The business analyst as strategist : translating business strategies into valuable solutions / Kathleen B. Hass.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Title Page; Copyright; About the Author; Table of Contents; Preface; About This Book; Part I -- The Business Analyst's Role in Strategic: Planning and Enterprise Analysis; Chapter 1 -- The Emerging Role of the Business Analyst in Strategic Planning; Strategic Planning in Organizations Today; The Business Analyst's Role in Strategic Planning; Chapter 2 -- The Emerging Role of the Business: Analyst in Portfolio Management; Strategy Execution; Why Portfolio Management?; Defining Portfolio Management; The Portfolio Management Process; Portfolio Management at the Project Level.

The Role of the Program Management OfficeImplementation Strategies; Challenges; Best Practices; Part II -- Using Portfolio Management to Achieve: Strategic Goals; Chapter 3 -- The Value of the Business Architecture in Strategy Execution; Defining the Enterprise Architecture; Defining the Business Architecture; Business Architects; Architecture Frameworks; Creating the Business Architecture; Challenges; Best Practices; Chapter 4 -- Using Feasibility Studies to Determine the: Most Valuable Business Solution; Defining the Feasibility Study; Why Conduct a Feasibility Study?.

Conducting A Feasibility StudyChallenges; Best Practices; Chapter 5 -- Preparing the Business Case and: Decision Package; Assemble a Core Team; Decide on a Recommended Option; Think Strategically; Identify and Confirm a Project Business Sponsor; Determine the Project Scope; Conduct a Cost-Benefit Analysis; Conduct the Initial Risk Assessment; Draft the Business Case; Prepare the Final Decision Package; Challenges; Best Practices; Chapter 6 -- Managing Projects for Value; Enhancing Portfolio Management Practices in Organizations.

Validating the Business Case throughout the Business Solution Life CycleMeasuring the Business Value of Solution Features; Measuring Business Value After Solution Delivery; Chapter 7 -- Evolving from Business Analyst to: Business Strategist; Self-education; Professional Associations; Experience; Training and Accreditation; Mentoring; Appendixes; Appendix A: Business Case Template; Appendix B: Feasibility Study Template; Appendix C: Issues Log Template; Appendix D: Decision Log Template; Appendix E: Risk Log Template; Appendix F: Project Ranking Template; Index.

Outlines the first two phases of the business solution life - strategic planning and enterprise analysis - that the vision of the enterprise is established, strategic goals and measures are set, and the most viable programs and supporting projects are initiated to achieve the strategy.