BABOK Business Analysis Core Concepts 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are 'underlying competencies' in BABOK?
- Technical skills required to build the solution
- The behaviors, knowledge, and personal qualities that support effective business analysis (Correct answer)
- Certifications required for a business analyst
- Domain-specific knowledge areas
Correct answer: The behaviors, knowledge, and personal qualities that support effective business analysis
Underlying competencies are the personal and professional qualities—such as analytical thinking, communication, and ethics—that enable a business analyst to be effective.
Question 2: In BABOK, what is meant by 'analytical thinking and problem solving' as a core competency?
- The ability to write complex SQL queries
- The ability to identify and evaluate information to form conclusions and propose solutions (Correct answer)
- The skill of reading financial statements
- The ability to manage project risks
Correct answer: The ability to identify and evaluate information to form conclusions and propose solutions
Analytical thinking involves breaking down complex information, identifying patterns, and reasoning to reach sound conclusions that support decision-making.
Question 3: Which of the following is a type of stakeholder in BABOK?
- Regulator (Correct answer)
- Server
- Database
- Algorithm
Correct answer: Regulator
BABOK identifies regulators as a stakeholder type because they set constraints and standards that the solution must comply with.
Question 4: What is the 'domain subject matter expert' (SME) stakeholder role in BABOK?
- A stakeholder who approves the project budget
- A stakeholder with deep knowledge of a specific topic relevant to the solution (Correct answer)
- A stakeholder who manages the project team
- A stakeholder who tests the final solution
Correct answer: A stakeholder with deep knowledge of a specific topic relevant to the solution
Domain SMEs provide specialized knowledge about the business area, processes, or systems relevant to the change, informing accurate and complete requirements.
Question 5: What does BABOK mean by 'change' as a core concept?
- A modification to the project schedule
- The act of transformation in response to a need (Correct answer)
- A revision to a requirements document
- A new technology adoption
Correct answer: The act of transformation in response to a need
In BABOK, change is the act of transformation that is undertaken to address a need and create value for stakeholders.
Question 6: What is 'business acumen' as an underlying competency in BABOK?
- The ability to write business plans
- Knowledge of business principles, industries, and organizational functions that inform business analysis (Correct answer)
- The skill of negotiating contracts
- The ability to manage financial forecasts
Correct answer: Knowledge of business principles, industries, and organizational functions that inform business analysis
Business acumen enables business analysts to understand how organizations function, how value is created, and how business decisions are made.
What are 'underlying competencies' in BABOK?