BAPv5 BCS Practitioner Certificate in Business Analysis Practice v5.2 Question and Answers

 Porter’s Five Forces model is a technique for analysing the competitive forces that affect an organisation or industry. It helps to assess the attractiveness and profitability of an organisation or industry. Porter’s Five Forces model consists of five forces: threat of new entrants, bargaining power of customers, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of substitute products and competitive rivalry. Therefore, option B is the correct answer, as these preliminary findings would be documented in the bargaining power of customers force of Porter’s Five Forces model. Bargaining power of customers is the force that measures the ability and influence of customers to affect the price, quality and quantity of products or services offered by an organisation or industry. It depends on factors such as customer concentration, switching costs, differentiation and loyalty. An example of bargaining power of customers in this scenario is the market is saturated, customers have a lot of choice and it is easy for them to switch from one bank to another, which implies that customers have high bargaining power and can demand lower prices or better services from banks. Option A is not a correct answer, as these preliminary findings would not be documented in the threat of new entrants force of Porter’s Five Forces model. Threat of new entrants is the force that measures the likelihood and impact of new competitors entering an organisation or industry. It depends on factors such as entry barriers, economies of scale, capital requirements and brand loyalty. An example of threat of new entrants in this scenario is an overseas bank launching a new bank in the UK, which implies that there is a potential threat of new entrants to the existing banks in the UK. Option C is not a correct answer, as these preliminary findings would not be documented in the bargaining power of suppliers force of Porter’s Five Forces model. Bargaining power of suppliers is the force that measures the ability and influence of suppliers to affect the price, quality and quantity of products or services supplied to an organisation or industry. It depends on factors such as supplier concentration, switching costs, differentiation and dependency. An example of bargaining power of suppliers in this scenario is the suggested changes to the business structure will affect our relationships with suppliers, which implies that suppliers may have some bargaining power over the organisation or industry. Option D is not a correct answer, as these preliminary findings would not be documented in the threat of substitute products force of Porter’s Five Forces model. Threat of substitute products is the force that measures the likelihood and impact of customers switching to alternative products or services that satisfy their needs or wants better than those offered by an organisation or industry. It depends on factors such as availability, price, quality and performance of substitute products or services. There is no example of threat of substitute products in this scenario.

A resource audit is a technique for identifying and evaluating the resources that an organisation has or needs to achieve its objectives. It helps to assess the availability and quality of an organisation’s resources, such as human, physical, financial and intangible resources. Therefore, option C is the correct answer, as it identifies which of these would be considered as ‘tangible’ resources in a resource audit. Tangible resources are resources that have physical existence and can be seen or touched by human senses. Examples of tangible resources are machinery, equipment, buildings, materials, money etc. Option A identifies ‘a’ (recent investment in new machinery), ‘c’ (the number of staff currently employed in the company) and ‘e’ (the company has significant retained profits) as tangible resources in a resource audit. These are correct examples of tangible resources in a resource audit, as they have physical existence and can be seen or touched by human senses. Option B identifies ‘b’ (feedback from customers and an increase in sales), ‘c’ (the number of staff currently employed in the company) and ‘e’ (the company has significant retained profits) as tangible resources in a resource audit. These are incorrect examples of tangible resources in a resource audit, as ‘b’ (feedback from customers and an increase in sales) is an intangible resource, not a tangible resource. Intangible resources are resources that have no physical existence and cannot be seen or touched by human senses. Examples of intangible resources are reputation, brand, knowledge, skills etc. Option D identifies ‘c’ (the number of staff currently employed in the company), ‘d’ (the ability of EcoBags to respond quickly to new market demands) and ‘e’ (the company has significant retained profits) as tangible resources in a resource audit. These are incorrect examples of tangible resources in a resource audit, as ‘d’ (the ability of EcoBags to respond quickly to new market demands) is an intangible resource, not a tangible resource.

 The role of a business analyst (BA) is to analyse business situations and problems, identify and evaluate potential solutions, and facilitate change within an organisation or project. A BA works with stakeholders at different levels and with different interests and perspectives to understand their needs and expectations and ensure they are met by suitable solutions. Therefore, option C is not likely to be used by George’s manager in describing his role as a BA in resolving this problem. To negotiate with stakeholders to reach resolution implies that George has to persuade or compromise with stakeholders to agree on one solution or approach. This is not part of the BA’s role, as the BA does not have the authority or responsibility to make decisions or impose solutions on stakeholders. The BA’s role is to analyse and evaluate different solutions or approaches objectively and present the findings and recommendations to stakeholders for their consideration and approval. Option A is likely to be used by George’s manager in describing his role as a BA in resolving this problem. To understand and challenge the stakeholders means that George has to elicit and validate the stakeholders’ views and needs and question their assumptions and rationale. This is part of the BA’s role, as the BA has to ensure that the stakeholders’ views and needs are clear, consistent, realistic and aligned with the organisation’s strategy and objectives. Option B is likely to be used by George’s manager in describing his role as a BA in resolving this problem. To facilitate the discussion to allow the stakeholders to find a way forward means that George has to organise and conduct meetings or workshops with stakeholders to explore and evaluate different solutions or approaches and help them reach a consensus or agreement. This is part of the BA’s role, as the BA has to enable effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders and help them resolve conflicts or issues. Option D is likely to be used by George’s manager in describing his role as a BA in resolving this problem. To record the meeting and the resulting decision means that George has to document and communicate the outcomes and actions of the meeting or workshop with stakeholders and ensure they are understood and accepted by all parties. This is part of the BA’s role, as the BA has to ensure that there is a clear and accurate record of what has been discussed and decided by stakeholders and that there is a shared understanding and commitment among them.

A business rule is a statement that defines or constrains some aspect of a business situation or problem or its solution. It helps to ensure consistency and compliance with policies, regulations, standards or criteria within an organisation or project. Business rules can be classified into four types: external constraints, internal policies, external procedures and internal procedures. Therefore, option B is the correct answer, as it identifies which types(s) of business rule have been described in this extract respectively. External constraints are business rules that originate from outside an organisation or project and are beyond its control or influence. They help to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, standards or criteria imposed by external authorities or bodies. An example of external constraints in this extract is legislation ensuring protection for the most vulnerable people in our society can affect the criteria, as it originates from outside the local council and is beyond its control or influence. Internal policies are business rules that originate from within an organisation or project and are under its control or influence. They help to ensure alignment with objectives, strategies, values or principles established by internal decision makers or influencers. An example of internal policies in this extract is the criteria are agreed by the council housing committee, who meet on a regular basis and seek to ensure that the criteria continue to enable effective housing allocation, as it originates from within the local council and is under its control or influence. Option A is not a correct answer, as it does not identify which types(s) of business rule have been described in this extract respectively. Internal policies and internal procedures are not the types of business rule that have been described in this extract. Internal procedures are business rules that specify how an activity or task should be performed or delivered within an organisation or project. They help to ensure quality and consistency of performance or delivery within an organisation or project. There is no example of internal procedures in this extract. Option C is not a correct answer, as it does not identify which types(s) of business rule have been described in this extract respectively. External constraints and external procedures are not the types of business rule that have been described in this extract. External procedures are business rules that specify how an activity or task should be performed or delivered outside an organisation or project. They help to ensure compatibility and interoperability of performance or delivery with external parties or systems. There is no example of external procedures in this extract. Option D is not a correct answer, as it does not identify any type of business rule that has been described in this extract.

A resource audit is a technique for identifying and evaluating the resources that an organisation has or needs to achieve its objectives. It helps to assess the availability and quality of an organisation’s resources, such as human, physical, financial and intangible resources. Therefore, options A, B and C are correct answers, as they should be included in the resource audit for Exquisite Analogue. They describe different types of resources that the organisation has and that contribute to its performance and potential. Option A describes a physical resource, which is a tangible asset that an organisation owns or uses, such as buildings, equipment or materials. Option B describes an intangible resource, which is a non-physical asset that an organisation owns or uses, such as intellectual property, brand or reputation. Option C describes a human resource, which is a person or group that an organisation employs or engages, such as staff, managers or customers. Option D is not a correct answer, as it should not be included in the resource audit for Exquisite Analogue. It describes a threat that affects the organisation externally, not a resource that the organisation has or needs internally. Option E is not a correct answer, as it should not be included in the resource audit for Exquisite Analogue. It describes a factor that affects the organisation externally, not a resource that the organisation has or needs internally.

Technical feasibility is the extent to which a proposed business change or solution is possible and realistic from a technical perspective. It helps to assess whether a proposed business change or solution can be developed, implemented and maintained using the available or required technology. Therefore, option A is the correct answer, as it describes the areas of technical feasibility mentioned in the report. Proven is an area of technical feasibility that relates to whether the technology used for the proposed business change or solution has been tested and verified by previous or existing users or applications. It helps to ensure reliability and quality of the technology. An example of proven in the report is the new payment method has not yet been widely adopted although it has the backing of all the big phone brands. Compatible is an area of technical feasibility that relates to whether the technology used for the proposed business change or solution can work or integrate with other existing or required technologies. It helps to ensure interoperability and functionality of the technology. An example of compatible in the report is our current payments system will be upgraded next month to take payment as part of a scheduled release. Secure is an area of technical feasibility that relates to whether the technology used for the proposed business change or solution can protect or prevent unauthorised access, use, modification or disclosure of data or information. It helps to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability of the technology. An example of secure in the report is cyber security testing is encouraging. Scalable is an area of technical feasibility that relates to whether the technology used for the proposed business change or solution can handle or adapt to changes in demand, volume or performance. It helps to ensure efficiency and flexibility of the technology. An example of scalable in the report is trials have shown that the technology will scale to our customer base. Option B is not a correct answer, as it does not describe all the areas of technical feasibility mentioned in the report. Timely is an area of technical feasibility that relates to whether the technology used for the proposed business change or solution can be developed, implemented and maintained within the available or required time frame. It helps to ensure punctuality and speed of the technology. There is no example of timely in the report. Option C is not a correct answer, as it does not describe all the areas of technical feasibility mentioned in the report. Reliable is an area of technical feasibility that relates to whether the technology used for the proposed business change or solution can perform consistently and accurately without errors or failures. It helps to ensure dependability and accuracy of the technology. There is no example of reliable in the report. Architectural alignment is an area of technical feasibility that relates to whether the technology used for the proposed business change or solution can fit or align with other existing or required architectures, such as business, data or application architectures. It helps to ensure consistency and coherence of the technology. There is no example of architectural alignment in the report. Option D is not a correct answer, as it does not describe any of the areas of technical feasibility mentioned in the report.

The stakeholder management strategy for senior managers should be constant active management. Senior managers have high power and high interest in the project, as they are responsible for overseeing its implementation and ensuring its alignment with organizational goals. They also have influence over other stakeholders, such as end users and employees. Therefore, they need to be regularly engaged, consulted, informed, and involved in decision making throughout the project lifecycle. Option B is the correct answer.

The elements of the POPII model that have not yet been addressed by the changes identified are organisation and process. This is because there is no mention of how the new booking process will affect the organisational structure, roles, responsibilities, and culture of the company, or how the new COTS software package will integrate with the existing business processes and workflows. These elements are important to consider when introducing a new system or technology, as they may require changes or adaptations to ensure alignment and compatibility. Option A is the correct answer.

The event ‘amend KPI’ would affect the activity ‘define performance targets’, as the company would need to change its current performance target of gross profit margin to ROCE. The other activities would not be directly affected by this event, as they are either related to monitoring or defining other aspects of the business. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

 A power/interest grid is a tool for analysing stakeholders based on their level of power or influence and their level of interest or involvement in the organisation or project. The grid has four quadrants: high power, high interest; high power, low interest; low power, high interest; and low power, low interest. The position of a stakeholder on the grid can help to determine the appropriate strategy for engaging and communicating with them. Therefore, option A is the correct answer, as the head of IT services currently occupies the high power, low interest quadrant. This means that he has the authority or ability to affect the outcome of the project, but he does not show much concern or involvement in it. Option B is not correct, as some power and influence and some interest would place the head of IT services in the middle of the grid, which is not a distinct quadrant. Option C is not correct, as high power or influence and high interest would place the head of IT services in the top right quadrant, which is not consistent with his lack of involvement. Option D is not correct, as low power and influence but high interest would place the head of IT services in the bottom right quadrant, which is not consistent with his authority.

The notes that will go into the MOST analysis are a, b and d, as they correspond to the elements of Mission, Strategy and Tactics. The mission is to supply 10% of the local bespoke furniture market by the end of the financial year (a). The strategy is to adopt new 3D printing technologies to gain an advantage when quoting for bespoke furniture designs (d). The tactics are to invest in local radio advertising and appoint a creative team to develop an appropriate advertisement (b). Note c is not part of the MOST analysis, as it is not related to any of the elements.

A stakeholder is any person or group who has an interest in or influence over an organisation or project. Stakeholders can be classified into different categories based on their relationship with the organisation or project. One possible classification is the stakeholder wheel, which identifies six generic stakeholder categories: owner, partner, supplier, customer, regulator and competitor. Therefore, options A, B and C are correct answers, as they represent three stakeholder groups that are involved in the scenario. Owner refers to the person or group who owns or controls the organisation or project. In this case, it is the two people who each own 50% of AlpineTrails. Partner refers to the person or group who collaborates or cooperates with the organisation or project to achieve mutual benefits. In this case, it is WalkNation, who has agreed to work with AlpineTrails to provide special holidays for its members. Supplier refers to the person or group who provides goods or services to the organisation or project. In this case, it is the hotels, transport and equipment providers that AlpineTrails books for its customers. Option D is not a correct answer, as manager is not one of the generic stakeholder categories defined in the stakeholder wheel. Manager refers to the person or group who oversees or coordinates the activities of the organisation or project. In this case, it could be either one of the owners of AlpineTrails or someone appointed by them. Option E is not a correct answer, as competitor is not represented in this scenario. Competitor refers to the person or group who offers similar or alternative goods or services to the same market as the organisation or project. In this case, it could be another company that specialises in offering tailored walking holidays.

A cost is an expenditure or sacrifice incurred or expected to be incurred as a result of a business change. A benefit is an advantage or improvement that is gained or expected to be gained as a result of a business change. Costs and benefits can be classified as tangible or intangible, depending on whether they can be measured in monetary terms or not. Therefore, options B and D are correct answers, as they describe intangible costs and benefits that are not easily quantified or valued. Intangible costs include the temporary reduction in productivity due to the introduction of new business policies and processes. Intangible benefits include the enhancement of the company’s reputation as the market leader due to being the first to receive compliance certification. Option A is not a correct answer, as tangible costs are not described in the extract. Tangible costs are those that can be measured in monetary terms, such as the cost of purchasing new equipment or hiring new staff. Option C is not a correct answer, as tangible benefits are not described in the extract. Tangible benefits are those that can be measured in monetary terms, such as the increase in revenue or decrease in expenses.

A competency is a combination of skills, knowledge and behaviours that enable a person to perform a task or role effectively and efficiently. Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as it describes the competencies required for this role based on the job advert. Business case development is a competency that involves creating and presenting a formal written proposal that details the costs and benefits of a proposed business change or solution. It helps to justify and secure the approval and funding for a proposed business change or solution. This competency is required for this role, as the job advert states that the business analyst will assist in the development of formal written proposals detailing the cost and benefit of proposed business initiatives. Investigation techniques is a competency that involves using a variety of methods to explore and define complex situations or problems within an organisation or project. It helps to elicit, analyse, validate and prioritise the views and needs of stakeholders and identify the root causes and effects of situations or problems. This competency is required for this role, as the job advert states that the business analyst should be able to use a variety of methods to explore and define complex situations. Business architecture is a competency that involves designing and modelling the structure and relationships of an organisation or project at a high level of abstraction. It helps to understand how an organisation or project operates, delivers value and achieves its objectives and outcomes. This competency is required for this role, as the job advert states that the business analyst should have experience of producing blueprints in terms of processes, management structures, culture and people. Option A is not a correct answer, as it does not describe all the competencies required for this role based on the job advert. Subject matter expertise is a competency that involves having in-depth knowledge and understanding of a specific domain or industry within an organisation or project. It helps to provide insights and guidance on the best practices and standards within a specific domain or industry. This competency is not required for this role, as the job advert does not state that the business analyst should have subject matter expertise in any specific domain or industry. Option B is not a correct answer, as it does not describe all the competencies required for this role based on the job advert. Domain knowledge is a competency that involves having general knowledge and understanding of a broad domain or industry within an organisation or project. It helps to provide context and background on the nature and scope of a domain or industry. This competency is not required for this role, as the job advert does not state that the business analyst should have domain knowledge in any broad domain or industry. Gap analysis is a competency that involves comparing current and desired situations or problems and identifying the differences or gaps between them. It helps to determine what changes or improvements are needed to bridge the gaps and achieve desired situations or problems. This competency is not required for this role, as the job advert does not state that the business analyst should have experience of gap analysis. Option C is not a correct answer, as it does not describe all the competencies required for this role based on the job advert. Requirements engineering is a competency that involves eliciting, analysing, specifying, validating and managing requirements for a system or product within an organisation or project. It helps to ensure that requirements are clear, complete, consistent, testable and traceable throughout the system or product lifecycle. This competency is not required for this role, as the job advert does not state that the business analyst should have experience of requirements engineering.

A mind map is a technique for organising and visualising information in a hierarchical and associative way. It helps to generate, structure and classify ideas and concepts and show how they are related or connected. Therefore, option A is the correct answer, as a mind map would enable Girby to model the arising themes and how they relate to each other. A mind map would help to identify the main theme or problem (declining production) and the sub-themes or causes (staff blaming each other, more parts being faulty etc.) and arrange them in a tree-like structure. A mind map would help to use colours, symbols, images and keywords to represent and emphasise the themes and their relationships. A mind map would help to analyse and evaluate the themes and their relationships and identify any patterns or gaps that may exist. Option B is not a correct answer, as a business activity model is not a technique for modelling the arising themes and how they relate to each other. A business activity model is a technique for modelling business activities within an organisation or project at a high level of abstraction. It helps to understand what an organisation does, how it does it, who does it, where it does it and why it does it. Option C is not a correct answer, as a rich picture is not a technique for modelling the arising themes and how they relate to each other. A rich picture is a technique for drawing a holistic view of a complex situation or problem using informal symbols and images. It helps to capture the main elements and aspects of a situation or problem and how they interact or influence each other. Option D is not a correct answer, as a business process model is not a technique for modelling the arising themes and how they relate to each other. A business process model is a technique for modelling business processes within an organisation or project at a low level of abstraction. It helps to understand how business processes are performed or delivered in terms of inputs, outputs, activities, tasks, roles, rules, events etc.

A Business Activity Model (BAM) is a technique for modelling business activities within an organisation or project at a high level of abstraction. It helps to understand what an organisation does, how it does it, who does it, where it does it and why it does it. Therefore, options A and D are correct answers, as they apply to a BAM. Option A applies to a BAM, as multiple BAMs could be created to reflect different perspectives of different stakeholder groups within or outside the organisation or project. A BAM is not a single or definitive representation of the business activities, but a subjective and contextual view that depends on the purpose and scope of the analysis. Option D applies to a BAM, as the activities are most likely to be shown in boxes in a BAM. A BAM is typically represented as a diagram that consists of boxes and arrows. The boxes represent the high level activities that the organisation performs or delivers, and the arrows represent the flow or sequence of the activities. Option B does not apply to a BAM, as the owner should not always choose the final BAM. The owner is one of the stakeholder groups that may have a perspective on the business activities, but not the only or ultimate one. The final BAM should be agreed by all relevant stakeholder groups based on their needs and expectations. Option C does not apply to a BAM, as normally a consensus BAM will not be produced. A consensus BAM is a BAM that reflects a common or shared perspective of all stakeholder groups within or outside the organisation or project. A consensus BAM is not realistic or desirable, as different stakeholder groups may have different or conflicting views on the business activities. Option E does not apply to a BAM, as dependencies between the activities are shown in a BAM. Dependencies between the activities are the relationships or connections that indicate how one activity affects or influences another activity. Dependencies between the activities are shown by the arrows in a BAM diagram.

A SWOT analysis is a technique for identifying and evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that affect an organisation or project. It helps to assess the internal and external factors that influence the performance and potential of the organisation or project. Therefore, option B is the correct answer, as a SWOT analysis would be the most valuable technique for enabling the organisation to fully explore the concerns and understand if any further intervention is required. A SWOT analysis would help to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation’s current situation, such as the gaps in staff training, the state of the stores and warehouses, and the cash flow issues. It would also help to identify the opportunities and threats that arise from the external environment, such as the market trends, customer preferences, competitors’ actions, and regulatory changes. A SWOT analysis would provide a comprehensive picture of the organisation’s situation and help to prioritise the areas that need improvement or attention. Option A is not a correct answer, as a resource audit is a technique for identifying and evaluating the resources that an organisation has or needs to achieve its objectives. It helps to assess the availability and quality of the organisation’s resources, such as human, physical, financial and intangible resources. A resource audit would not be sufficient to fully explore the concerns and understand if any further intervention is required, as it would only focus on one aspect of the organisation’s situation and not consider the external factors that affect it. Option C is not a correct answer, as a PESTLE analysis is a technique for identifying and evaluating the political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental factors that affect an organisation or project. It helps to assess the opportunities and threats that arise from the external environment. A PESTLE analysis would not be sufficient to fully explore the concerns and understand if any further intervention is required, as it would only focus on one aspect of the organisation’s situation and not consider the internal factors that affect it. Option D is not a correct answer, as Porter’s Five Forces model is a technique for analysing the competitive forces that shape an industry or market. It helps to assess the attractiveness and profitability of an industry or market by examining five forces: rivalry among existing competitors, threat of new entrants, threat of substitute products or services, bargaining power of suppliers, and bargaining power of buyers. Porter’s Five Forces model would not be relevant to fully explore the concerns and understand if any further intervention is required, as it would not address the issues that affect the organisation internally.

 A Business Activity Model (BAM) is a technique for modelling business activities within an organisation or project at a high level of abstraction. It helps to understand what an organisation does, how it does it, who does it, where it does it and why it does it. Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as a BAM would help the business analyst to identify underlying causes of a problem with declining sales. A BAM would help to analyse how different activities within an organisation contribute or relate to sales performance and identify any gaps or issues that may affect sales performance. A BAM would help to compare current and desired situations or problems and identify what changes or improvements are needed to achieve desired situations or problems. Option A is not a correct answer, as customer journey maps are not a technique for identifying underlying causes of a problem with declining sales. Customer journey maps are a technique for visualising customer experiences with an organisation or product across different touchpoints and stages. They help to understand customer needs, expectations and emotions and how they are met or influenced by an organisation or product. Option B is not a correct answer, as scenario analysis is not a technique for identifying underlying causes of a problem with declining sales. Scenario analysis is a technique for exploring how different scenarios or situations could affect outcomes or impacts of an organisation or project. They help to test feasibility and desirability of different options or solutions under various circumstances or assumptions. Option C is not a correct answer, as use case diagram is not a technique for identifying underlying causes of a problem with declining sales. Use case diagram is a technique for modelling functional requirements of a system or product at a high level of abstraction. They help to understand what functions or features are required or provided by a system or product and how they interact with actors or users.