SPEAKER INTERVIEW – Ahead of our Business Analysis Conference Europe, September 18 – 20 2023, in London we find out more about Al Asma Begum, a Senior Business Analyst, at BBC. Al Asma Begum will be speaking on Tuesday, September 19th at her session which starts at 11:35.
Tell me about yourself and how long you have been in your role.
I am a highly motivated Senior Business Analyst with extensive experience and certifications in ISEB and APMG. Demonstrated expertise gained from working across diverse divisions of renowned organisations including two years at the BBC, Copyright Licensing Agency, City and Guilds (C&G), Cancer Research UK (CRUK), and other UK-based companies. Skilled in HR process and Systems, Business Change, Legacy Management, Health & Safety, System Integration, and Digital projects. Successfully managed large and complex system integration projects such as LCMS and Grading Engine, overseeing the entire lifecycle from analysis to delivery.
Proficient in providing system support, developing application strategies, and managing central data content and testing. Prior to this, gained significant business analysis experience as a Business Analyst at CRUK, contributing to GDPR-compliant digital supporter hub, Siebel Grow, Stand Up To Cancer, and Volunteer Fundraising projects. Additionally, excelled at Giant Group by upgrading a large employee management system and analysing commercial property investment and management systems at WD Limited. At the BBC, I have worked on HR Case Management, iMnanage (intelligent document/content, email management, and communication management system), Clearview (Financial system) Corporate Systems HR Products. Currently working on Special Case Management System framework.
In addition to my over 10 years of experience as a Business Analyst, I bring a wealth of teaching experience to the department of Computer Science and Engineering, instructing students at both B.Sc. and M.Sc. levels. This combination of professional expertise and educational background enables me to contribute effectively to drive successful project outcomes.
Tell me about your presentation at the Business Analysis Conference 2023
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, it is crucial for organisations to adapt and remain competitive. This often entails undertaking complex and challenging large-scale change and transformation initiatives. As a Business Analyst at the BBC, we recognise the vital role we play in supporting these activities. Our primary responsibility is to analyse the organisation’s existing business processes, identifying areas for improvement, and designing solutions that align with the organisation’s objectives. To effectively support these large-scale initiatives, we have evolved our Business Analyst functions by developing a deep understanding of the organisation’s goals, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, and leveraging data and analytics to inform our recommendations.
At the BBC, Corporate Systems HR Products, our team of Business Analysts takes a proactive approach in identifying potential roadblocks and working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to mitigate risks. By doing so, we ensure the successful outcomes of these initiatives and contribute to the organisation’s overall growth and success.
In this presentation, my co-presenter Elizabeth and I will share the key principles and practices that our team of Business Analysts has adopted to enhance our approaches and effectively support large-scale change and transformation initiatives. These will provide valuable knowledge and insights into how Business Analysts can play a crucial role in driving organisational success.
Elizabeth will also address the importance of psychological safety in our interactions with stakeholders. This extends beyond our Business Analyst team and encompasses our ways of working, creating an environment where stakeholders feel comfortable calling out, challenging, or disrupting existing practices. Finally, I will present the BA model that I normally use to plan my business analysis activities.
What are the highlights/key takeaways?
- Understanding the importance of maturing the Business Analysis function/approach to support large-scale change and transformation initiatives.
- Developing a strategic approach to drive the maturity of the Business Analysis function, including defining key processes, roles, and responsibilities, and aligning them with business objectives.
- Identifying the key challenges and roadblocks that could hinder the success of the Business Analysis function and developing strategies to overcome them.
- Understanding the importance of collaboration and communication with stakeholders to ensure the success of large-scale change and transformation projects.
- Developing skills and competencies required to be a successful Business Analyst, including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management.
- Learning about the latest tools and techniques available for Business Analysis, including data analytics, process mapping, and requirements management.
- Being aware of evolving trends and best practices in Business Analysis. Continuously improving the knowledge and skills to stay ahead of the curve.
Do you have any future predictions for the role of BA and perhaps the industry?
I believe that as time passes, an increasing number of businesses will require the expertise of a Business Analyst in their teams. Consequently, the demand for BA professionals will rise. However, this field will also become more competitive in the future, necessitating BAs to be highly dynamic and knowledgeable in their work.
If you were not a (job title), what would you be doing?
If I were not a Business Analyst then I would be a UX designer
