Purpose

A project’s purpose determines its goal and direction.

A business has the purpose of delivering value to its customers.

A solution delivers value to an organization as its purpose.

Business analysis has the primary purpose of discovering and understanding what an organization needs from a solution.

Motivated Discovery

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Purpose: Delivering Value (Key Story)

Purpose: Delivering Value excerpts:

• When you understand the value your customer delivers, you can appreciate how your efforts contribute to that value. Developing a solution always uncovers problems, often expressed as risks. Keep in mind that risk has three parts: how likely it will occur, a downside and an upside. Risk analysis focuses on the first two parts - the impact of the downside and how likely it will occur. The upside fulfills the purpose of the solution, delivering value to the customer. Recognizing your part in delivering value to the customer will sustain your motivation to work through the inevitable problems.

Motivating Specific Requirements

Motivating Specific Requirements excerpts:

• Why?
  • Asking about the importance of the solution establishes its purpose and value, giving stakeholders an incentive to answer other questions.