Business Analysis - Passed!!

I've just found out that i've passed the BCS Business Analysis Certificate.  I'm really happy about this as it was four modules of applying the theories of process mapping, requirements capture/recording, process modelling and business theory to scenarios that are based on real businesses and real problems.

The best thing about it though, is the difference it's made at work.  Only had a couple of opportunities to apply the techniques so far, but it's powerful stuff.  I've done two requirements interviews and one mini-workshop so far, and it's been great.  People are so grateful that someone has come to speak to them, and not only that, the person is listening to them, and has a real conversation about their requirements for things.

It's a real 'win-win' because I get to reduce the risk to my projects and the staff get listened to and get their views heard.  I'm confident that I did things before pretty well, but the new techniques are much better.

Now I'm looking forward to doing a bit more process mapping, swim lanes, use cases, and requirements cataloguing, and seeing how it improves how the projects work.  Let me know if you've had any success with the same.

Card game - "Card Sorting World Challenge"

I was recently on a course where we played a simple card game and I thought that you might like to try it.

It's really simple, all you have to do is:

• Start with a fully shuffled pack of cards, face down
• The clock starts when you pick the cards up
• Sort cards into suits red, black, red, black
• Each suit needs sorted into ascending order, starting with the Ace and ending with the Jack, Queen and King.
• One joker needs to be on the top of the pile and one at the bottom.
• The clock stops when the cards are placed back on the table, sorted correctly, face up.

You may use any method to sort the cards out, but you must try and complete the sort as quickly as possible.  I'm really interested in how you complete the task, as well as how long it takes, so you need to film the sorting and post it on YouTube or similar for the timing to count.