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BA CoP Purpose and Objectives
The IT Business Analyst Community of Practice (BA CoP) at WashU brings together IT professionals to share insights, expand their abilities, and discuss effective strategies. This group provides an environment for both current and aspiring business analysts to network, collaborate, and deepen their understanding of the discipline. It is a welcoming community where individuals are encouraged to ask questions freely and truly feel they are nurturing a sense of support and inclusion at every stage of their professional journey.
The objectives of the BA CoP include:
- Promote continuous learning and skill enhancement in business analysis.
- Encourage the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and expertise.
- Cultivate a culture of collaboration and innovation.
- Identify, discuss, and address common business analysis challenges.
- Support career advancement and professional growth.
- Develop, uphold, and disseminate standards and best practices in business analysis.
- Provide feedback to the PPMO Center of Excellence (CoE) Leader on project management standards, challenges, and opportunities.
BA Cop Engagement, Meetings, and Activities
Membership of the IT BA CoP is inclusive and not limited to those with the official title of business analyst. All WashU professionals interested in business analysis, as well as those who work closely with business and analysis functions or wish to broaden their understanding of these areas, are welcome to participate. Members are encouraged to actively engage in meetings, discussions, and community initiatives, cultivating a vibrant environment where diverse experiences and perspectives contribute to shared learning and professional growth.
Volunteering in the BA CoP!
Who Can Volunteer? Volunteers are welcome from all roles and levels within the organization—whether you are new or experienced, your perspectives are needed and valued. Volunteer opportunities include two (2) co-chairs and four to five (4-5) innovation and planning team members.
What is the purpose of the BA CoP Committee? To cultivate a collaborative space for sharing knowledge, growing skills, and advancing business analysis at WashU.
What is the expected commitment of BA CoP volunteers? The IT BA CoP meets every other month (6 meetings/year). Co-chairs and the working group meet in alternate months to plan and organize. Time commitment is 1-2 hours per month.
The IT BA CoP will organize various activities, including, but not limited to:
- Workshops and training sessions (demos, presentations)
- Presentations by guest speakers
- Share collaborative projects
- Knowledge-sharing sessions and case studies
- Share Lessons Learned
- Present on relevant resources (books, tools, etc.)
- Networking social events
- Real-time polls to get members’ ideas
- Icebreakers (encourage community interaction)
- Greeting new members with a brief introduction (name and origin)
For more information on the BA CoP, its scope, objectives, roles, responsibilities, or membership requests, please reference the BA CoP Charter. You can also submit questions or ideas for continuous improvement to ppmo@wustl.edu.
Resources for Project Managers
BA Guide – includes business analysis templates and procedures organized by the PMI project management phases
PM Guide – includes project management templates and procedures organized by the PMI project management phases