speed. youtube has given you the power.

[@AngeloTheBA]

Need BA Help? Come train with me metabusinessanalyst.com/train-with-angelo-the-ba/

[@DJ-tr6nf]

Who's watching this bc of CM1202?? ↓

[@AngeloTheBA]

What is CM1202?

[@DJ-tr6nf]

@@AngeloTheBA It's a module at my uni which focuses on Software Development. We had to watch your video as one of our tasks... I like it btw bc it made the whole requirements thing a lot more sense.

[@roseballerine4395]

Thank you. Very useful for headless chicken like me