Business Analysis & Improvement
Overview
Pursuing a certificate in business analysis can enhance your analytical skills and credibility, opening doors to better job opportunities and improved decision making in diverse industries.
The Introduction to Business Analysis and Improvement Board of Governors’ Certificate program provides students with an introduction to the fundamental processes, roles, and responsibilities, facilitation and communication within the role of the business analyst.
The online curriculum allows the student to examine the organizational goals and values provided by analytics and big data systems and processes. Key terminology and operating principles of these powerful technologies, including implementation is discussed. Students examine the use of tools and techniques used by business analysts within the broader context of organizations and their projects. Review methodologies used to equip the business analyst to better perform as a communication link between all business areas and help them deliver on their key role in project and organizational success is described. The roles of the stakeholders involved in analytics projects and modelling improvements as well as key planning aspects for these projects are covered. The business applications of key concepts in facilitation, negotiations, conflict resolution, and consensus buy-in, as well as the importance of communication concepts critical to the success of the Business Analyst will also be discussed.
Admission Requirements
- O.S.S.D. or equivalent
- Diploma or degree or equivalent in Business
-or-
Applications for this program are not accepted through ontariocolleges.ca.
Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subject of English for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in this required admission subject. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.
Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Programs at Lambton College.
Prior Learning Assessment
If you believe you have an equivalent level of knowledge and would like credit through Prior Learning Assessment, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca or call 519-479-1023 at least two weeks before classes begin.
Credential Eligibility
If you are taking courses with the intention of completing this program and earning a credential, you must meet the Admission Requirements. It is your responsibility to supply proof of admission requirements to the Office of the Registrar before completing three courses in this program.
If you complete the program but fail to provide proof of admission requirements, you will be ineligible to receive your credential.
Costs
Course Fees
- Exact costs can be obtained during the registration process. Visit the Course List and select an individual course for associated course fees.
Textbooks
Textbook costs may be applicable to each course. Most textbooks can be purchased through textnet.ca, but some exceptions do apply. Some courses may have software or equipment requirements that are not included in the cost of the course and are the responsibility of the student. Please see individual course pages for course-specific textbook information.
Graduation Fees
Students who successfully complete all the academic requirements for this program should submit their intent to graduate in order to receive their credential. The graduate module can be completed on myLambton via Self Service.
A graduation fee of about $75 is added to your account upon verification that admission requirements have been met. For exact fees contact your Enrolment Services Professional.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Courses
Mandatory Courses
Students examine the fundamental processes, roles and responsibilities of the business analyst. The course curriculum is consistent with version 3 of the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) from the IIBA International Institute of Business Analysis.
Students explore the use of tools and techniques used by business analysts within the broader context of organizations and their projects. They review methodologies used to equip the business analyst to better perform as a communication link between all business stakeholders and help them deliver on their key role in project and organizational success.
The role of the business analyst as an agent of change is also highlighted. Students learn to plan, structure, and control the requirements elicitation and communication process, in order to maximize success and optimize results. These techniques can be utilized on a wide variety of activities, initiatives and projects and are an important component for success.
Additionally studies include the effective use of requirements and life cycle management techniques. Through the combination of lectures, discussions and exercises, the course provides insights into the interaction between the business analyst and his or her surrounding environment and presents methodologies to identify, analyze and resolve business problems.
Please contact us to find out when the next start date will be.
Students are introduced to Business Facilitation and Communication, within the context of the role of the Business Analyst. Students learn about communication and the critical role it plays in achieving successful business analysis outcomes. They explore principles, techniques, and tools they can use to facilitate stakeholders to exchange ideas, solve problems, prioritize issues, reach agreement, make decisions, and resolve conflict when it arises. Students learn principles and techniques to successfully delivering oral presentations and negotiate agreements with stakeholders. This course leverages experiential learning as students participate in numerous presentation and facilitation events.
Prerequisite(s):
Textbooks
The required text for this course can be found by going to textnet.ca, clicking on the "Browse by course" drop-down list and scrolling to Business Facilitation and Communication.
Please Note: Students are not required to purchase textbooks from textnet.ca. However, if students are purchasing textbooks from another source, they must ensure purchased textbooks are the correct edition and include any applicable software or add-ons.
Host Course Code: SH-MGMT70014Host Course Name: Business Facilitation and Communication
Students learn to examine organizational goals and the value provided to a range of stakeholders by data analytics and big data systems and processes. They explore the concepts, and operating principles, techniques, and technology of the field. Students study how data analytics systems and skills, including planning, can inform business decision makers and meet their needs, and how predictive analytics, statistical analysis and modelling, visualization, business intelligence and decision support can play an important role in modern business success. Students also explore data management techniques including data cleansing and ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) systems.
Please contact us to find out when the next start date will be.
Students explore the role of the Business Analyst as they examine process mapping and the modeling of business process improvements. Taking a business process management perspective, students examine process analysis with techniques to map the current state, perform gap analysis, and define the future state with process improvement. Students also explore the use of the Unified Modeling Language (UML) for process modelling and to elicit requirements for technology-enabled process improvements. Modeling activities are performed, including application of selected Six Sigma quality principles and techniques while drawing on the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK). Students' learning about process improvement is aided by various approaches including individual reading, classroom discussion, individual and group exercises and case studies.
Prerequisite(s):
Textbooks
The required text for this course can be found by going to textnet.ca, clicking on the "Browse by course" drop-down list and scrolling to Business Process Modeling & Improvement.
Please Note: Students are not required to purchase textbooks from textnet.ca. However, if students are purchasing textbooks from another source, they must ensure purchased textbooks are the correct edition and include any applicable software or add-ons.
Host Course Code: SH-MGMT70015Host Course Name: Business Process Modeling & Improvement
Electives - Select 2
Students examine multiple aspects of Agile methodologies with a focus on practices that have evolved since the creation of the Agile values and principles published in 2001. Students begin with an overview of the history of Agile methodologies in order to gain an understanding of where these practices originated and how they are being applied today. A variety of learning tools such as hands-on exercises and group collaboration as well as case studies that examine how organizations have applied Agile methodologies in different settings.
This course takes students through the process of creating an industry-standard business case based on a real-life business scenario. Students communicate the business case in two simulated formats (written and oral) to decision makers and other stakeholders. They identify the underlying need and set goals and quantifiable objectives. They perform a cost-benefit analysis to calculate key financial metrics, including return on investment (ROI) and payback period. Students apply tasks and techniques from the Strategy Analysis Knowledge Area of the BABOK (IIBA Business Analysis Body of Knowledge), including the assessment of capability gaps (gap analysis), the formulation of a problem statement, the definition of the solution scope using a scope model (context diagram), and the creation of a weighted scoring table to support the decision process (decision analysis). Students take part in in-class or online discussions, complete online quizzes and work independently and with a group to build their business case.
This course introduces students to concepts and processes of software testing that are used to verify that developed solutions match documented specifications. Through practical applications, students perform static testing to identify defects and utilize different dynamic test design techniques to write test cases. They learn to apply the fundamental methods, techniques, and processes of software testing to write a test plan and incident/defect reports for industry-specific business scenarios. Students explore a variety of test approaches and test tools that are suitable for different testing scopes. *Additionally students may find this course helpful preparation for the (ISTQB) International Standard Testing Certified Qualification Board, Certified Tester Foundation Level exam.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about our online programs, the courses offered, the registration process, or any other Online Education related questions, reach out to us.
Contact
Online Education
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
The Business Analysis and Process Improvement Board of Governors’ Certificate program qualifies graduates for a broad range of exciting employment opportunities. Graduates can expect a wide variety of rewarding career opportunities that are dynamic and challenging offering a competitive rate of compensation. Career positions may include, but are not limited to:
- Business Analyst
- Information Systems Business Analyst
- Informatics Consultant
- Systems Consultant
More Information
Prepare for Success
Remember to review the important dates associated with this program - some deadlines may be different depending on how your program is delivered and what section you're enrolled in.
Technology Requirements
It is required that students purchase a laptop with a Windows operating system.
Internet Speed Requirements
For best performance for students learning remotely, an internet connection with a minimum of 40 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed is recommended in order to effectively use video conferencing and remote lecture delivery software as well as, other online resources remotely. Due to the large area over which students may be dispersed, we are unable to recommend a specific provider, so you will need to inquire around your area to find one that best suits your needs.
Minimum Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 16 GB of RAM (with a minimum of 8 GB)
- 100 GB HDD or more
- HD Graphics
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wireless 802.11n/ac 5ghz capable
- Windows Operating System (Windows 11)
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.