Raising profile of business analysis
This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on February 23th, 2010.
The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:
This week, FUSION is partnering with the International Institute of Business Analysis’s (IIBA) Fundy Region Chapter to host a Party with a Purpose. IIBA International is an independent non-profit professional association that serves the growing field of business analysis. By hosting February’s Party with a Purpose, the local chapter aims to increase the profile of the profession and awareness of their organization.
“We want to bring awareness of the IIBA and our local chapter activities to a broader audience,” says Jeff Sheehan, communications director for the IIBA Fundy Region Chapter board of directors. “Too many people still ask what a business analyst is.”
IIBA was first formed in 2003 and has since become the leading association in the world of business analysis. The organization aims to help business analysts develop their skills and further their careers by providing access to industry articles and webinars, member forums and the opportunity to achieve the professional designations. IIBA has fulfilled its mandate through the creation of the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK), a collection of industry knowledge and best practices, and the Certified Business Analysis Professional designation (CBAP).
“Globally, the IIBA has experienced double-digit growth in membership since its launch five years ago. This represents an incredible networking opportunity for business analysts,” says Sheehan of the institute, which has grown to include more than 100 chapters and 10,000 members worldwide.
The Fundy Region IIBA Chapter received its official charter in July 2007, and works to actively promote the business analysis profession in our region. Since its inception, the Fundy region chapter has grown to include more than 50 members, representing the health, energy, information and communications technology, and natural resources sectors. The chapter hosts events and activities monthly, including IIBA Awareness, CBAP designation study groups, networking opportunities and guest speakers. Although there is a membership fee to join IIBA International, people interested in getting involved at the local level can do so at no cost.
During this month’s Party with a Purpose, the IIBA Fundy Chapter representatives will provide an overview of the IIBA and the Fundy chapter, and will highlight their premier sponsor SwiftRadius, a regional IT consulting firm. “We hope to offer a little insight into a role that is becoming more defined as an actual profession, and is becoming recognized around the world,” Sheehan said.
February’s Party with a Purpose will take place this Friday at Lemongrass from 5:30 to 7p.m.
For more information, please visit www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtpr.ca.
