Julian’s PDP

The Computing industry offers a wide range of jobs such as database administrators, network analysts, programmers, data communication analysts, information analysts and business analysts as well as countless others. Basically the industry and choice of direction is enormous. However all the careers have a great need for highly trained and skilled professionals. This is further accentuated by ever changing technology that requires an increasing level of skills and education for existing and prospective employees.
 

Through working in the industry as a network analyst and presently searching for a graduate job it has become increasingly evident that employers are looking for professionals with a wide skill base including technical know how in combination with communication and other soft interpersonal skills. Many graduate jobs require a computing related degree with a minimum of a 2:1 to be attained. Once employed in the computing industry in which ever role, continuous study is likely to be necessary in order to keep up with technological advances. Areas such as networking often require professional certification to a body such as Cisco as the industry standard.
 

As more sophisticated and complex technology is being used within all organisations, demand for computing professionals with strong technical skills are increasing. There is growing demand for network systems and business analysts to help firms improve their efficiency with available technology. Also with expansion of electronic commerce and the continuing need to build and maintain databases that store critical information on customers, inventory, and projects are raising demand for database administrators familiar with the latest technology. Also, the increasing importance placed on security will result in a need for computing professionals skilled in information security.
 

The expanding integration of Internet technologies into businesses, for example, has resulted in a growing need for specialists who can develop and support Internet and intranet applications. The growth of ebusiness means that more establishments use the Internet to conduct their business online. The introduction of WiFi creates new systems to be analysed and new data to be administered. Such new technologies increase the need for information technology professionals who can help organisations use technology to communicate with employees, clients, and consumers.
 

The area that I am particularly interested in is the role of Business Analyst. “Business Analyst (BA) is a common title for the person responsible for analysing the business needs of their clients and stakeholders to help identify business problems and propose solutions. Within the Systems development life cycle domain, the BA typically performs a liaison function between the business side of an enterprise and the Information Technology department or external service providers (Wikipedia)”. The role of Business Analysts is becoming increasing important in relationship to system development. As a Business Analyst the role will necessitate a close working relationship with Project Managers and System Developers amongst others. The Project Managers is likely rely on the Business Analyst to assist in providing more detailed project objectives, system requirements, business process analysis and cost-benefit analysis. Business Analyst’s use an integrated set of analysis and modelling techniques (for example ERD’s) designed to help the Business Analyst understand and document the complex areas of project scope and objectives. By using powerful modelling tools (e.g. UML) for translating the business objectives into system requirements. Business analysis focus is ultimately towards identifying and understanding the problem and the impact of a particular solution on the organisation’s business.
 

The role of Business Analyst often involves evaluating customer business needs, thus contributing to strategic planning of information system facilities and software directions. Liaising with major customers during preliminary installation and testing of developed solutions or products designing and developing high quality business solutions and assisting in determining the strategic direction of the organisation.
 

Business Analysts come from various fields. Some are from the analyst/programmers area, while others have conventional skills in the appropriate business or management services areas (e.g. accounting, administration) supplemented by some training in information technology.
 

Professional qualifications and related I.T. degrees are often required. Also a good understanding of ICT is essential. The importance of a good understanding of business issues is often required with some organisations placing new information technology graduates in business areas initially before allocating positions in their information technology department.
Many graduates taking on the role as a Business Analyst will often be expected or at least encouraged to pursue further professional studies (e.g. in project management or business analysis etc) along side their work duties
(http://www.prince2.org.uk/Web/Site/PRINCE2Qualification/HowToStart.asp?menuID=7&MenuItemID=46&MenuType=MENU).
 

After examining the specifications for a number Business Analyst jobs I have been able to highlight a number of required key skills and how I have gained these qualities:-
 

Identifying areas affected by project implementation (Gained while studying Software project management).
Business process analysis and mapping (Gained while studying Management Information Systems and Information Systems Strategy).       
Requirements gathering, analysis and specification (Gained while studying Information Systems Analysis And Design).            
Development of business cases (Gained while studying Management Information Systems and Information Systems Strategy)
Producing comprehensive test plans and testing (Gained while studying Data structures and constructing computer software).
Preparing and production of user documentation and training materials (Gained on placement while assisting BA’s and Project managers).
Ensuring that project implementation is carried out appropriately (Gained on placement and at university generally while working on projects)
Preparation of realistic development programmes, identifying appropriate resources (Gained on placement).
Project cost management associated with developments (Gained while studying Software project management).
An ability to conceptualise and think creatively (Gained while studying Multi Media application and Design).
Very good oral and written communications skills (Developed further at university)
Interpersonal skills to evoke commitment from the client (Gained at University, work placement and past work experience).
A high standard of ethics and integrity in all dealings (Gained at University, work placement and past work experience).
Effective negotiation and customer management skills (Gained on work placement and past work experience).
Effective time management and personal organization skills (Further developed at university while studying at working at the same time).
An understanding of user needs (Developed in Human and Computer Interfaces, Advanced Interfaces and on placement).

  The roles and responsibilities of a computer professional including those pertaining to law and ethics
 Computer professionals have specialized knowledge and often have positions with authority and respect in the community. For this reason, they are able to have a significant impact upon the world, including many of the things that people value. Along with such power to change the world comes the duty to exercise that power responsibly [Gotterbarn, 2001]. Computer professionals find themselves in a variety of professional relationships with other people [Johnson, 1994], including:
     Employer to employee
     Client to professional
     Professional to professional
     Society to professional
 These relationships involve a diversity of interests, and sometimes these interests can come into conflict with each other. Responsible computer professionals, therefore, will be aware of possible conflicts of interest and try to avoid them. [Terrell, 2001]
 The BCS has also laid down a recommended Code of Good Practice and Code of Conduct which I have briefly outline in the following:-
 Code of Good Practice (http://www.bcs.org/server.php?show=conWebDoc.1589)
       Maintain Your Technical Competence
      Adhere to Regulations
      Act Professionally as a Specialist
      Use Appropriate Methods and Tools
      Manage Your Workload Efficiently
      Participate Maturely
      Respect the Interests of your Customers
      Promote Good Practices within the Organisation
      Represent the Profession to the Public
  Code of Conduct (http://www.bcs.org/server.php?show=nav.6030)
       Work with due care and diligence.
      Regard public health, safety and environment.
      Regard legitimate rights of third parties.
      Ensure understanding of relevant legislation, regulations and standards, and comply with     such requirements.
      Conduct professional activities without discrimination.
      Reject offers of bribery.
      Avoid situations where conflicts of interest arise.
      Do not disclose confidential information without relevant authorisation
      Do not withhold or misrepresent performance of products, systems or services. 
  The British Computer Society’s Young Professionals Group (YPG) provides an excellent environment for computing graduates to network with like minded people. It provides up to date information on computing careers and professional qualifications as well as hosting lectures. It is generally a great source of information that I would recommend to anyone with an interest in computing or taking on a computing related degree. (http://www.ypg.bcs.org/index.asp.)