Business Analysts Ireland Course Details

Certificate In Business Analysis HETAC Level 8

Working closely with The National College of Ireland, the Business Analysts Association of Ireland have developed a professional course that has academic accreditation for business analysts and for those who play a leading role in improving business performance, either in their own company or in a consultancy role to others, through the use of proven business analysis techniques.

Who is the Certificate designed for?

This Certificate course is designed for individuals who play a leading role in improving business performance, either in their own company or in a consultancy role to others, through the use of proven business analysis techniques.

Business and Systems Analysts, Internal & External Consultants and Advisors, Managers, Team Leaders and members of improvement teams, can apply these key business analysis techniques in their roles.

Course entry requirements

This course is open to those working as business analysts, trainee business analysts or individuals with relevant working experience. Applicants will be assessed based on relevant experience by the Business Analysts Association of Ireland.

Applicants from other areas will be expected to have a primary level 7 degree or proven work experience in the area.

What is the duration of the Course?

The course is a six-month modular programme made up of two full day lectures per month together with case study analysis and project work. Lectures run from 9am to 5.00 pm each day. Courses commence in Spring and Autumn of each year.

When is the Certificate awarded?

On completion of the entire programme successful participants will be awarded a HETAC Level 8 Certificate in Business Analysis & Consultancy

Where will the Courses be held?

The programme will be held in The National College of Ireland, IFSC Centre, Dublin 1.

What Will the Course Cost?

The individual fee for the course is €3,250, which is payable at time of booking. The fee covers Lecture Fees, Course Material, Assessment and Accreditation, Lunch is not provided.

In addition the course fee includes email support for 6 months after the course to support the individual in the practical implementation of skills and techniques learned on the course.

In the interest of improving the Certificate, it may be necessary to change the published content from time to time.

Programme Aims

The programme aims are to:

1. Enable individuals to make a more effective contribution to improving business performance and competitiveness within their organisation
2. Equip participants with proven modern methodologies and techniques for analysing and solving business problems that impact upon cost, efficiency, capacity and service quality
3. Help participants to fully understand the dynamics and context of organisational change with reference to latest thinking on best implementation approaches
4. Give participants effective consultancy and communication skills – including the project management, listening, questioning, negotiation, influencing, presentation and facilitation skills required to initiate and lead change programmes and initiatives

Learning Objectives

Following completion of the programme, participants will have:

1. A specialised knowledge in analysing the Core Business Objectives and Strategy of an Organisation or Strategic Business Unit
2. An ability to analyse the Processes, Procedures, Systems and Structures that are in place – and to evaluate their effectiveness and efficiency
3. A comprehensive understanding of the Dynamics of Change – and how to harness the positive energy needed to bring about successful change
4. An understanding of the various Types and Styles of Consultancy Intervention and their effectiveness in various situations
5. The skills necessary to be able to communicate and negotiate effectively with stakeholders within and outside of an organisation.

Programme Syllabus

Module 1 – Management of Change

1. The context and meaning of change
2. Organisations and their changing environment
3. The nature of organisational change
4. Organisational structure and change
5. Organisational culture
6. The politics of change
7. Leadership of change

Module 2 – Business Systems Analysis

1. Introduction to Business Systems Analysis
2. Understanding Business Processes
3. Business Process Improvement Methodologies
4. Measuring and Improving Quality
5. Measuring and Improving Productivity
6. Improving Processing Capability
7. Operational Analysis – Risk and Control
8. Problem Analysis and Decision Making Techniques

Module 3 – Consultancy and Communication Skills

1. Consultancy Types
2. Identifying opportunities
3. Consultancy Cycle
4. Facilitation Skills
5. Negotiation and Influencing Skills
6. Conflict Resolution Skills
7. Presentation Skills
8. Report Writing Skills

Assessment & Assignments

Each module will be assessed by  continuous assessment throughout the course,  case study applications, presentations, overall projects and written assignments as applicable.