Webinar on Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) - Overview

Imarticus Learning conducted a session on the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and the role of a Business Analyst on July 8, 2016. SDLC is often used in systems engineering, information systems and software engineering to describe a process for planning, creating, testing, and deploying an information system. SDLC is also often referred to as (i) Systems Development Life Cycle or (ii) Application Development Life Cycle. Mr. Mukhraj Saberwal, Solution Architect at Accenture, conducted this online webinar session where over 75 users from the world of academia and industry were present.

Mukhraj went on to illustrate the five key stages in SDLC, which include (i) Requirement Analysis, (ii) Design, (iii) Implementation, (iv) Testing and (v) Evaluation, with special focus on the role of a Business Analyst. He broke the process down further into the following 10 stages of software development.

1. Initiation – This process begins when the sponsor identifies a need or an opportunity and creates a concept proposal.  
2. System Concept Development – In this stage, the scope or boundary of the concepts are defined. This includes (i) System Boundary Document, (ii) Cost Benefit Analysis, (iii) Risk Management and (iv) Feasibility Study. 
3. Planning – Next, a Project Management Plan provides the basis for acquiring the resources needed to achieve a solution. 
4. Requirement Analysis – Analyses user needs and develops user requirements with detailed functional requirement documentation. 
5. Design – In this stage, the detailed plans are transformed into complete, detailed systems. The design document focuses on how to deliver the required functionality.
6. Development – At this stage, the design is converted to a complete information system that includes (i) installing systems environment, (ii) preparing test cases, (iii) coding and (iv) refining programs. 
7. Integration and Test – This stage is undertaken by Quality Assurance staff and demonstrates that the developed system conforms to the requirements as mentioned in the Functional Requirements Document.
8. Implementation – This includes the implementation of the system into a production environment and resolution of problems identified in the earlier Integration and Test phase. 
9. Operations and Maintenance – Once the application has been implemented, it is important to prepare a document that describes the tasks to operate and maintain the information system in a production environment, including in-process reviews. 
10. Disposition – This stage describes the end-of-system activities and emphasis is given to proper preparation of data.

Now that the SDLC life cycle was clear, Mukhraj went on to explain the key types of SLDC methods, including Waterfall, Agile, Incremental and Iterative, with special focus on Waterfall and Agile.

The Waterfall Model is a sequential phase-driven approach that focuses on completing one step before moving on to the next. A formal handover is given from one function to the next and the entire project is delivered in one single big bang. The advantages and disadvantages of this methodology were discussed in detail.

Next, we moved on to the Agile or Adaptive Model, where the entire system is not built at once, but rather develops incrementally.  Unlike the waterfall model, less time is invested upfront to document requirements, since the development is done sequentially. The key characteristic of agile software development is to collect customer feedback, which happens simultaneously during the process of development and implementation.

Towards the end, Mukhraj spent a lot of time on the role of a Business Analyst in each of these SDLC methods. Right from planning to design, development and implementation – the Business Analyst plays a key role in the development of any software or application. Once his session was over, he answered over a dozen questions from our curious and enthusiastic BA aspirants.

At Imarticus Learning, we have 2 programs that focus on how you can become a Business Analyst and play an integral role in the SDLC. Business Analysis Certified Professional (BACP) is our 75-hour classroom program that can be undertaken at our centers in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi. The other offering is the Certified Business Analyst (CBA) program, which is a 33-hour online course. To know more about either of these programs, send us an email at info@imarticus.org

Business Analysis is Financially Rewarding

Business Analysis is the set of tasks and techniques used to work as a liaison amongst stakeholders in order to understand the structure, policies and operation of an organization, and to recommend solutions that enable the organization to achieve its goals (BABOK v2.0).

Every prospective business analyst wants to know if the career chosen is financially rewarding. Yes it is and we will come to that in a minute. What we first need to clarify is that there is no ‘One Business Analyst that Fits All’. The role of a business analyst can take many forms and this depends on the organization’s structure and its requirements. In fact, what is a ‘Business Analyst’ in one company could be a ‘Systems Analyst’ in another.

The median household income in America across all jobs was $52,000 per annum. In contrast the median salary of a Business Analyst in the US is around $70,000 per annum. The salary trend for a BA is more or less same in every major geography. For instance, the average salary in UK is about £26,500 per year whereas that of a Business Analyst is £39,000 per year, or 47% more than the national average pay.

As with most professions, the higher the experience, the higher the salary of a business analyst. Next, where you work is also a major factor in deciding your BA salary. The below table gives you a good idea of the salaries based on experience and geography.

Well, we have only discussed about the financial benefits of being a business analyst but the list doesn’t stop here. There are scores of other benefits of being an analyst which we will discuss in another article.

It is clear that there is a growing demand for Business Analysts the world over. One of the best ways to distinguish yourself from the competition is to get trained and certified in business analysis. 

Imarticus Learning offers short term certification courses in Business Analysis, that culminate with an industry endorsed Business Analysis certificate. The program also prepares you to clear the CBAP exam, which is the gold standard for experienced Business Analysts. To learn more, please click here.

SOCIAL MEDIA – How does Analytics relate to it

Whether you like it or hate it, you can’t deny numerous ways that social media and networking has impacted our lives over the last decade.

Let’s discuss some of countless ways in which social media and networking has changed the world.

GENERAL AWARENESS
The rise of social media and networking has made it faster and easier to access information around the world, and by having smaller, bite-sized chunks of information makes it easier for people to digest and communicate to one another. Whether it’s a simple tweet, post on Instagram or a status update on Facebook, we can instantly get to know and stay updated pertaining to different issues around the world, probably in a much better way!

An example of when social media has been a great tool in raising awareness was during the Chennai Floods, where in  the entire country came in together to provide their support in whatever way they can, thanks to social media.


COMMUNICATION
Social media and networking have broken the barriers when it comes to communicating and we are spoiled for choice when it comes to ways of getting in contact with someone.

Today, if you can’t reach someone on the phone, you can leave a voice mail or send a text. Or even better, tweet, Facebook message, or touch base in other ways. We have the ability to see what others are doing, often within seconds of them doing it.

Social media search functions also make it easier if we want to track someone down who we are looking for or may have lost touch with. There are seemingly endless sources we can search to access the information we need.


WHAT’S TRENDING- Analytical Involvement
Social media has given everybody who chooses to sign up to a platform, the opportunity to tell 'their story' online, through Facebook Instagram pictures, Tumblr blogs. Normal people now have the capacity to make their opinion known on a massive scale. Analytics and social media depend a lot on each other, some of them are:

• Gain new insights. Understand social media engagement patterns across your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Google+ accounts, and add insights from Google Analytics.
• Identify social influencers.
• See what content resonates

BUSINESSES
Social media has given companies a chance to have a voice when it comes to their brand and a different way to connect and engage with their customers as well as their employees.

Businesses can now respond to customer queries and complaints in real time, with the ability to converse and engage with their customers on a different level which is continually improving as social media companies’ progress. This in turn is creating a better sense of customer service and brand loyalty among followers.

Social media has proved to be an invaluable tool for businesses who want to grow and connect with their audience.

Stepping forward from Social Media Analytics, there are tools and online programs that can help you with Business analysis. The CBA (Certified Business Analyst) online program at Imarticus is a customized course designed for careers in Business Analysis, across various functions such as Technology, Operations and Finance.

Best Finance Courses at Imarticus Learning

Nowadays, finance is rising a sector. Lots of job opportunities are coming up this sector which gives career opportunities for young generation in the Finance sector.

 If you are planning to enter into the finance world, then below is a list of finance courses offered at Imarticus learning, which will help you to boost your career in Finance

 Financial Analyst Program :
 This program will help you to develop an outstanding quantitative and analytical skills for careers in all areas of Corporate Finance including Investment Banking and Equity Research. Comprising a unique training methodology…more info

Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional:(CIBOP) This program helps you to explore your careers in the Capital Market Operations division within an Investment Bank. In this program, you will gain in-depth understanding of complex financial products and their Trade Lifecycles, along with Operational Risk and Regulations….more info

Advance Diploma in Wealth Management This program will help you explore careers in Financial Advisory and Relationship Management and become Wealth and Relationship Advisors across Indian and Global Banks, Broking and Wealth/Investment Management firms….more info

Financial Modelling & Valuation Certification This course helps professionals who are looking for fast growing career in n Corporate Finance across various Financial Services roles like M&A, Private Equity, Equity Research, Business Analysis, Business Modelling, Start Ups, Budgeting, Financial Control and Financial Operations….more info

To know more about finance and investment banking course visit Imarticus learning

Source: https://imarticuslearningblog.wordpress.com/2016/04/27/best-finance-courses-at-imarticus-learning/