RMC Learning Solutions, Author at RMC Learning Solutions

Posted on June 5, 2021June 6, 2025 by RMC Learning Solutions — 1 Comment

PMP Exam Prep Checklist

Taking the PMP exam can be stressful. That’s why we have created to sample checklist for you to review as you get ready for your exam. It is a chronological approach that helps describe what should you be thinking about when. This will help you to organize your “Passing the PMP Exam” project more smoothly.

How to Study for the PMP Exam

Review the PMI-isms in the PMP® Exam Prep book, and understand how they apply to the best project management practices.
Study the suggestions for taking the exam in the PMP® Exam Prep book.
Review the material three times (follow the rule of three).
Develop good study habits.
Form a study group of people taking the test at about the same time as you are.
Set a date for taking the exam with the testing provider, basing the date on a realistic schedule.
Set time each day to spend studying; you cannot retain information crammed into a single-day, eight-hour session.
Study in more depth the areas you feel uncomfortable with but be careful not to over-study; you should not need more than 40 hours of study time after taking RMC’s PMP Exam Prep class.
Use the PMP® Exam Prep book to learn, Hot Topics to keep the material fresh, and PM FASTrack® Cloud to verify you understand the material and to find your gaps.
Develop a test-taking strategy, practice it, refine it, and then use it.
Practice concentrating on the question on the screen only.
Take a four-hour practice test in a “controlled” situation (as if you were in the test center, i.e., no refrigerator runs, etc.).

The Night Before the Exam

Visualize the entire process from beginning to the successful conclusion.
Gather everything you need for the next day so it is all ready and you will not need to worry about it in the morning.
Go to bed; if you are restless, stay there and rest. Do not stress out over the lack of sleep. Get extra sleep in the few nights before the test. Normally you need a minimum of six hours of sleep to feel alert.

Day of the PMP Exam

Start with a moderate breakfast and try to avoid caffeine.
If you are going to a test center, be on time, not too early or too late. If you are taking the exam online, you will want to log in early to make sure you don’t have any technical issues.
NO frantic reviews—remember, you know the material.
Distract yourself by reading a magazine, newspaper, or book.

Before Beginning the PMP Exam

Find a location that is away from distractions and has good lighting.
Practice deep breathing.
Do your download sheet.
Ask any questions you have so you are not distracted during the test.
Bring an aggressive but realistic attitude to the test.
Remind
Remind yourself to budget your time by using the Mark for Review button. For each of the three 60-question exam sections, you should give yourself 76 minutes. Using about 1 minute per question as you have practiced will allow you 16 minutes to check the questions you have marked.

During the PMP Exam

Focus on the test. All the things you need are on the download sheet. If you encounter some hard questions, easier ones are coming.
Focus on one question at a time, totally concentrating on the one on the screen in front of you. You can go back to the others later.
Figure out the topic for each question, to put it in the proper perspective.
Remember the three-pass rule. Do not spend too much time on a question on the first pass; instead, mark it and move on.
Be sure to use the two 10-minute breaks allowed between exam sections. Get up, stretch and leave the room for a few minutes. Just be sure to be back in your seat before the 10 minutes are up.
If the test feels more difficult than you anticipated, focus on just doing your best.
There WILL be questions you cannot answer; expect it and move on.
Do not change answers without PROOF you made a mistake. Between 70 and 80 percent of the time, your first “gut feel” is correct.
Avoid worrying about time. I know this is hard with the stupid clock in the upper right-hand corner ticking away, but try to focus on the question, not the clock.
If you become anxious, visualize a calm, soothing scene, or better yet, visualize seeing “you passed” on the screen.
As you begin to reread, or if you find it difficult to concentrate, practice relaxation and stretching techniques. . Remember if you take the test remotely, your movements should be limited.
Have energy snacks available outside of your testing area to eat during your breaks. Be sure to eat them BEFORE you get tired. It takes time for them to work, so do not wait until the second break if you’re concerned about your energy.
Think of the test as a game. Do your best.

Some Key PMI-isms

Memorization is not the key; understanding is.
Identify and fill gaps using the PMP® Exam Prep book and PM FASTrack®.
You do not “figure it out as you go.” You plan ahead and make it happen correctly, according to the plan.
You must have metrics to know where you are and how far you are from the plan.
Ensure changes go through a process to make sure only approved changes make it into the plan.
Use control limits and refine them as needed.
Search for the root causes of problems.
Check your work as you go. Do not wait until the end.

You’ve Got This! RMC is Here to Help

Developing a PMP Exam prep checklist will help you feel more confident and less stressed about taking the PMP exam. Another great tool to help you prepare is Rita’s Process Chart game which is a fun, interactive way to study the process groups. You can also check out our latest Taking the PMP exam webinar. If you are still deciding whether to take the test online or in person, learn more about each option. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us to get more information.

Posted on June 5, 2021June 6, 2025 by RMC Learning Solutions — 5 Comments

BA or BSA: What’s the Difference?

In project management, few roles cause as much confusion—and occasional overlap—as the Business Analyst (BA) and the Business Systems Analyst (BSA). On the surface, the titles sound interchangeable. Both are embedded in the requirements-gathering process. Both spend their days translating ideas into actionable plans. But scratch beneath that surface, and the differences are not only meaningful—they’re crucial to delivering successful projects.

Whether you’re managing a new software rollout, overseeing a transformation program, or running a lean Agile team, understanding how BAs and BSAs function (and how they differ) helps you structure your project team more strategically. Let’s dig into what sets them apart, where they overlap, and how you as a PM can make the most of their skills.

What is a Business Analyst (BA)?

The Business Analyst is your go-to person for understanding what the business needs and why. They:

Investigate business processes
Engage with stakeholders to uncover pain points
Document requirements and workflows
Define the value behind proposed changes

Think of BAs as fluent in “business speak.” They’re the bridge between business users and the technical team, constantly asking: “Does this solve the right problem?” and “Is this what the business really needs?”

BAs typically:

Conduct stakeholder interviews and workshops
Write functional requirements and user stories
Map current vs. future state processes
Support solution validation (e.g., during UAT)

Their sweet spot is strategy-meets-execution: understanding the wider business impact of projects and aligning proposed solutions to company goals.

What is a Business Systems Analyst (BSA)?

The Business Systems Analyst shares some DNA with the BA but skews more technical. They dive deeper into how solutions will work within existing systems. BSAs:

Analyze how proposed changes affect system architecture
Translate business requirements into technical specs
Collaborate closely with developers, architects, and IT teams

They often:

Document data flows and interface requirements
Write system use cases and technical requirement specs
Review API documentation and system integration needs
Assist in solution design and data modeling

If the BA asks “what do we need to solve?”, the BSA asks “how will it actually work in our tech stack?”

BSAs usually come with more technical training, sometimes having backgrounds in software development, systems engineering, or database management.

Key Differences at a Glance

Aspect	Business Analyst (BA)	Business Systems Analyst (BSA)
Focus	Business processes and stakeholder needs	System requirements and technical feasibility
Primary Stakeholders	Business users, sponsors, product owners	Developers, architects, IT teams
Deliverables	Functional specs, process models, user stories	Technical specs, system flow diagrams, data mappings
Tools & Techniques	SWOT, BPMN, wireframes, user story mapping	ER diagrams, SQL, interface specs, system modeling
Typical Background	Business, operations, product	IT, systems engineering, development

Where They Overlap

It’s not a tug-of-war between BA and BSA. In many cases, their roles complement each other beautifully. On large-scale or complex projects, you might find both on the team:

The BA leads stakeholder discovery sessions and defines high-level business needs.
The BSA translates those needs into system-level requirements and ensures they fit within technical constraints.

On smaller projects, one person may wear both hats—requiring them to be equally fluent in business analysis and systems design. As a PM, this matters. Understanding which skill set your project needs (or lacks) is key to avoiding requirement gaps or scope creep.

Relevance to Project Managers: Why You Should Care

As a project manager, your job is to coordinate, align, and deliver. Misunderstanding the BA vs. BSA dynamic can lead to:

Ambiguity in requirements: You get a beautiful user story, but no system spec to build it.
Misaligned expectations: Business thinks they’re getting X, tech delivers Y.
Missed timelines: Because no one mapped how the new feature integrates with existing systems.

The right analyst structure reduces friction across teams, increases stakeholder satisfaction, and minimizes rework.

Here’s what you can do:

Assess the complexity of the project: If it’s high on integration or backend dependencies, consider bringing in a BSA.
Clarify roles early: Don’t let BA and BSA responsibilities blur. Define handoffs.
Include both perspectives in planning sessions: Business needs + system feasibility = realistic planning.
Be their translator when needed: Encourage mutual understanding. Sometimes BAs and BSAs operate in silos.

Real-World Example

Let’s say you’re leading a CRM implementation. You have a BA gathering requirements from sales and marketing teams. They document:

We need custom lead scoring
Reports should show conversion by campaign
Integration with email platform is required

This is great. But how does it work?

Enter the BSA:

Analyzes if the CRM’s API can support real-time sync with your email platform
Designs the database schema to track campaign IDs and lead scores
Writes the system integration documentation for the dev team

Without both perspectives, you risk either:

A feature-rich solution that can’t be implemented technically
A technically sound solution that misses business needs

Titles Can Be Tricky

To complicate matters, job titles don’t always reflect these distinctions. In some organizations:

A BA does system analysis because there is no BSA role
A BSA is called a BA but spends all day writing API specs
A “Business Analyst” might actually be more of a product owner

Titles aside, what matters is the actual skill set and responsibilities. Clarify early. Use RACI matrices. Ask the right questions during kickoff. Don’t assume the word “analyst” means the same thing in every department.

Which Role is Evolving Faster?

Both roles are changing, but the BSA in particular is being reshaped by:

The rise of Agile and DevOps, where system requirements must evolve iteratively
Increasing demand for hybrid BA/tech skills (think: data-savvy analysts who can also model APIs)
Tools like low-code/no-code platforms, shifting where technical complexity lives

Meanwhile, BAs are seeing increased influence in product management, service design, and strategic transformation.

As PMs, it’s your job to see where your analysts fit into these trends and make sure your team composition supports project success.

Final Thoughts and Takeaways for PMs

In today’s fast-paced environments, the difference between a Business Analyst and a Business Systems Analyst isn’t just a matter of semantics—it’s a structural decision that impacts project outcomes. Understanding who does what helps project managers:

Define clearer roles
Identify skill gaps
Avoid downstream technical misfires

Key takeaways:

BAs focus on business needs and stakeholder alignment
BSAs bridge the business-to-technical gap with deep system knowledge
Both are crucial, but their contributions differ
Clear role definition upfront saves time, money, and rework
As a PM, empower each role to work in tandem, not in parallel silos

A well-deployed BA and BSA can mean the difference between building the right thing—and building the thing right.

Know the difference. Use it to your advantage. Deliver better projects.

Posted on June 5, 2021June 6, 2025 by RMC Learning Solutions

An Agile Approach to Project Work

Two business people work on their agile approach on project at white board

The year 2020 taught us that the world of work can change in an instant. We have to adapt, modify, and re-imagine the way we work and communicate.

This is what an agile approach to project leadership is all about. But how does one go about managing a project this way? Don’t we have to plan in detail, execute according to plan, manage our baselines and risks? How do we deliver a project when there isn’t a detailed plan in place?

Agile Approach to Projects

Guide to An Agile Approach
Work with Agility
Expand Your Agile Skill Set

Guide to An Agile Approach

Agile Fundamentals: A Comprehensive Guide to Using an Agile Approach answers these questions and more. Mike Griffiths, a thought leader in agile project management, delves into exactly how a project is managed using agile methodologies. There is still planning, just not at the same level of detail. There is still executing the project, but we hold retrospectives as we move through the project, and then make modifications. We still manage risk, but we work with success modes instead of failure modes.

Most importantly, we act as servant leaders. Relationships are the cornerstones of agile projects. As servant leaders we do not manage but rather guide, encourage, and support the team using emotional intelligence and the elements of our agile toolkit, such as a backlog or Kanban board.

Work with Agility

In Agile Fundamentals, Mike shows you the way to working with agility. And the journey can be a fun one: He shows you collaboration games such as Remember the Future, Prune the Product Tree, and Speedboat. He also explains estimating tools such as planning poker, user stories, product roadmaps, and T-shirt sizing.

Agile Fundamentals is divided into three sections to give you the best opportunity for using an agile approach successfully:

Part One: You’ll learn what it means to have an agile mindset. You’ll learn about agile principles and values, and about the different agile methodologies.

Part Two: Mike dives into what it means to be a servant leader; how to lead a development team to success and how to establish a shared vision.

Part Three: You’ll see how to run an agile project, from adaptive planning to estimating, to detecting and solving problems.

The world of work is changing. Leaders must change with it to create efficient teams, (sometimes distributed all over the world), and to produce deliverables that bring value to every stakeholder.

Expand Your Agile Skill Set

If you’re a project leader who wants to dive into working with an agile approach, then Agile Fundamentals is the book you’ve been waiting for. This essential desk reference breaks down agile in a way that makes it easy to understand and practical to follow. Agile Fundamentals is available in hard copy or in an online subscription format.

RMC also offers a self-directed Agile Fundamentals eLearning Course that teaches agile project development, practices, tools, and techniques to immediately use agile methods on your projects. If you are looking to introduce additional team members to Agile Fundamentals, contact us to learn more about our instructor-led classes.

Posted on May 5, 2021June 6, 2025 by RMC Learning Solutions

Agile Illustrated, A Visual Learner’s Guide to Agility

Agile Illustrated: A Visual Learner’s Guide serves as a solid guide for anyone who is interested in learning agile, as well as anyone who wants to dive deeper into agile principles.

Below, we cover what makes this book such a valuable asset to project managers interested in, or already working in, agile.

Who Is This Book For?

Agile Illustrated: A Visual Learner’s Guide is for anyone charged with leading a team of people. It is for Scrum masters, project managers, team leads, and group leads.

If your work involves coordinating the efforts of others, this book has been written for you. It explains a model of how to tackle complex projects and work effectively with people. Just as projects differ in size, type, and complexity, so does the agile model, driven by project characteristics.

For team leaders, project managers, development leads, and project practitioners who want to take their delivery skills to the next level, Agile Illustrated: A Visual Learner’s Guide can help. It provides a learning framework and integration points for using more than just agile approaches, so you can be successful in a wider range of project scenarios.

Organizations are often complex and contradictory in their application of standards, processes, and norms. This book takes what you already know from agile and extends that knowledge so it can be more robust, applicable, and adaptive to real-world environments. It explains how to scale agile techniques while minimizing process load, and it explains how to integrate agile approaches into traditional, non-agile environments. You’ll even discover how to use soft skills, such as influence, empathy, and leadership, to gain more acceptance and support when processes and techniques fall short.

Finally, this book shows why and how an integrated approach to mastering industry domain knowledge, traditional project management, leadership, and agile approaches delivers more than the sum of its parts. It describes a view one level up in terms of abstraction and usefulness.

This is not only a “how to do it” book, but also a “how to think about it” book. By providing evidence-based guidance from a broad range of professional disciplines, including lean, project management, economics, psychology, sociology, process management, and change management, it sheds light on a topic that many people find complex.

Perfect for Visual Thinkers!

Agile Illustrated: A Visual Learner’s Guide will appeal to visual thinkers who like to conceptualize the big picture before getting into the details. These people, who are sometimes called “right-brained,” after the portion of the brain responsible for processing images, would rather be shown how something works than told in detail how it works.

If you spend a long time getting the flow of your PowerPoint slides just right before you can focus on adding content and detail, then you are likely right-brained.

Interesting fact: Research by David Hyerle into visual thinking reports that 90% of the information entering the brain is visual. 40% of all nerve fibers connected to the brain are connected to the retina, and a full 20% of the entire cerebral cortex is dedicated to vision, so let’s use it!

Throughout Agile Illustrated: A Visual Learner’s Guide, you’ll be taught the stages of skills progression, and you’ll see how one step builds on the previous step. You’ll also access one-page views of how things relate and fit together. Like having a good map, understanding context and structures spatially can provide you with more confidence to explore new territory and also retreat to familiar ground when needed.

An Experience-Based Approach

You will find that Agile Illustrated: A Visual Learner’s Guide draws on a blend of commercial experience and scientific theory.

Some concepts are the synthesis of several academic research papers. However, where possible, preference is given towards approaches that we have seen work in several organizations.

Examining the origins of research claims often uncovers dated, self-referencing clusters of studies, frequently written by the same author. Or it becomes clear that studies employed paid university students who were motivated and behaved quite differently than commercial sector team members. Therefore, in addition to looking towards academic recommendations for guidance, it’s also wise to look at recent commercial project experiences to gain greater insight.

Diving into Continuous Digital and #NoProjects

So far, we have talked about delivering successful “projects,” but the notion of projects with a defined start, middle, and end is being challenged with recent Continuous Digital and #NoProjects concepts.

As software becomes more critical to competitive advantage, projects become unending because the software-driven products continue to live on and evolve. This is a good sign that shows a business values its products and services and wants to keep investing in them and developing them.

How does this relate to project management, though? Well, project management in many industries is evolving into ongoing product development and delivery. Organizations are arranging themselves around value streams that deliver business benefits.

The principles described in this book about improving our ability towards effective delivery of value apply equally in continuous digital delivery environments and the #NoProjects world.

In time, the organizational delivery construct may no longer be projects, and we will likely switch to more product teams and value streams. However, the tools and techniques that we use to engage and motivate people, and to develop new products, still apply.

So, as you read Agile Illustrated: A Visual Learner’s Guide, whenever you see the word “project,” think also of “products,” “initiatives,” and “value streams.” These are the future, but still rely on the cooperation of people towards a vision.

Why Should You Read This Book?

The world of work is changing. We see it in pockets right now, but a wave of change is coming. Projects are getting more complex, jobs are becoming less permanent, and people are more mobile. This trifecta will spread and accelerate in all industries. People who can see the trend and can navigate the oncoming tsunami will be in high demand and will lead the bulk of the organizational transformations that will happen.

This book describes the mindset and toolkit to rise and thrive in the new world of work. It shows you the knowledge domains that have to be understood, and how to work with others to succeed.

The future is collaborative but built upon skilled individuals. This book is a roadmap and workshop manual for building a smarter you, better positioned for the new realities of the future.

Overall, a Worthy Read!

Agile Illustrated: A Visual Learner’s Guide describes how we can determine the optimal mix of agile and other approaches worth using. It describes tools, such as ranking a project on attributes like size, organizational impact, uncertainty, internal support, criticality, and more, to suggest the recommended mix of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques.

This book also describes the ongoing need to focus on value delivery, pruning ceremonies when they no longer justify their time commitments. This is a dynamic process, not a static framework, much like dealing with the people on your project and in your organization.

Agile Illustrated: A Visual Learner’s Guide is available for purchase now and we highly recommend this book for all of the reasons discussed above.

Want to learn even more? RMC offers agile courses and self-study materials for those just getting started with agile or those looking to operate more effectively. Contact us for more information or for help getting started!

Posted on February 10, 2021June 6, 2025 by RMC Learning Solutions

Manager vs. Leader: Which Are You?

As a professional in project management, you don’t only manage projects, you also lead teams. So, being able to work as both a manager and a leader can help you excel and really stand out in the workplace.

It’s worth taking some time to uncover the things that differentiate a manager from a leader. After all, some people who are leaders might not make the best managers, and vice versa. But if you’re determined to be both, you can hone your skills to manage and lead more effectively.

Take a look at the information below on managers vs. leaders to figure out which one you are, and to gain a clearer picture of what you might need to do to advance your career. Continue reading Manager vs. Leader: Which Are You?

Posted on February 5, 2021June 6, 2025 by RMC Learning Solutions

New Webinar for Project Management Professionals | RMC Learning Solutions

African American man attending project management webinar

Webinar – Taking the PMP® Exam: What You Need to Know

The PMP® certification exam changed significantly on January 2, 2021. If you are looking to become a certified project manager, you won’t want to miss this webinar.

Join us for information on preparing for the PMP® exam, the changes in the new exam, our recommended strategy to certification, and more. In this one-hour webinar we will answer the top questions professionals need to know when it comes to preparing for the PMP® exam:

Is the PMP® right for me?
What does the NEW PMP® Exam Content Outline include?
Why the changes?
What’s the latest information on new question types, exam length and breaks?
Should I take the new Online Proctored Exam option?

Thursday, February 4, 2021
12:00 – 1:00 PM Central Time

RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!

Interested in Other Project Management Webinars?

If you are interested in other webinar topics from RMC Learning Solutions, we’ve got you covered. Simply check out our previous project management webinars.

Posted on November 5, 2020October 31, 2025 by RMC Learning Solutions

Taking the PMP® Exam Online Versus Test In Person

Close up of student's hands working at the computer to choose to take the PMP online or in person

You’ve made the decision to take the PMP exam. Now you need to consider whether to take the test online or in person. Understanding the pros and the cons of each option will help you select which is best for you. As you consider your course of action, let’s start by describing what it looks like to take the PMP exam online.

What Does Online Proctoring Really Mean?

Taking the test online is a relatively new option. You should become familiar with how an online exam is executed. To take the PMP exam online, you need a quiet, private space. You should plan on having NO interruptions from colleagues, family, or pets.

No one is allowed in the room while you are taking your online test. The proctor will invalidate your exam if you are moving around or there is a lot of noise during the test. Make sure you have a strong internet connection and use a reliable and fully charged laptop or desktop computer.

During the online check-in process, your proctor will verify your identity using a current government issued ID. You will be asked to take four photos of your work area to make sure your space is in compliance. You can check-in up to 30 minutes before the exam is scheduled to get settled in.

Compliance means no materials, books, notepads, pencils, pens or other writing instruments nearby. Other electronic devices such as phones and watches (including smartwatches) must be removed and shut off. You can expect the PMP test to last for four hours. Find a space where you will be comfortable. Remember, you cannot eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum during the exam. Plan accordingly.

What are Some the of the Online Test Features?

During the exam, you will have access to some online features. You may have the option during the exam to use ONVUE’s built- in digital whiteboard for note taking. Since you are not allowed to use physical scratch paper for note boards, you can use the white board for those purposes. You are able to practice using the online white board anytime. You’ll also have access to an on-screen calculator.

Choosing the Online PMP Exam

Taking the PMP exam online is a relatively new option. It is convenient to take your test from home, but it requires a preparation, no interruptions and a strong, reliable internet connection.

Let’s look at the Online Exam PROS:

Avoid the risks of COVID 19. If you are worried or are high risk, this is an important health consideration.
Flexible times and days of the week – 24/7. This gives you more test date options, domestically and internationally, than in person.
Test sooner. More dates are available online compared to in person. You are also less likely to experience date and venue changes.
No travel During COVID, limited test center availability could mean you have to drive farther away to take your exam.
Test in the comfort and familiarity of your home.

Online Exam CONS:

Potential inability to have a quiet space free of interruptions. This may create an added level of test anxiety.
Risk of not being compliant. Your movements are limited. You cannot talk, even to read a question out loud.
Issues with technology and connectivity. Make sure you are familiar with the system requirements, perform a system test and a strong internet connection.
Delays in proctor communication online.

Why Consider the Taking the PMP In Person

The PMP test has been offered in person for decades. The process of in-person testing is known and the experience is well-documented. However, in our current environment, it can be challenging to find an in person center to sit for your exam at the time you want.

In Person PROS:

Known rules, environment and protocols clearly laid out by the in person test center.
Test centers are available around the world.
Ability to provide accommodations. PMI regularly handles requests for PMP test accommodations. Contact the program directly to determine your next steps.
Ability to use center-provided writing materials, including an erasable note board.
You get a 10-minute break, same as the online test, after you complete and submit Part 1 of the exam. You can also take unscheduled bathroom breaks.

In Person CONS:

Extended wait time to schedule your test due to lack of availability. It may take more time to find a date that works for you. We recommend you check the Pearson Vue website daily, or several times per day, to see if new dates and times open up.
When scheduling the test, only a few in-person locations show in the search results. The test center uses distance to display information. Consider expanding your search to a wider radius from home, to find more in-person centers.
Cancellation uncertainty. There is the potential that your test date could get canceled or moved because of the COVID 19 environment.
In person testing requires you to wear a mask the entire time, including during the test.
Potential exposure to COVID 19. Test centers have detailed information on their procedures.

Can I Change my PMP Exam from Online to a In Person?

You can change your test option even after you have registered to take the PMP test. To change your PMP exam from online to in person, you need to cancel your online appointment. You will receive a refund for the class. You must pay for and schedule a new exam. The same is true if you change your test from in person to online.

When changing your online class to in person, you may not find the same date you originally schedule. Dates and locations may also be limited. A word of caution: Don’t cancel your online or in-person appointment until you find a date that is a suitable replacement.

Up Next, It’s About Preparing for the Exam

Once you get your exam date schedule, you can focus on studying for the exam. To prepare for the PMP^® exam, check out RMC’s training options for self-study, instructor-led virtual training, classroom training and eLearning courses.

RMC provides the most effective and innovative project management training available. we focus on teaching valuable, real-world skills and practical techniques to help you learn more in less time. Good luck!

Posted on June 5, 2020June 6, 2025 by RMC Learning Solutions

Business Analysis Tools and Techniques

Business woman in thought resting chin on hand

The first time you became aware of the number of business analysis techniques, what was your reaction? Was it shock and awe, or a feeling that you would never be able to master all of them? Or were you familiar with many of the techniques, but not sure if you were using the most suitable ones in your business analysis work?

Establish and Add to Your Analysis Toolkit

Business analysts need a toolkit with a range of options that will enable them to perform tasks effectively and consistently. Challenges both inside and outside of project work—including figuring out how you can best elicit, document, manage, and communicate requirements—require robust and flexible techniques.

The business analysis techniques outlined in the Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge^® (BABOK^® Guide) is widely used across industries, and provides solutions to meet these challenges. But it can be difficult to find hard data about which techniques work best, in part because these techniques are being used across a wide range of industries and projects.

In addition, when choosing a technique, you need to consider numerous factors like time, cost, usage potential, business analysis competency, stakeholder preference, user knowledge, level of documentation, project environment, and company culture, to name a few!

8 Tips for Selecting BA Techniques

Let’s look at some tips that can help you get started to pick the most appropriate techniques for your project or initiative.

1. Categorize the Business Analysis Techniques You Currently Use

Just as we categorize requirements to make them more digestible, useful, and focused, we can do so with business analysis techniques. The categories you decide on will depend on your work and industry. You can categorize by business analysis knowledge areas, or by the business analysis tasks you plan to perform to create results and outputs.

For example, you may want to create a category for eliciting requirements. You can also create categories for types of interactions you have with stakeholder groups or based on your stakeholders’ preferences. There may be techniques you use that work best with developers or clients, for example. You may want to have a category for visual diagrams and another for text-based techniques. Categorization can also be based on other constraints, such as number of stakeholders, project complexity, time, or cost.

2. Add a Few Techniques from the BABOK^® Guide to Your List

Now that you have the categories for your existing techniques, look at the techniques from the BABOK^® Guide and other sources and place the ones that interest you in these categories. This may require you to read up on some of them.

3. Talk to Other Business Analysts in Your Company

Find out what techniques they use and update your list. Also look for examples and templates that exist at your company. Now that you have created your own quick reference chart, let’s talk about how you can choose the most appropriate business analysis techniques for your project or initiative.

4. Target a Project and Try a New Technique

Considering your current projects, think about where you have issues such as unclear or incomplete requirements and other challenges. The techniques you are using may not be providing you with the best results. Ask yourself if the root cause of the problem could be the techniques themselves. Talk to your stakeholders; ask for their thoughts and gauge their willingness to try something new. For example: Your requirements have not been clearly defined, and you have been eliciting requirements through interviews only. You may want to try interface analysis, observations, bench marking, or a requirements workshop.

5. Try a New Technique that will Challenge You

Look at your list of new techniques and pick one that you feel would be a challenge. It could be something you have never done before. Maybe process modeling is new to you. In fact, maybe you’ve never created a diagram before. Take an existing process that has already been mapped or modeled. Try to create your own model and compare it to the existing model, you may gain a better understanding of the process. Then look for an opportunity to create a process model for an existing process that has not been modeled. You’ll be learning and adding value at the same time.

6. Ask Your Stakeholders What Techniques They Prefer to Use. Try on a New Project

This can help you if you are having issues with stakeholder engagement or communication. The technique doesn’t have to replace an existing one; it could instead be used in conjunction with what you are doing now.

7. Consider the Risks of Using the Techniques

The BABOK^® Guide has a great section at the end of each technique description that outlines usage considerations. Before proceeding with any new technique, consider the disadvantages and weigh the risks. Each technique has at least one disadvantage that imposes limitations and can create associated risk.

Selecting the most suitable technique for business analysis tasks involves a trade-off between advantages and disadvantages. For example, bench marking can identify opportunities for improvement, but it can be time-consuming, requires expertise in analysis, and does not typically result in innovative solutions. Business analysts can improve their understanding of the techniques by determining which disadvantages could become critical issues.

8. Use Decision Analysis

Select your techniques in the same way you would choose a vendor or assess a solution. You could create a decision analysis flowchart to select the techniques or score each technique using evaluation criteria.

Need More BA Techniques? RMC is Here to Help

In their search for suitable techniques, business analysts often find it difficult to obtain hard data on which techniques work best in which applications. As a result, many business analysts rely on what they know and what has been used in their organizations. But this means they may be missing out on techniques that can add value to projects and initiatives.

Having a basic knowledge of the techniques, as well as creating a personal categorization of the techniques, can help you objectively choose the most suitable technique for a specific project or initiative. Engaging stakeholders when you try out new techniques may provide additional unanticipated rewards as you grow your skill set as a business analyst.

Posted on June 5, 2020June 6, 2025 by RMC Learning Solutions

What to Expect from Your RMC PMP Exam Prep Course

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When you’re ready to become a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), RMC will be there to help you with our proven PMP course. What’s it all about? Well, it’s geared towards preparing you for the challenging PMP certification exam so you can pass it on your first try. What should you expect from this course?

The Goal of RMC’s PMP Exam Course

Our PMP course is an accelerated program that’s packed with engaging material. It will allow you to prepare for the 200-question PMP exam that takes four hours to complete. We won’t lie, this is definitely an intense test, but we take a lot of the stress out of it.

How do we do that? By showing you exactly what you need to internalize in order to answer the multiple-choice questions with greater ease. It’s that simple.

Thanks to expert instruction and high-quality materials, you’ll be able to gain a greater understanding of complex project management topics in a shorter amount of time. Of course, it’s best if you also make the effort to study more on your own to reinforce what we teach you during the class. And taking practice exams is also a smart way to fully prepare yourself to pass the exam and become certified. The idea is to use our course as your foundation and guide.

What Makes Our PMP Exam Course Different?

There are a lot of study materials and courses out there, all geared towards helping you pass the PMP exam and advance your project management career. But our course is different.

We use a wide range of tools, such as case studies, games, and various exercises, to make it easier for you to actually understand and apply what you’re learning. This is not about merely memorizing facts. If you want to pass the PMP exam, you need to know how to apply concepts and processes in real-world situations. And we show you how to do just that by using the groundbreaking Rita Mulcahy method.

Select Your Preferred Method of Learning

At RMC, we know that, when it comes to learning, you can’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we offer a PMP exam prep course online and in person. Check out our virtual class schedule and our live class schedule to see when a PMP course meets your needs. You’ll be able to receive expert guidance from an instructor in real-time.

As an alternative, you can also purchase self-study materials and do it all on your own, or you can opt to take an eLearning course to follow your own schedule and work at your own pace. Discover what it takes to pass the PMP exam so you can take your career to new heights.

Enroll Today and Get Your PMP Certification

A PMP certification, which is recognized all over the world, can open up opportunities for growth in the field of project management. But, first, you need to pass PMI’s tough exam. Take the stress out of learning what’s necessary to pass this test by using our proven, time tested PMP exam prep course. And get ready to take your exam confidence!

Posted on June 5, 2020June 6, 2025 by RMC Learning Solutions — 2 Comments

Should I Take the PMP® Exam in 2020 or Wait Until 2021?

Woman sitting on coach with computer thinking about taking the PMP exam

As you know, PMI is changing the PMP Exam as of January 2, 2021. We know you are trying to figure out which option is best for you in the time that remains — or if you have already made your decision — to help shake off any worries you may have on your journey to certification.

Why Take the Current PMP Exam in 2020?

If you have the qualifications to sit for the exam now, why wait? If you are confident in your preparation, you should leverage your knowledge and take it now. You can schedule to take the exam online or in person. However, if you are not ready or struggling to achieve your goal before the exam changes in January, but still want to take the exam before it changes, consider a virtual class with an experienced instructor.

You know the benefits of becoming a PMP. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t be considering it. Getting the benefit of being PMP-certified will get you those benefits that much sooner. Having the PMP now, could help you further demonstrate your value in your current position. It could also help you secure a new job in this uncertain economic climate.

The current PMP Exam is a well-known. Exam parameters, question style, and virtually everything else about the current exam is known and documented. We have it figured out. The current exam content outline has been in place for several years. We understand the level of difficulty and what it takes to pass. On the contrary, we are still getting to know the 2021 exam and its level of difficulty. This uncertainty can increase the areas you’ll need to understand and study.

Although the passing score of the current exam is not published, it is a well-established, consistent figure and it will not change before the end of 2020.

Therefore, if you qualify to sit for the exam, are executing on your study plan and have your education hours, getting your cert in 2020 is still your best option!

Why Take the NEW PMP Exam in 2021?

The PMP Exam is not trivial. It requires disciplined study and 35 training contact hours. Don’t try to jam it in this year if you don’t have the time or you need to take additional classes to get your contact hours.

If you don’t have the required experience hours for your application right now, you should probably plan for the new exam. Get the new book and start studying now! You can learn new skills and become a better project manager to impact your work today.

If you are experienced in Agile or Hybrid, it will help with 50% of exam questions in the new 2021 exam. Remember, study will still be required — particularly if you don’t have plan-driven project experience which remains a significant part of the PMP exam.

You may have more options to take the exam in a testing center in 2021. We suspect pandemic conditions will improve in 2021, allowing for more testing center options to open. Also, many testers find the online proctored exam environment is much more restrictive than in-person testing centers.

What is My Best Option Right Now?

The best plan for most of us right now is to try to get the exam in and get certified in 2020. Either way, you need time to study. Be sure to honestly assess your time available to study and your overall readiness.

No matter which choice you make, RMC can help.

RMC’s Exam Support and Guidance

If you choose to take the 2020 exam, and you are using our 9^th Edition products or eLearning, that’s great; however if, for some reason, you find you can’t take the exam in 2020, we offer free or discounted upgrades to 10^th Edition products for the new 2021 PMP exam. For students in our 9^th Edition instructor-led courses, who fail the exam in 2020, you qualify for our class guarantee (subject to guarantee provisions).

Want to speak with someone directly? Our customer service staff can help advise you. Please contact RMC at 952-846-4484 or info@rmcls.com with any questions. You can also register for one of our PMP Exam free monthly webinars.

Sources: https://www.pmi.org/certifications/types/project-management-pmp