Discover the key technique business analysts should use to uncover problem areas and analyze discrepancies before making a go/no-go decision. Learn how root cause analysis helps identify the underlying issues and facilitates effective decision-making.
Table of Contents
Question
A business analyst is evaluating solutions against the expected results and logging defects along the way. The next task is to analyze the discrepancies prior to facilitating a go/no-go decision.
Which technique should be used as a starting point to uncover problem areas?
A. Cost-benefit analysis
B. Feasibility analysis
C. Opportunity analysis
D. Elicitation
Answer
D. Elicitation
Explanation
To uncover problem areas and analyze discrepancies prior to facilitating a go/no-go decision, the most appropriate technique for a business analyst to use as a starting point is root cause analysis.
Root cause analysis is a systematic approach to identifying the underlying causes of problems or issues. It involves investigating the symptoms, gathering data, and asking probing questions to uncover the fundamental reasons behind the discrepancies between the evaluated solutions and the expected results.
By employing root cause analysis, the business analyst can:
- Identify the core issues: Root cause analysis helps pinpoint the specific factors contributing to the problems, rather than merely addressing the symptoms.
- Gather relevant data: The process involves collecting and analyzing data related to the defects and discrepancies, which provides a solid foundation for decision-making.
- Ask probing questions: Root cause analysis encourages the business analyst to ask “why” questions repeatedly to drill down to the root of the problem.
- Facilitate informed decision-making: By uncovering the underlying causes, root cause analysis enables the business analyst to present a comprehensive understanding of the issues to stakeholders, facilitating a well-informed go/no-go decision.
While cost-benefit analysis, feasibility analysis, and opportunity analysis are valuable techniques, they are not the most appropriate starting points for uncovering problem areas and analyzing discrepancies. These techniques are typically used to evaluate the viability and potential benefits of solutions rather than identifying the root causes of issues.
Elicitation, on the other hand, is a technique used to gather requirements and information from stakeholders. While it can provide valuable insights, it is not specifically designed for uncovering problem areas and analyzing discrepancies.
In conclusion, root cause analysis is the most suitable technique for a business analyst to use as a starting point when evaluating solutions against expected results, logging defects, and analyzing discrepancies before facilitating a go/no-go decision. By identifying the underlying causes of issues, root cause analysis enables informed decision-making and helps ensure the success of the project.
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