To Certify or not to Certify that is the question

Seems that there are definitely two camps on the topic of whether Business Analysts should (or need) obtain a professional certification.

I've have been involved in a few discussions via LinkedIn regarding this very topic - The Real Truth: Why you need a CCBA or CBAP Certification.

One camp thinks that there is no requirement for a certification, as no job descriptions ask for this, and that they are only promoted by those who offer study courses, training, the certification itself, or those who HAVE achieved the certification and want to justify the time and money they have put into this by pushing it as a requirement.

The other camp, sees the certifications as a way of demonstrating your knowledge and skills in the arena of Business Analysis.  It shows your committed to the role, have the necessary skills and (where recertification is required) keep up with the latest information.

I am sure the debate will rage on for a number of years, but from my point of view I WILL be attempting to gain an accreditation in the next year or two.  My thinking behind this is:

• I need an end goal to work to, to have a measurable outcome - SMART objective
• It will force me to cover all areas, not just the ones I am interested in or will aid my current role
• At the end I will have something quantifiable to show to my current and future employers
• If its the ISEB course I will engage with other BAs
• If its the IIBA CCBA/CBAP I can network within the IIBA

This leads me on to my remaining decision; British Computer Society ISEB diploma or IIBA CCBA/CBAP?

I'll update you on my decision when I have made it!

Project Failure Reasons - Any look familiar?

The Chaos Report is the first survey made by the Standish Group. This report is the landmark study of IT project failure. It is cited by everybody writing a paper or making a presentation were a reference is made of IT project failure.


It includes large, medium, and small companies across major industry segments : banking, securities, manufacturing, retail, wholesale, heath care, insurance, services, and local, state, and federal organizations. The total sample size was 365 respondents  representing 8,380 applications.

It is also hotly contested and disputed (as brief Google search will verify) – so do not accept this data as utterly without question true.

However, I bet a few of these ring true with most people involved in project work!


References:
http://www.smart-ba.com/download/Bite%20Sized%20Training/01%20Scope%20of%20the%20BA%20Role.ppt
http://www.it-cortex.com/Stat_Failure_Cause.htm#The%20Bull%20Survey%20(1998)