Events

It's a new year, and you want to supercharge your BA productivity game. But how? Since we BAs love our tools and tech, Ebonee Davis has a next-level productivity tool to share with us, Notion (https://www.notion.com).

Discover practical techniques to handle scope creep effectively in IT projects. Led by Sergey Shimansky, this session dives into strategies like establishing scope baselines, assessing impacts, and navigating change negotiations. Join us at our February chapter meeting to enhance your skills in managing change requests with confidence.

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!

You’ve collaborated with your stakeholders to identify their need of strategic or tactical importance (their business need). You’ve met with your stakeholders during workshops, in interviews and through observation sessions to identify and confirm their requirements necessary to address this business need. You’re pleased with the list of requirements you’ve documented. So now what? In the February 2025 session, we will focus on the Requirements Analysis and Design Definition knowledge area, the seventh chapter of the BABOK®.

As business analysts, we thrive on curiosity, problem-solving, and adaptability. But how often do we challenge our own assumptions? Join us for our next BA Book Club session, where we’ll explore Think Again by Adam Grant—a compelling read on the power of rethinking, unlearning, and embracing the unknown.

Explore how business analysis is adapting to continuous change in Evolution of the Value of Business Analysis in the Emerging Context, presented by Jose Ramon Vasquez. This session will examine the shift from traditional methods to AI-driven solutions and the growing importance of systems thinking. Gain a deeper understanding of how business analysis drives improvement, modernization, and innovation in today’s evolving business environment.

The pilot release of your new solution has recently been implemented. So, how’s that working out for the organization? Is it delivering the value you had anticipated? Is it meeting the expectations of your stakeholders? If not, why not? Perhaps there’s a problem with the solution. Perhaps there’s a problem with the environment. If so, what should be done? In the March 2025 session, we will focus on the Solution and Evaluation knowledge area, the eighth chapter of the BABOK®. The Solution Evaluation knowledge area describes the tasks that business analysts perform to assess the performance of and value delivered by a solution in use by the enterprise, and to recommend removal of barriers or constraints that prevent the full realization of the value. In the February 2025 session, we will focus on the Requirements Analysis and Design Definition knowledge area, the seventh chapter of the BABOK®.

Join us as we delve into Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson, a groundbreaking exploration of the four primary personality types—Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue. This insightful read offers practical strategies to enhance your interactions both professionally and personally. Whether you've read the entire book or just a few chapters, all are welcome to participate in this engaging discussion.

Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a business problem. Business analysts are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between business operations and security requirements. In this session, Victor Asanmi breaks down how to spot hidden cybersecurity risks within everyday business processes using techniques you already know: process mapping, stakeholder analysis, and gap analysis.

Discover how to turn complex data into compelling narratives in Storytelling with Data, led by experienced Business Intelligence Analyst Onyeka Oluyoye. Learn visualization techniques that drive stakeholder decision-making and enhance your data storytelling skills.

The April study group will focus on Chapter 9: Underlying Competencies from the BABOK® Guide, exploring the skills that support effective business analysis. The discussion will cover analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, interaction skills, business knowledge, behavioral characteristics, and the use of tools and technology. Understanding these competencies can help business analysts adapt, collaborate, and deliver value more effectively. This session is a great opportunity to strengthen your foundation and connect with others preparing for certification.

To our valued Ottawa-Outaouais chapter volunteers, you are invited to our second exclusive online peer event where we can meet, learn, and share!

Building on the previous session at the chapter meeting in October, Pierre Armand will review what traceability is and how it can be achieved using effective tools.

Put your business analysis skills to the test at BA Blitz 2025, a high-energy, full-day hackathon designed to tackle real-world challenges! In collaboration with ABLE Autism and Lambton College Ottawa, this event gives you the chance to work in teams, apply BA techniques, and develop solutions that support a local non-profit organization. Whether you're an experienced analyst or just starting out, this is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience, earn professional development units, and make a meaningful impact.

Data flow diagrams, brainstorming, organization modeling, workshops, root cause analysis. Which are your go-to techniques for business analysis? In the May 2025 session, we will turn our focus on the list of Techniques, the tenth chapter of the BABOK®.

What makes great leaders and organizations stand out? In our next BA Book Club, we’ll dive into Start with Why by Simon Sinek—a powerful exploration of how starting with purpose can inspire others and drive meaningful action. Join us for an engaging conversation about the “Golden Circle” and how BAs can apply these ideas in their work.

Celebrate another successful year with us at the 2025 AGM! Hear chapter updates, recognize our volunteers, and connect with fellow members as we reflect on our progress and look ahead to what’s next. Your voice helps shape the future of our community.

By looking at the practice of business analysis from different perspectives, we can see how best to apply the concepts and techniques identified throughout the BABOK for any type of initiative. In our June 2025 study group session, we will briefly review the five perspectives of business analysis found in chapter eleven, hold and review a mini-exam, and play a game!