subject: Ba Book List [print this page] I decided to compile a list of books that have been useful to me, as a business analyst.
Some of these books are designed to be a reference to help you in your job, some of them to help with specific BA qualification and some just to read and retain. I have placed the books in order of importance and influence to my knowledge as a Business Analyst:
* Business Analysis - Don Yeates, Debra Paul, Tony Jenkins, Keith Hindle (Paperback Apr 21, 2006)
This is the main text for the BA Diploma and I think the first and main text to concentrate on as a BA.
* CBAP Certified Business Analysis Professional All-in-One Exam Guide with CDROM - Joseph Phillips (Hardcover Aug 1, 2009)
So far, the first book covering the CBAP syllabus.
* Soft Systems Methodology in Action - Peter Checkland (Paperback May 30, 1999)
I have been using this book since University Soft Systems Methodology and it is the basis of all Business Analysis.
* Diagnosing the System for Organizations (Classic Beer Series) - Stafford Beer (Paperback Sep 28, 1994)
This describes the Viable Systems Model (VSM) and explains how to conceptualise business functions.
* A Pragmatic Guide to Business Process Modelling - Jon Holt (Paperback Sep 26, 2005)
This is a great book to assist in Business Process Modelling.
* Getting it Right: Business Requirement Analysis Tools and Techniques - Kathleen B. Hass, Don Wessels, Kevin Brennan (Paperback Oct 4, 2007)
This book breaks down the Requirements phases, describing tools and techniques as well as theory.
* Business Information Systems: Analysis, Design and Practice - Mr Graham Curtis, Dr David Cobham (Paperback Sep 9, 2004)
This is a book I used at university and still seem to delve into often
* IT Business Analysis in Investment Banking: A Definitive Guide to Business Analysis in Investment Banking - Essvale Corporation Limited (Paperback Aug 1, 2010)
Have just bought this, as I work in this industry - so far an interesting read for this niche - and very true!
* Strategic Management and Business Analysis - David Williamson, Peter Cooke, Wyn Jenkins, Keith Michael Moreton (Paperback Nov 19, 2003)
An area many senior BAs get involved in - scoping of strategy. A very good book.
* Writing Better Requirements - Ian Alexander, Richard Stevens (Paperback Jul 17, 2002)
A great book on requirements theory and psychology.
* Business Process Analysis - Geoffrey Darnton, Moksha Darnton (Hardcover May 29, 1997)
An important skill for BAs and a good book
* Systems Thinking, Systems Practice: Includes a 30 Year Retrospective - Peter Checkland (Paperback Jul 29, 1999)
Classic, this book explains the bigger picture and using systemic theory to view the problem situation.
* Brain of the Firm (Classic Beer Series) - Stafford Beer (Paperback Sep 28, 1994)
Stafford Beer follows on the VSM work to describe how the business should be led.
