FAQs

In my roles as a Business System Analyst, I have frequently focused on resolving system and business process defects and data gaps. One project involved identifying and resolving data gaps in the sales partner rewards program by developing an asset tracking system integrated with SalesForce and JD Edwards. This resulted in the recovery of millions of dollars of assets that had otherwise been lost in data sets. I also worked on resolving system defects by collaborating with IT and external vendors to ensure timely deployments. My experience in identifying and resolving system defects and data gaps demonstrates my ability to improve system usage and functionality.

In my role as a Business System Analyst at D-Link USA, I successfully implemented several cost-effective solutions and processes. For example, I developed an employee recruitment website using WordPress, resulting in annual savings of thousands of dollars. I also created an online store for D-Link spare parts using WordPress and WooCommerce, which streamlined ordering processes, reduced staff hours needed to process orders and generated new revenue for the company that was otherwise lost in 3rd party sales channels.

I have conducted frequent requirements gathering workshops and one-on-one stakeholder interviews. I have also documented current business processes using Visio and use cases and developed plans to improve or replace inefficient processes. Additionally, I have authored software requirements specifications and detailed API documentation for automated data transfers between systems.

In my previous role at Insight Investments, LLC, I provided functional support for financial and marketing applications such as Leasewave, Great Plains, and Microsoft Dynamics 365. I identified and documented business needs, objectives, and operational procedures. I also collaborated with internal and external partners to design and enhance applications and infrastructure that supported business processes.

One project where I had to overcome challenges and ensure its success was the rebuilding of the sales partner rewards program at D-Link USA. I recreated the application, integrating with the program with a new 3rd party payment processing company and multi-source automated data collection. Despite facing technical complexities and tight deadlines, I successfully delivered the project, resulting in a company savings of $100,000 per year in 3rd partys fees and ultimately saved the entire partner program from extinction.

During my time at Insight Investments, I provided functional support to the business for their suite of financial and marketing applications. One of the projects I worked on was maintenance of and changes to lease tracking and reporting systems. I collaborated with internal and external partners to design, build, enhance, and support these applications and infrastructure. I utilized various tools and techniques such as activity diagrams, use cases, scenarios, and workflow analysis to manage requirements and ensure the success of the project.

In my previous roles as a Business Analyst, I have successfully resolved system and process defects by collaborating with internal teams and external vendors to discover root causes and formulate plans to address them. Analysis included reviewing existing documentation to identify any gaps, systems analysis to understand underlying data and business logic, and testing to reproduce issues. In my experience I have found often that reported defects were not actually defects, but edge cases that were not considered during past requirements gathering activities.

As a Business Systems Analyst, I approach problem-solving and troubleshooting by first gathering and analyzing data to identify the root cause of the issue. I then collaborate with relevant teams and stakeholders to develop and implement solutions. I utilize my technical knowledge and expertise to assess the impact of potential solutions and make informed recommendations. I am proactive in addressing challenges and strive to find efficient and effective solutions that minimize disruption to business operations.

When it comes to requirements gathering and documentation, I take a thorough and collaborative approach. I conduct requirements gathering workshops and one-on-one stakeholder interviews to understand the business needs and objectives. I also document current business processes using tools like Visio and use cases to identify any inefficiencies and areas for improvement. I then develop plans to address these issues and enhance or replace inefficient processes. Throughout the process, I maintain regular communication with stakeholders to ensure that the documented requirements align with their expectations and goals.

In my role as a Business Systems Analyst, I frequently interact with non-technical stakeholders. To communicate complex technical concepts, I use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or technical terms. I break down complex concepts into easily understandable terms and provide real-world examples or analogies to illustrate the ideas. I also utilize visual aids such as diagrams or charts to enhance understanding. I actively listen to stakeholders and encourage questions or clarifications to ensure effective communication.

In my roles as a business analyst, I have maintained and documented system and business procedures, ensuring that process owners and users adhere to known policies and best practices. I have conducted regular reviews and evaluations of functional specifications to assess their impact on existing processes and procedures. Additionally, I have provided training and facilitated process handoffs to ensure that newly released functionality is effectively utilized by the business areas.

To ensure that my projects meet the needs of the business and stakeholders, I prioritize requirements gathering and stakeholder engagement. I conduct workshops, interviews, and document analysis to understand the business needs, objectives, and operational procedures. I collaborate closely with functional unit management and personnel to define and document requirements. Throughout the project lifecycle, I maintain regular communication with stakeholders to ensure that their needs are met and any changes or updates are incorporated into the project plan.

In my role as a Business Systems Analyst, I understand that changes or updates to project requirements are inevitable. I approach these changes with flexibility and adaptability. I engage with stakeholders to understand the reasons behind the changes and assess their impact on the project timeline and resources. I then work with the project team to adjust plans and priorities accordingly. Communication is key in managing changes, so I ensure that all stakeholders are informed and involved in the decision-making process.

In my experience, project challenges and setbacks are inevitable. When faced with such situations, I take a proactive approach by analyzing the root cause of the issue, brainstorming potential solutions, and collaborating with the team to implement the best course of action. I am resilient and adaptable, and I remain focused on finding solutions and ensuring project success.

Managing stakeholder expectations is crucial for the success of a project. I prioritize open and transparent communication with stakeholders, ensuring that their needs and concerns are addressed from the beginning of the project. I actively engage stakeholders in the requirement gathering process and involve them in decision-making. I provide regular updates on project progress and seek feedback to ensure alignment with their expectations. If there are any changes or challenges, I proactively communicate and collaborate with stakeholders to find mutually agreeable solutions.

I am committed to continuous learning and professional development in the field of project management and business analysis. I have completed various online courses, totaling over 200 hours, focused on project management and business analysis. I actively engage in industry forums, attend webinars and conferences, and read books and articles to stay updated with the latest trends and advancements. I believe in applying my acquired skills and knowledge to enhance project outcomes and facilitate efficient business practices.

I have collaborated with internal and external partners on projects to design, build, enhance, and support applications and infrastructure. I have worked closely with functional unit management and personnel to identify and document business needs. I have also conducted workshops, interviews, and site visits to gather requirements and ensure effective collaboration.

In all my previous roles, I have contributed to cost savings by implementing efficient systems and processes. For example, I rebuilt the sales partner rewards program at D-Link USA, integrating it with 3rd party payment processing which resulted in a company savings of $100,000 per year. I also implemented an employee recruitment website that saved them thousands per year in vendor costs and a website for self-serve replacement part ordering that saved countless hours of customer service man hours.

Throughout my career, I have actively contributed to system and business process improvement initiatives. For example, at D-Link USA, I rebuilt the sales partner rewards program, integrated with 3rd party payment processing and SalesForce, resulting in significant cost savings and partner satisfaction for the company. I have also led the conversion of a public-facing website from Sitecore to WordPress, improving user experience. These initiatives and others like them have allowed me to contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the organizations I have worked for.

I have actively participated in the planning and design of system solutions or enhancements in order to ensure that internal tools and data flows are up to date and functional across the organizations I have served. I have also reviewed and evaluated functional specifications and assessed their impact on existing business processes. With an extensive technical background and as a former programmer myself, my analysis goes deeper than conceptual workflows. I seek to understand how things work within established or to-be workflows in order to provide the best possible recommendations.

In my previous roles, I have provided training and facilitated process handoffs for newly released functionality to business areas. I have developed training materials, user manuals and SharePoint collaboration sites to support the adoption of new functionality. I have also conducted hands-on training sessions and provided ongoing support to end users. By effectively communicating the benefits and functionalities of the newly released features and ensuring a smooth transition, I have facilitated the successful adoption of new functionality across the organization.

Throughout my career, I have utilized various business analysis techniques such as activity diagrams, use cases, scenarios, flowcharts, document analysis, and requirements tracing to gather and manage requirements. These techniques have allowed me to effectively understand and document business processes and ensure that system solutions align with the needs of the organization. I further enhanced my techniques by studying at the University of California, Irvine where I obtained a certificate in Business Analysis.

In all my past experiences, I have utilized my knowledge of project management and business analysis methodologies, such as S.M.A.R.T. goals, negotiation skills, BABOK requirement gathering techniques, to effectively gather and trace requirements. I have also applied Agile and Waterfall methodologies to ensure successful project outcomes.

As a Business System Analyst, I have utilized my skills in requirements gathering, conducting stakeholder interviews, and documenting business processes to support the development and implementation of system solutions. Through my expertise in business analysis, I have been able to ensure that project requirements are clearly defined and aligned with business objectives.

In my previous role at Insight Investments, LLC, I collaborated with internal and external partners on a project to design and support applications and infrastructure that supported business processes. We worked together to identify business needs, define objectives, and ensure that the solutions we implemented were cohesive and functional across the organization. This collaboration allowed us to successfully enhance the tools and data flows within the company and improve overall efficiency.

In a previous project, I identified inefficiencies in the development process that were causing delays and impacting the project timeline. I conducted a thorough analysis of the existing processes, collaborated with the team to gather feedback and ideas, and proposed process improvements. By implementing these improvements, we were able to streamline the workflow, reduce bottlenecks, and improve overall project efficiency, resulting in successful project delivery.

Throughout my career, I have regularly collaborated with stakeholders at all levels to document as-is and to-be processes (typically starting with Visio charts) and authored comprehensive project documentation from which action could be taken. I am proficient in using tools like JIRA for efficient tracking and have a strong background in system and database design.