Free Practice Questions for IIBA CBAP Exam

 A business case is a document that provides justification for undertaking a project, programme or portfolio. It evaluates the benefit, cost and risk of alternative options and provides a rationale for the preferred solution. The purpose of the business case is to communicate the value of the solution to the organization and help the decision-makers decide whether to approve the project or not. The business case should include the following elements:

Executive summary: A brief overview of the problem, opportunity, solution, benefits, costs, risks and recommendations.

Introduction: A description of the background, context, scope and objectives of the project.

Analysis: A detailed analysis of the current state, future state, gap, options, criteria, assumptions and constraints.

Evaluation: A comparison of the options based on the criteria, such as financial, strategic, operational, technical, social and environmental factors.

Recommendation: A clear statement of the preferred option and the reasons for choosing it over the others.

Implementation: A description of the implementation plan, including the schedule, resources, roles, responsibilities, governance, change management and risk management.

Appendices: Any supporting information, such as data, calculations, charts, diagrams, references, etc.

References:

Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) Guide, Version 3, Chapter 3: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring, Section 3.4: Plan Business Analysis Approach, Task 3.4.3: Define Business Analysis Process, Technique 3.4.3.1: Decision Analysis, p. 66-67.

What is business case? | APM

How to Write a Business Case: Template & Examples | Adobe Workfront

 The project manager is the stakeholder who is responsible for assessing the solution scope to determine the project scope. The solution scope defines the features and functions of the product or service that will meet the business needs and requirements. The project scope defines the work that needs to be done to deliver the solution. The project manager is the person who plans, executes, monitors, and controls the project activities, and ensures that the project scope is aligned with the solution scope, the project objectives, and the stakeholder expectations. References: BABOK Guide v3, page 36; CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, page 74.

 The kinesthetic learning approach is a style of learning that involves physical movement, hands-on activities, and experimentation. Kinesthetic learners prefer to learn by doing rather than by reading, listening, or watching. They learn best by experiencing the topic through simulations, role-plays, demonstrations, exercises, or games. They also benefit from frequent breaks, movement, and feedback. The other statements describe different learning approaches. The learners who learn best by reading and pondering are verbal learners. The learners who learn best by seeing the topic in a model or through storyboards are visual learners. The learners who are not interested in the topic unless they can immediately apply it to their lives or jobs are pragmatic learners. References: Learning Styles: The Four Modalities, Learning Styles and the Business Analyst, Learning Styles and the CBAP Exam

A bidders conference is a meeting that brings all of the potential vendors together to discuss the statement of work and the request for proposal. A bidders conference is an opportunity for the soliciting organization to clarify any questions or issues regarding the project, the requirements, the evaluation criteria, and the procurement process. A bidders conference also allows the potential vendors to network with each other and explore possible partnerships or subcontracting opportunities. A bidders conference is different from a contract bidding meeting, which is a meeting where the soliciting organization evaluates and selects the winning vendor. A bidders conference is also different from a status meeting, which is a meeting that provides updates on the progress and performance of a project. A bidders conference is not a qualified vendors meeting, which is a meeting that pre-qualifies vendors based on their capabilities and experience. References:

RFP: A Quick Guide to Request for Proposals (Templates Included), paragraph 8

How to Write a Statement of Work for Any Industry | Smartsheet, paragraph 9

50+ SAMPLE Vendor Request for Proposal in PDF, paragraph 3

The Ultimate RFP Guide: Steps, Guidelines & Template for Requests for …, paragraph 5

 Data flow diagramming is a technique that shows how data moves through a system, from external entities, through processes, to data stores. Data flow diagrams can be used to model the current state or the desired state of a system, and to identify gaps or redundancies in data processing. Data flow diagrams can also be decomposed to lower levels of detail to show the sub-processes and data elements involved in each function. Functional decomposition, work decomposition, and organization modeling are different techniques that can be used to break down a system, a project, or an organization into smaller components, but they do not focus on the data movement. References:

BABOK® Guide, p. 10, 98-99

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, p. 240-241

Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) | Coursera, Course 2, Week 2, Video: “Data Flow Diagrams”

Creative thinking is a type of analytical thinking that involves generating new ideas and innovative concepts to approach problems, solve problems, and generate alternative solutions. Creative thinking helps the business analyst to find novel and original ways to address the needs and expectations of the stakeholders, overcome the challenges and constraints of the project, and add value to the solution. Creative thinking also helps the business analyst to explore different perspectives, challenge assumptions, and experiment with different possibilities. The other options are not types of analytical thinking, but rather techniques or skills that can be used to enhance creative thinking. Lateral thinking is a technique that involves using logic and reasoning to find unconventional or unexpected solutions. Brainstorming is a technique that involves generating a large number of ideas in a group setting. Decision making is a skill that involves choosing the best option among several alternatives based on criteria and evidence. References:

9.1 Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving, paragraph 1

Top 11 Most Effective Business Analysis Techniques | 2024, paragraph 2

6 business analysis techniques to use in your strategic plans, paragraph 2

What is analytical thinking ? – The Functional BA, paragraph 2

Business Analysis Blog | Systems Thinking – An Analyst’s Essential …, paragraph 2

Active observation is a technique of observing the behavior and activities of stakeholders while asking questions or participating in the work. Active observation can help to gain a deeper understanding of the work processes and environment of the stakeholders, as well as any issues or challenges they face. Active observation can also help to build rapport and trust with the stakeholders, and to elicit tacit or implicit knowledge that may not be easily expressed. In this case, Martha is using active observation by working alongside Sarah and helping her complete the work, so that Martha can understand all of the steps Sarah must complete. References: BABOK Guide v3, page 97; CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, page 163.

 Decision analysis is a technique of evaluating the possible outcomes of different alternatives and choosing the best one based on the criteria and preferences of the stakeholders. Decision analysis can be used to assess potential risks that may impact the solution and the cost and benefits associated with it, by using methods such as decision trees, decision tables, or expected value analysis. Decision analysis can help to select the optimal solution that maximizes the value and minimizes the risk for the organization. References: BABOK Guide v3, page 130; CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, page 185.

A feasibility study is a type of document that evaluates the potential solution alternatives and their expected benefits, costs, risks, and impacts on the organization and its stakeholders. A feasibility study also provides data and statistics to support the analysis and recommendations. A feasibility study helps the decision makers to select the most viable and beneficial solution for the business need.

References:

CBAP Handbook, page 10, section 3.4.2.3

BABOK Guide, page 100, section 6.1.5.2

 Problem tracking is a document elicitation technique that can help in this scenario. Problem tracking is the process of identifying, documenting, and resolving issues that arise during the business analysis process. Problem tracking helps to ensure the quality and validity of the requirements and the solutions. Problem tracking also provides an opportunity for stakeholders to rank the importance of issues affecting them. Problem tracking can be done using various tools, such as spreadsheets, databases, or software applications. Problem tracking can help the business analyst to monitor the status of the issues, communicate the progress and outcomes to the stakeholders, and improve the business analysis performance and practices. The other options are not document elicitation techniques, but rather information elicitation techniques. Brainstorming is a technique that involves generating new ideas and finding solutions for a specific problem. Observation is a technique that involves watching how people perform their tasks or interact with a system. Interviews are a technique that involves asking questions and documenting the responses from a single person or a group of people. References:

Problem/Issue Tracking Technique — Business Analyst Learnings, paragraph 1

Elicitation Methods | SpringerLink, paragraph 1

Understanding the Document Analysis Technique - Business Analyst Learnings, paragraph 1