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You’re in the driver’s seat – so now, what do you do? Are you ready to take the wheel in your next business analysis initiative? Join Emily Tom and Nancy Beatson for an exciting full-day in-person workshop. “You're in the Driver’s Seat!” is an interactive session designed to guide business analysts through the key steps in launching a new work initiative. Whether you're starting business analysis work on a new project or refining your approach, Emily and Nancy will take you on a journey through theory and hands-on exercises with a driving and journey theme. Get ready to plan, analyze, implement, and evaluate—just like a road trip!

In the fast-paced world of business analysis, setting the course for a new initiative is crucial for its success. In this workshop, we’ll break down the essential stages of a business analysis journey: from planning and strategy analysis to requirements elicitation, and from solution evaluation to lessons learned. Throughout the day, we’ll connect each section to knowledge areas of the BABOK using a “driving” theme, helping you understand how to navigate the complexities of business analysis with confidence and clarity.

  • Planning your itinerary. Create a solid starting point and chart your course for the business analysis work ahead.

  • Hitting the road. Collect, define, and refine the requirements that will propel your initiative forward and ensure that you will meet your objectives.

  • Are we there yet? Confirm that the implemented solution brought you to the right destination.

  • Trip highlights. Reflect on the effectiveness and efficiency of your own business analysis work.

Each section includes interactive exercises, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in real time. Whether you’re new to business analysis or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will provide you with practical tools to tackle any initiative with a smooth drive from start to finish.

Learning Objectives

By attending this workshop, you will:

  • gain a deeper understanding of the stages involved in a new initiative and how to approach them strategically,
  • learn about valuable techniques for stakeholder analysis, problem definition, scope modeling, and for defining and refining business requirements,
  • use critical thinking to identify solution effectiveness measures and to assess the impact of unexpected speedbumps you may face along your journey,
  • discover how to assess the effectiveness of an implemented solution, and
  • apply your learning through engaging group and team exercises, all tied to a driving theme.

About the Facilitators

Emily Tom, CBAP

Emily Tom headshot

Emily Tom, CBAP is an independent consultant based in Ottawa, Canada. She is an aspiring writer and speaker and is passionate about promoting the business analysis profession. She supports fellow business analysts in their careers through knowledge sharing and mentorship.

Nancy Beatson, CBAP

Emily Tom headshot
Nancy Beatson, CBAP is a business analyst who enjoys solving problems and exploring new opportunities to refine her skills. A former board member of the IIBA Ottawa-Outaouais chapter, she continues to be a strong supporter of the BA community. Always seeking new ways to learn and grow, Nancy is committed to further developing her expertise as a business analyst.

Event Details

When:

Saturday, February 22, 2025 08:30 to 16:00 EST

Where:

Bayview Yards
7 Bayview Station Road
Ottawa, ON  K1Y 2C5

Parking/Transit:

There is free parking on-site (approx. 20 spots) and 2-hour free parking on neighbouring streets. It is a 10-minute walk from the Bayview O-Train Station.

Who should attend: 

This workshop is ideal for business analysts who are newer to the field or have limited experience in steering work initiatives, as well as intermediate level business analysts. If you're looking to build confidence and map out a structured approach to planning, requirements management, and solution evaluation, this workshop is for you. It will help you navigate new initiatives with clarity and purpose, ensuring a smooth ride from start to finish.

Cost: 

Early bird until Tuesday, February 4th (end of day) – $75 for IIBA members | $100 for non-members
Regular starts Wednesday, February 5th – $100 for IIBA members | $125 for non-members

Cost includes a light breakfast and lunch. Please advise of dietary restrictions during registration.

Note that IIBA Members must be logged in for the IIBA Member rate to appear during registration.

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How to Cancel Your Registration

Send a message to communications@ottawa-outaouais.iiba.org with your name and order number.

Continuing Development Unit (CDU)/Professional Development (PD) Hours: 

Your attendance is worth seven (7) CDUs and seven (7) PD Hours.

In Case of Inclement Weather:

If extreme weather conditions are expected (e.g. freezing rain or snow squall warnings issued for Ottawa), we will cancel 48 hours ahead and seek to reschedule the course.  Registrants may choose to stay registered, or cancel their registration for a refund.

Where
Bayview Yards
7 Bayview Station Road
Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5
Canada
Organizers

V

VP Professional Development
professionaldevelopment@ottawa-outaouais.iiba.org