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Overview

Price

R 17,500

Language

English

Duration

10 weeks

Effort

7–10 hours per week

 

The 10-week Business Systems Analysis online short course offered by the University of Cape Town (UCT) is designed to empower professionals to drive positive business change. This course is tailored to help you enhance the value and efficiency of your businesses by understanding and fulfilling its software and information systems requirements. As part of this business analyst course, you’ll learn how to leverage the design and implementation of IT systems, enabling your organisation to operate more efficiently and effectively.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop the skills to consult with stakeholders, define and document system requirements, and translate these requirements into project specifications. A key focus of this business analysis foundation online course is to simplify technological solutions for nontechnical professionals, bridging the gap between IT and leadership teams. This ensures a holistic approach to managing and understanding technical IT systems, playing a crucial role in the success of system implementation and improvement.

Under expert guidance from faculty and industry specialists, this UCT business systems analysis course covers the essential tools, techniques, and capabilities needed to excel as a systems analyst. You’ll learn to analyse existing business environments, processes, and systems, and determine which requirements will yield the best results. You’ll also gain the ability to formulate a business case for recommended solutions that align with organisational strategy and create a system architecture model that meets identified needs.

Designed for both newcomers and experienced professionals in business systems analysis and development, this course offers a solid foundation for beginners and an opportunity for seasoned professionals to formalise and update their skills with the latest theories and technologies. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to drive innovation and facilitate change at both organisational and personal levels, significantly transforming your organisation’s operations for the better.

 

What you'll learn

Acquire valuable and relevant business systems analysis skills, and walk away with:

  • A comprehensive grasp of the basics of business systems analysis and the responsibilities of a systems analyst
  • Proficiency in analysing current business processes and recommending solutions to boost company productivity, profitability, and efficiency
  • A suite of practical, workplace-ready skills that can enhance performance in your existing role and pave the way for taking on further responsibilities
  • Unlimited access to edX's Career Engagement Network, providing exclusive resources and events to aid your professional development and accelerate your career progression

 

Modules

ORIENTATION MODULE Welcome to your Online Campus
You’ll be welcomed to the course and begin connecting with fellow students, while exploring the navigation and tools of your Online Campus.

MODULE 1 Contextualising business systems analysis
Discover the different environments in which a business systems analyst operates, their role, and more.

MODULE 2 Analysing the current business system
Complete the first two of four enterprise analysis activities.

MODULE 3 Recommending an alternate business system
Discover the importance of a feasibility analysis in selecting an alternate solution.

MODULE 4 Eliciting and communicating requirements
Learn about the important but often overlooked activity of requirements elicitation.

MODULE 5 Preparing to create a business requirements specification
Introducing the business requirements specification document.

MODULE 6 Modelling business processes
Creating business process models.

MODULE 7 Modelling functional and systems architecture requirements
Discover how to model functional and systems architecture requirements.

MODULE 8 Modelling data and human system interface design
Discover how to model data and how to apply HSI design best practices.

MODULE 9 Assuring quality
Discover how validating and verifying requirements impacts a solution's quality.

MODULE 10 Facilitating change and innovation
Explore the role of the BSA as an agent of change.

FAQs: Career in business systems analysis

To become a business systems analyst, typically, you'll need education in a related field such as information technology, computer science, or business administration. Gaining relevant experience in IT or business operations, coupled with specific training or certifications in systems analysis, can further strengthen your qualifications. Staying updated with the latest technological advancements and understanding business processes are also crucial.

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A business systems analyst evaluates and improves the information systems within an organisation. They analyse business needs, interact with stakeholders to understand requirements, and then work to design, implement, and refine systems that support business objectives. Their role often bridges the gap between IT and business departments to ensure that the IT systems align with the business strategy. 

 

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The skills of a business systems analyst include:

  • A strong understanding of both business processes and IT
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities
  • Effective communication skills
  • The ability to manage and analyse data
  • Proficiency in designing and implementing information systems that meet business needs
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Five types of skills needed by a systems analyst are:

  • Analytical and problem-solving skills for assessing business needs and crafting effective solutions
  • Technical proficiency in understanding and applying IT solutions
  • Communication skills to articulate technical concepts to nontechnical stakeholders
  • Project management skills to oversee projects from conception to completion
  • Interpersonal skills for collaborating with various teams and stakeholders
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The three most important skills of a business analyst are:

  • Analytical thinking and problem solving: Essential for understanding complex business challenges and developing effective solutions.
  • Effective communication: Crucial for liaising between stakeholders and technical teams and for presenting insights clearly.
  • Business process knowledge: Vital for understanding the operational and strategic aspects of the business to recommend appropriate solutions.
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