Welcome to Applied Common Sense

“Applied Common Sense” will present a concise version of the training that Outset Group contractors and Outset Group seminar students receive.

This blog will be devoted to insights, discussion, and best practices in the complementary fields of project management, business analysis, and leadership.

2: PMBOK and BABOK – Intersection between Project Management and Business Analysis

Business analysis is embedded in every phase of project management. In fact, it is at the core of PMI’s definition of project management. Here’s what I mean:

The PMI PMBOK Guide VER 4 defines project management as:

“The application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project
requirements.” (page 6)

It then notes that project managers must address “the various needs, concerns, and expectations of the stakeholders as the project is planned and carried out.” (page 6).

The function of project management is to meet requirements and to address people’s needs, concerns, and expectations. Read more »

1: Overview – Intersection between Project Management and Business Analysis

Does project management intersect with business analysis? Let me go way out on a limb and state the obvious…

“Yes, they do!”

Moreover, these two disciplines intersect in ways that directly shape project effectiveness, morale, and outcomes.

Trace the activities of business analysis, and it is like a vine growing through and around the project life cycle. The vine then extends up the trellis to become embedded in the product life cycle, where the benefits from the investment are expected to flower and yield fruit. Read more »