In this installment of “Meet the Experts,” Excella’s Business Analysis Lead Stephanie Vineyard shares her expertise and experience with Agile Analysis

What led you into an Agile analysis career?

Analysis is about solving problems – it’s people, process, and technology. I love solving problems, and I love working with people. I wanted to be in the intersection between technology and people, so I found myself in the analysis world. To me, Agile just makes sense. It’s about collaboration; it’s about short feedback loops; it’s about fast decisions. I built my expertise by learning from Excella’s expert trainers and coaches. Now, I get to be one of those trainer and coaches helping others gain enthusiasm for Agile concepts.

Combining Agile with analysis happened organically because Agile is a mindset which can be applied to any environment – work, home, volunteer, etc. I find the agile mindset helps me become more collaborative and innovative.

What’s one piece of advice you’ve found particularly helpful in your career?

Make connections with everyone you meet – you never know who you’ll cross paths with again.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about Agile analysis?

First, that it’s a set framework and an either-or choice. Honestly, it’s not about Agile or non-Agile analysis, it’s about applying the Agile mindset to your work.

Second, that there is no place for analysis or planning in Agile. Because analysis and planning is key to successfully delivering the right product, it’s iterative and incremental like other aspects of Agile.

What’s one success story you’ve experienced?

We worked with an organization who needed to rethink their website and online presence so we partnered with them on their journey. First, we simplified the process for improving the existing website. Then, we determined the need to replace, which finally helped us re-envision their online interaction with their customers. You could sense the team energy during the journey, and the increased engagement with customers from the results.

Anything you want to add?

Agile Analysis is about using collaboration, innovation, and exploration to identify the needs, problems, and solution outcomes for a desired change.

Where can we find your research/work?

Most recently, I was part of the team who authored the Agile Extension to the BABOK v2.  You can also find my writings on Excella Insights, BATimes, and LinkedIn, or join me for a User Story Workshop!