Underlying Competencies in Business Analysis Flashcards

When a business analyst uses an affinity diagram to group stakeholder concerns into themes, which underlying competency sub-skill is most directly being applied?

Answer: Creative Thinking

Creative Thinking, a sub-skill of Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving, involves generating novel approaches and organizing information in new ways to uncover insights.

A business analyst who understands how IT systems are architected and can translate technical constraints for business stakeholders is leveraging which part of the Business Knowledge competency?

Answer: Solution Knowledge

Solution Knowledge within Business Knowledge covers understanding of how solutions — including IT systems — work and their capabilities and constraints.

During a contentious prioritization session, a BA uses principled negotiation to find mutually acceptable outcomes. Which underlying competency is being demonstrated?

Answer: Negotiation

Negotiation, a sub-skill of Interaction Skills, involves reaching mutually acceptable agreements among parties with competing interests.

Which underlying competency sub-skill is MOST critical when a business analyst must convey complex requirements in written documentation that non-technical sponsors will review?

Answer: Written Communication

Written Communication, a sub-skill of Communication Skills, includes the ability to produce clear, accurate, and audience-appropriate written materials.

Which of the following scenarios demonstrates strong ethical behavior as an underlying competency for a CCBA?

Answer: Reporting a conflict of interest to management even when it is disadvantageous personally

Ethics within Behavioral Characteristics requires honest, transparent conduct including disclosing conflicts of interest, even when personally inconvenient.

A business analyst builds relationships across departments to improve information flow and collaboration on future projects. Which underlying competency sub-skill does this represent?

Answer: Networking

Networking, a sub-skill of Interaction Skills, involves building and maintaining professional relationships to facilitate information sharing and collaboration.

According to the BABOK Guide, underlying competencies differ from techniques because they:

Answer: Are reusable skills applied broadly across all BA work rather than specific task-level tools

Underlying competencies are broad, cross-cutting skills and behaviors that support all BA activities, while techniques are specific methods used for particular tasks.