Business Analyst Syllabus Guide 2024: Unlock Success!

Why Choose Business Analyst?

Considered a professionally opportunistic field, there are multiple reasons to become a Business Analyst. Here are they: 

Persistence of Problems

Problems aren’t only a part of life but also of business. With unique problems arising every now and then, with the potential of harmful effects, the need is to solve them intellectually. Business Analysts hold solutions to the issues and challenges. Candidates with familiarity in the field and business analyst subjects such as data analysis, business operations, and problem-solving skills are the key to success in the scenario. Being commonly witnessed at companies makes the field highly opportunistic, making it a good reason to opt for it. 

Collaboration 

Business challenges expand to different departments in the company and require the collaboration of varying specializations and experts. Choosing the career path allows interaction, learning teamwork, and interacting with new personalities. It further offers the opportunity to expand the knowledge base and network. Business analysts generally work in association with testers, developers, client service representatives, and other teams. 

Above Average Salaries 

Professional development and monetary growth are important reasons to work or choose a specific career path. Business analysts get paid INR 8 lakhs annually. They are provided with additional cash compensation, which varies. Further, corporate benefits such as 401k contributions, health insurance, and other perks are also provided. 

Visible Impact 

While employees' contributions generally remain indirect and collectively essential to derive the business, the direct impact isn’t seen. Owing to the requirement for suggestions and solutions in existing practices and processes, changes in business analysts are directly evident in the company. Their reforms include the introduction of policies or methodologies and changing business processes or others, which encourages contribution and willingness to opt for the career. Simultaneously, you can also demonstrate the effects of your work. 

Job Security 

As stated previously about the importance of Business Analysts in the company, the roles aren’t going to diminish. Hence, productive and efficient work promises job security. However, in the situation of loss of one, there are plenty of choices to explore. 

Applicable in Industries 

Business analysts are required in businesses across different industries and fields. This allows candidates to explore their favorite areas of interest and make contributions to the same. Industries like management consulting and IT-related firms require Business Analyst professionals in high demand. Additionally, other fields like investment banking, finance, accounting, and market research also hunt for skilled candidates. 

Constant Evolution

The syllabus of business analyst and business analyst subjects is dynamic. This is interpreted as constant updates in knowledge. The consequence is the requirement to remain upskilled to function efficiently. Hence, candidates who are passionate about learning and incorporating new technologies will find interest in the field. 

Ideal Business Analyst Syllabus

Given below is the detailed overview and curriculum structure of the ideal Business Analyst course: 

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) Training

This comprehensive CBAP certification training equips you with the expertise to excel in business analysis, including mastery in advanced documentation, effective planning strategies, and designing business solutions. The course encompasses the fundamental concept model of business analysis. It delves into the six key knowledge areas outlined in the BABOK® Guide Version 3, thoroughly preparing candidates to succeed in the IIBA-CBAP examination.

Essential Learning Outcomes:

• Planning and monitoring business analysis activities
• Facilitating elicitation and promoting collaboration
• Managing the lifecycle of requirements
• Conducting in-depth strategy analysis
• Performing detailed requirements analysis and designing definitions
• Understanding and applying a business intelligence viewpoint
• Grasping the business architecture perspective
• Navigating through business process management

Comprehensive Course Curriculum:

• Introduction to CBAP Certification
• Overview of BABOK V3
• Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring
• Elicitation and Collaboration Techniques
• Management of Requirements Life Cycle
• Strategy Analysis Fundamentals
• Detailed Requirements Analysis and Design Definition
• Solution Evaluation Strategies
• Agile Perspective in Business Analysis
• Business Intelligence Perspective Explored
• Information Technology Perspective for Business Analysis
• Business Architecture Perspective
• Business Process Management Perspective

Tableau Training Course Overview

Dive into the world of Tableau with this comprehensive Tableau Training course designed to teach you how to create impactful visualizations, manage data effectively, and construct charts and dashboards that enhance business decision-making. Throughout this course, you'll explore the fundamentals of Data Visualization, including combo charts and narrative techniques, and learn how to utilize filters, parameters, and sets to build interactive dashboards.

Essential Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion, the participants will:

• Acquire expertise in visualization techniques such as heat maps, treemaps, waterfall charts, and Pareto analysis.
• Gain a thorough understanding of metadata and how to use it effectively.
• Become proficient with Tableau filters, parameters, and sets.
• Master the use of special field types, Tableau-generated fields, and the creation and application of parameters.
• Learn to construct charts, interactive dashboards, story interfaces, and methods for sharing your creations.
• Understand data blending, how to create data extracts, and ways to organize and format data.
• Develop skills in arithmetic, logical, table, and Level of Detail (LOD) calculations.

Detailed Course Curriculum:

• Introduction to Tableau - Get acquainted with the basics of Tableau and set up your environment.
• Core Concepts in Tableau - Dive into the fundamental topics essential for working with Tableau effectively.
• Creating Charts with Tableau - Learn how to build various types of charts to visualize data.
• Working with Metadata - Understand the importance of metadata in Tableau and how to manage it.
• Utilizing Filters in Tableau - Master the application of filters to refine and streamline your data analysis.
• Applying Analytics to Worksheets - Enhance your worksheets with analytical tools and techniques.
• Designing Dashboards in Tableau - Create dynamic and interactive dashboards for effective data presentation.
• Modifying Data Connections - Learn how to adjust and optimize data connections for better performance.
• Exploring Level of Details (LODs) in Tableau - An introduction to the concept of Level of Details and how they can be used to perform deeper analysis.

Data Analysis and Visualization with Python

Elevate your data analytics skills beyond the confines of spreadsheet software by mastering statistical analysis and generating insightful data visualizations through Python. This course guides you from Python fundamentals to exploring various data types. You'll gain proficiency in preparing data for analytical processing, executing straightforward statistical analyses, crafting significant data visualizations, and forecasting data trends.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Master data analysis techniques using Python.
• Acquire skills in importing, cleaning, and preparing data for analysis.
• Summarize data and develop machine learning models utilizing scikit-learn.
• Construct data processing pipelines.
• Explore Python's data visualization tools, including Matplotlib, Seaborn, and Folium.

Comprehensive Course Curriculum:

• Introduction to Data Analysis with Python - Dive into Python for data analysis, covering basic operations and methodologies.
• Fundamentals of Data Visualization with Python - Learn the art of data visualization using Python’s powerful libraries to reveal patterns, trends, and insights.

Mathematical Optimization for Business Challenges

This course will equip you with the skills to construct optimization models that address complex business challenges. Delve into the nuances of mathematical programming and learn to craft these models utilizing IBM Decision Optimization technology.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Master the art of modeling and solving optimization problems.
• Grasp the fundamentals of optimization modeling, including data, decision variables, objective functions, and constraints.
• Comprehend the attainable solutions and the mathematical programming techniques applied in optimization.

Detailed Course Curriculum:

• Introduction to the Big Picture - Gain an overview of how optimization fits into solving business problems.
• Linear Programming Essentials - Learn the core concepts of linear programming and its applications in business.
• Exploring Network Models - Dive into network models and their significance in optimization.
• Advancing Beyond Simple Linear Programming - Expand your knowledge beyond basic linear programming to tackle more complex problems.
• Hands-On Modeling Practice - Apply what you've learned in practical modeling exercises to solidify your understanding and skills.

Business Analyst Capstone Project

Elevate your Business Analysis capabilities through an immersive, industry-specific capstone project. This project synthesizes the knowledge acquired across all courses into a comprehensive, portfolio-ready capstone. Participants will benefit from 8 hours of intensive mentoring sessions with industry experts, spread over four weeks, focusing on real-world applications and hands-on projects tailored to business analysis. Participants have the opportunity to select from one of the following industry scenarios for their capstone project:

Online Pantry Initiative

Collaborate with a leading e-commerce giant to develop a Pantry feature for their website or app aimed at selling daily essential products. This venture into the market of regularly consumed products is intended to generate recurring monthly sales, marking the company's expansion into daily essentials.

E-Fixed Deposits Platform

Work with a top-tier bank that intends to transition to a fully online banking experience, moving away from traditional, manual banking processes. Your project will involve creating an e-fixed deposit system, supporting the bank's vision to eliminate all manual transactions and enhance customer convenience.

Restaurant Management System

Assist a renowned US celebrity chef in implementing a new Restaurant Management System for his chain of restaurants. This project aims to improve the daily operations and management of his establishments across various US cities.

Harvard Business Publishing Case Studies

To further enrich your learning experience, delve into Business Analysis through real-world case studies from Harvard Business Publishing. Authored by HBS professors and leading educators from top business schools, these case studies provide insight into business scenarios and managerial decision-making, offering valuable lessons in solving business challenges.

Final Projects for Course Completion

Project 1: Unilever Canteen Online Ordering System

Develop an online ordering system for the Unilever Canteen that allows employees to place food orders remotely. The objective is to minimize employee wait times, reduce food wastage, and improve the likelihood of employees receiving their preferred meal options.

Project 2: Stanford University Library Management Software

Create a library management application for Stanford University designed to streamline library operations. This software should offer immediate and precise information on books, magazines, and research papers, facilitating a more efficient library service.

Project 3: Launch Strategy for WhatsApp Pay

Devise a business strategy for WhatsApp aimed at encouraging at least one million users to adopt the WhatsApp Pay feature within the first quarter of its release. The ultimate goal is to have 30 percent of WhatsApp's user base using the payment service.

Project 4: Mayo Clinic Hospital Management System

Design a comprehensive hospital management system for the Mayo Clinic to enhance the coordination and management of cross-departmental administrative tasks. This system should effectively handle patient records, bed allocations, billing processes, and the scheduling of doctor appointments.

Optional Courses

Business Analyst Industry Masterclass with IBM

With this program, participate in interactive online masterclasses hosted by IBM to gain insights into the latest technological advancements and analytical techniques in Business Analysis.

CCBA® Certification Training

This course provides foundational skills for aspiring business analysts, aligning with the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA®) standards and benchmarks. Participants will learn to effectively identify business needs and determine the most suitable solutions, aiming for improved reliability, efficiency, and outcome consistency.

Agile Scrum Master Certification

Engage in an online training course on best practices for Agile and Scrum methodology. This program is designed to enhance your skills in managing projects using the Agile Scrum approach, improving your ability to deliver high-quality products to customers and maximize business value while minimizing risks.

SQL Training Program

This comprehensive course offers the essentials to begin working with SQL databases and effectively utilize them in your applications. Learn how to properly structure your database, craft efficient SQL statements and clauses, and manage your SQL database for optimal scalability.

Data Science with R

Advance your data science capabilities across various industries by mastering data analysis, visualization, predictive analytics, and descriptive analytics techniques using R language. The course includes an overview of R packages, data import/export in R, data structures, statistical concepts, cluster analysis, and forecasting.

Business Analytics with Microsoft Excel

Elevate your analytics career with advanced Microsoft Excel skills. This course teaches you the fundamentals of data analysis and statistics, supporting data-driven decision-making in a business context.

Statistics Essential for Data Science

This course focuses on applying statistics to make informed decisions based on data. It provides a solid foundation for data science professionals, covering basic statistical concepts such as descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and regression.

How to Get Started as a Business Analyst?

Beginning a career as a Business Analyst requires thoroughly grasping the business analyst course syllabus through self-learning or guidance. Here is the information on the steps to follow. We recommend you create your journey plan. 

Begin with Basics 

It involves gaining familiarity with expectations from the candidate, finance, accounts, analysts, marketing, data handling, IT-based information, and developing problem-solving, analytical, observational, and creative skills. The solution is generally found out of the box, requiring a unique blend of thought processes. You will also be required to better understand business analysis methodologies such as Rational Unified Process, Agile Business Analysis, Six Sigma, and others. 

Learning basics is easier by opting for a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Enroll in branches like BBA or others. We also recommend working to develop communication skills and business acumen and remain updated with knowledge in the field. 

Take Course 

A bachelor’s degree fulfills eligibility requirements. Taking a Business Analytics course helps to gain additional skills listed above and other critical aspects necessary to perform well in the role. With flexible programs available nowadays, such as Simplilearn, you can simultaneously take up the course during your education. The credits can be accommodated in the curriculum. Taking the course also offers the hands-on experience necessary to get the pace for the career. 

Earn Certification 

Education, both through Bachelor’s and additional courses, is a preliminary step to success. The validation of your capabilities is obtained through certifications. Offering an assessment of practical knowledge and the ability to apply the gained knowledge and skills are valued among organizations during recruitment. There are many certifications to gain and stand out in the crowd of candidates. For instance, PMI Professional in Business Analytics (PMI-PBA), IIBA Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), IIBA Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA), and others.

Gain Experience 

With experience being a general deal breaker in hiring, there are several ways to search and find opportunities in the current digital connectivity. You can go for internships, offer assistance under established businesses, professors, or scholars, and even look for entry-level roles. You can also choose to contribute to the projects to gain familiarity. At Simplilearn, courses offer hands-on experience with industry expertise. You get to interact with both hard and soft skills. 

Advance your Business Analytics knowledge with our exclusive Business Analyst Certification Course. Enroll and start learning today!

Conclusion

Business Analysts are a necessity in the business world. With the requirement of professionals to thoroughly analyze the shortcomings in current processes and regulations and offer an optimized solution, the need for skills here is specific. Candidates must have business acumen, analytical abilities, and problem-solving skills. 

While soft skills are learned through experience, hard skills are gained by completing the business analyst syllabus. Boost your career with the Business Analyst course at Simplilearn and enhance your learning in both aspects. The above-provided business analyst syllabus is covered by top industry experts who are familiar with the industry's day-to-day challenges. 

FAQs

1. How long does it take to complete a Business Analyst course based on the syllabus?

The Business Analyst certification course from Simplilearn is available for 11 months. 

2. Do I need a background in business or IT to start learning from a Business Analyst syllabus?

A bachelor’s degree in business administration or IT is required to make a career in the field. However, it is not a hard and fast rule. A general familiarity with working with systems, tools, and products can fulfill the need, too. 

3. Are certifications included as part of the Business Analyst syllabus?

Simplilearn offers a suite of courses for certification training. 

4. How has the Business Analyst syllabus been updated to reflect current industry practices?

The hands-on projects and the tools and methodologies taught offer insight into current industry practices. Further, the lessons are curated and taught by industry professionals, thus keeping the curriculum up to date. 

5. What are the prerequisites for starting a Business Analyst syllabus?

Familiarity with basic concepts is desirable but not a necessity as Simplilearn begins educating the candidates from the basics.