The Fall 2023 Issue of BAM! Is Here
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect the perspectives of IIBA.
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As some readers brace for the chill of winter while others anticipate weeks of warmth and sunshine, this issue of BAM! rounds out an eventful 2023.
New to our community-curated magazine is a scene-setting introduction by Jared Gorai—Director, Chapters & Member Engagement at IIBA. And he makes his debut at an opportune time.
Though October officially marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, being cyber vigilant is a 365 days-a-year proposition, and not one to be taken lightly.
Cybercrime doesn’t just impact big corporations that are often the targets of ransomware attacks or data breaches. It also affects us as professionals, customers, and citizens who rely on society’s core institutions to function.
The network of cybercrime victims is as complex and interconnected as the Internet itself.
This issue of BAM! is a timely reminder of that, as well as the role that business analysts can play in fighting cybercrime. By furthering your own learning about cybersecurity analysis, you can start making an even bigger impact today.
It also explores other key topics, namely personal data, requirements engineering, and effective job design in the wake of the Great Resignation.
Here’s a Look at What's Inside
Kicking things off this issue is a look at cybersecurity analysis in Advance Your Career with Cybersecurity Skills. Here we explore how business analysis professionals can continue to influence the ongoing battle against cybercrime by upskilling in this area. With Cybersecurity Awareness Month top of mind, we look at the commonalities between cybersecurity and business analysis. Using advice from cybersecurity expert Helen Patton, we make a strong case for why every business analyst should acquire cybersecurity skills.
Next, we look at the skills gap brought on by the Great Resignation, in Effective Job Design. Planning the job analysis, conducting interviews, reviewing resources, prioritizing results, and KSAO specification are just some of the key ingredients behind it.
Although effective job design takes time, it’s well worth it. The beauty is that any business analysis professional—new, experienced, or otherwise—can contribute to the process.
In Requirements Engineering in Business Analysis: Key Practices and Processes, we tackle the misconception that requirements work means gathering, analyzing, and documenting. In truth, it’s so much more than that.
Requirements engineering encompasses many practices aimed at developing a solution that satisfies the needs of stakeholders. It’s a complex field that demands a range of competencies from those who practise it.
Last but certainly not least, in What Is Personal Data we argue for a broad interpretation of the term. Personal data isn’t just someone’s name, email address, and phone number. It’s also a whole set of “indirect identifiers” that broaden the scope of what needs protecting.
As always, focus your efforts on protecting all types of important data, keeping in mind the laws of the region in which your company operates.
Check out the fall issue in full on our website.
With that, BAM! signs off for the year having hopefully inspired and informed—in equal measure—our loyal base of readers. We look forward to continuing that work next year with our amazing group of contributors.
There’s always room for more. If you're interested in writing for the magazine or have a topic suggestion for next issue, please submit an outline to brand@iiba.org.
Special thanks to the IIBA Editorial Committee and to our many contributors, whose hard work helps keep the business analysis community engaged and in the know.
Happy reading and see you in 2024!
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In celebration of IIBA’s 20th anniversary and Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we're offering IIBA members a 20% discount on the Cybersecurity Analysis Program until October 31.
Learn more.
About the Author
Robert McClements is the Communications and Media Relations Specialist at IIBA. With over six years of communications experience at non-governmental organizations, he contributes to IIBA’s marketing and communications efforts in support of the business analysis profession and community. Now residing in his hometown of Montreal, Robert enjoys spending time with his family, listening to music, and reading.
