How to Manage Requirements

The International Institute for Business Analysis (IIBA) has created a framework to assist business analyst in managing the requirements process.  The framework is a body of knowledge called the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK).  The BABOK is similar to the PMBOK produced by the Project Management Institute (PMI).  There are currently six knowledge areas n the BABOK.  These knowledge areas are:  

1. Enterprise Analysis

2. Requirements Planning and Management

3. Requirements Elicitation

4. Requirements Analysis and Documentation

5. Solution Assessment and Validation

6. Requirements Communication.

Coming on March 31, 2009 is the new updated version (V2.0) of the BABOK.  In this newer version there will be six knowledge areas, but some of them have been renamed.

The new names for V2.0 of the BABOK are:

1. Enterprise Analysis

2. Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring

3. Elicitation

4. Requirement Analysis

5. Solution Assessment and Validation

6. Requirements Management and Communication

If you are planning to take the IIBA certification exam called the CBAP under the old version V1.6, then you have until July 31, 2009.  Starting on August 1, 2oo9 this certification exam will based on the V2.0 standards.