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Give an example when you successfully acted as an interface between the technology
team and the business areas?
What are your strengths as a business analyst
Let us say you have created a class diagram for a given subject area. How do you make
sure that you have captured all the methods/properties for a class and that you have
captured all the classes?
Give an example of a situation when you managed conflict effectively.
Let us say you in a JAD session and someone are constantly trying to divert the topic
from what is on agenda for you to some peripheral item. How do you bring the session
back on track?
How would you handle a scenario when requirements change midway in the project?
What types of questions do you ask when gathering data for requirements?
Who do you think are the main stakeholders for the project?
appointment. So one day I caught him in the lunch time and we started discussing about
Accounting. We discussed about different heads of expenses, profit and loss account and
prevailing depreciation rates for different assets. He was very impressed on my
accounting knowledge and he appreciated it. He gave an appointment for the next day
and gave all the necessary information. And throughout the whole project I had very
cordial relationship with him.
What is Project Management?
Project Management is the discipline of organizing and managing resources (i.e.
people) in such a way that the project is completed within defined scope, quality, time
and cost constraints.
What is Software development Life Cycle? (SDLC)
SDLC is the process of developing information systems. It includes following
steps:
(1) Initiate the project
(2) Define the system
(3) Design the system
(4) Build the system
(5) Test the system
(6) Deploy the system
(7) Support the system
What is UML? What are the different diagrams that you worked on?
The Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a standard language for specifying,
visualizing, constructing, and documenting the artifacts of software systems. The basic
purpose is that software systems are professionally designed and documented before they
are coded. I have worked on class diagrams, activity diagrams, state diagrams, sequence
diagrams,
What is a class diagram?
A class diagram describes the structure of a system by showing the systems
classes, their attributes and relationships between the classes.
Activity diagram is used to show the flow of actions that is part of a larger
activity. Activity diagram can model a specific use case at a more detailed level. .
A sequence diagram shows the interactions between objects in the sequential
order.
What is the Difference between Activity Diagram and Sequence Diagram?
Activity diagram shows all flows in an activity where as sequence diagram shows
only one flow of an action. Sequence diagram shows timeline whereas activity diagram
doesnt show timeline.
Use Case Diagram
The main purpose of the use-case diagram is to help development teams visualize the
functional requirements of a system. It shows relationship between actors to essential
processes, as well as the relationships among different use cases.
What is Business Process Reengineering? (BPR)
BPR is a fundamental rethinking and redesign of business processes to achieve
dramatic improvements in the performance. BPR is the analysis and redesign of
workflow within and between organizations.
What is Workflow?
Sequence of steps involved in a process to achieve desired output.
Process Improvement?
Improvement is an existing process by restructuring or redesigning the workflow and
adding some new features.
What is Cost Control?
Cost control is the step taken by management to assure that the cost objectives set down
in the planning stage are attained. Its a comparison between actual costing with standard
costing.
What is Forecasting?
Forecasting means making projections about future performance on the basis of
historical and current conditions data.
What is Budgeting?
Planning the use of resources and allocating them among potential activities to achieve
the objectives of the organization
What is General Ledger Accounting?
The General Ledger Accounting is the main accounting record of a business
which uses double entry system. It includes accounts of such items such as current assets,
fixed assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses.
How you conducted feasibility study?
A feasibility study is a preliminary study undertaken to determine and document
a project's viability. The results of this study are used to make a decision whether to
proceed with the project, or not. Within a feasibility study, six areas must be reviewed,
including those of Economics, Technical, Schedule, Organizational, Cultural, and Legal. I
conducted feasibility study in my project with Capital One.
Data Migration
The process of translating data from one format to another and from one system to
another.
What is UAT ? Have you done UAT?
unfavorable to achieving the objective. In my project with Nishant Hancock and Capital
one I conducted SWOT analysis.
What is Return on Investment?
Return on Investment also called Rate of return is the ratio of money gained or
lost on an investment.
What is Risk Analysis?
Risk analysis is the process of measuring and analyzing the risk associated with
financial and investment decisions. Risk refers to the variability of expected returns. In
my project with capital one I conducted Risk analysis.
Front Page
Microsoft front page is a website administrator tool.
Dream Weaver
Dream weaver is web development tool. It can hide the details of pages HTML
code from the user and makes it easy to develop websites.
What kind of difficulties a BA have?
In Gathering requirement non cooperation from user and in JAD session
overpowering by some stakeholder.
Requirement Analysis
Requirement analysis is the process of understanding the problem and the
requirements for a workable solution.
Rational Rose
Rational rose is a part of rational tools which helps to create diagrams such as sequence
diagram, activity, and class diagram. I have used Rational rose in my project with Capital
one and fleet bank I have extensively used Rational rose.
What is rational requisite pro?
IBM Rational requisite pro is a requirements management tool to manage
requirements, write good use cases, improve traceability, strengthen collaboration, reduce
project risks, and increase quality.
What is Rational Soda?
Rational Soda is a document generation tool. It provides automated document
generation with the ability to integrate model diagrams, requirements, code and text in
the same document.
Rational Test Manager
Rational test manager is a tool for test activity management, execution and
reporting. It supports all types of tests, supports test execution, manage traceability,
And generate meaningful reports.
What is Clear Case?
Rational clear case is a software tool for revision control. I have used clear case in
my project with 21st Century.
What is RUP? What are the other methodologies that you know?
RUP is a well-defined and well-structured software engineering process. It defines
who is responsible for what, how thing are done, and when to do them.
The other methodologies are Agile, Spiral, and Waterfall
What are the 4 phases of RUP?
The 4 phases of RUP are Inception, Elaboration, construction and transition.
What is the difference between RUP and waterfall methodology?
In waterfall we cannot go back while developing the new application whereas in RUP
you can always go back (Iterations) and develop the application.
Regression Testing
Regression testing is a type of software testing which identifies regression bugs.
Regression bugs occur whenever software does not work in the desired manner.
What is the difference between Oracle and SQL Server?
Oracle runs on many platforms where as SQL runs on windows only. Oracle
includes IFS (Internet File System) and Java integration while SQL is a more of a pure
database/
Crystal Report
Crystal report is a popular third party package that is included with Visual Basic
which allows you to create reports for your application. Also the package consists of a
designer where you can design and test the report. In my project with countrywide I used
Crystal Report to prepare reports.
Testing tools
Win runner, load runner and test director are the automated testing tools which are
uses to test the system before the deployment.
Have you ever prepared Vision Document?
A vision document is a software process document that describes the overall plan or
vision for a particular piece of software. It includes Introduction, business needs, product
overview, scope and limitations. In my project with Fleet bank I was involved in Vision
document preparation.
How do you gather requirements?
Through conducting interviews, Group discussions, JAD Sessions, Vision doc, Project
charter, etc. In my project with Nishant Hancock I assisted in project scope and vision
document.
What is Brain storming session? How did u conduct it?
Its a conference technique by which a group attempts to find a solution for a specific
problem by analyzing all the ideas given spontaneously by its members. It is generated to
get lots of ideas. E.g. if the session is to launch some new marketing strategy and there
are 10 marketing executives present each of whom gives 10 ideas. One or two of these
100 ideas can lead company in a better position.
What methodology did you use in your previous project?
Well in my last project we used RUP
How many iterations did you do in your previous project?
Well in my last project I managed 8 iterations.
What is Pareto Analysis?
Is a statical technique in decision making that is used for selection of a limited number of
a tasks that produce significant overall effect. Main idea is majority of problems (80%)
are caused by a few key causes (20%). In my project with Capital one I conducted Pareto
Analysis.
How many high-level use cases did you write in your previous project?
Well all of the projects were challenging and I have managed it with a positive stride and
took every project as a new challenge.
How do you handle stress?
Well there can be many factors for stress .At times one feels stressed when a person is not
able to deliver the task in the deadline. I try to finish my task in time.
What are functional and non-functional requirements?
Functional requirement is basically what a user wants system to do. its basically how a
system should react with the users request.
Whereas security, performance, scalability are Non functional req.
Who are the actors in a use case?
An Actor is the representation of a person or system which exists outside the system
under study and who (or which) performs a sequence of activities in a dialogue with the
system.
What are the different fields in the use case?
The format and structure of a use case varies from company to company. Every company
has its own format for the use case. However generally a use case should contain use case
name and number, author and version, summary, preconditions, post conditions, flow of
events, alternative paths, exceptions and notes.
What is change management?
Change management is a structured approach to change in individuals, teams,
organizations and societies that enables the transition from a current state to a desired
future state.
How do you manage change in requirements?
Define the problem you need to solve through hiring, clarify the positions current and
future requirements, and translate these requirements into needed skills.
What is scope creep? How do you handle it?
Scope creep refers to the uncontrolled changes in a projects scope. This phenomenon can
occur when the scope of a project is not well defined, documented or controlled.
What is Traceability Matrix?
A traceability matrix is a table that correlates any two baseline
documents that require a many to many relationship. It is often used
Contents of BRD
(1) Introduction
(2) Scope of the application
(3) Business process definition
(4) Assumptions and dependencies
(5) Business requirements i.e. functional and non functional
Contents of a Project Charter
(1) Scope of the project
(2) Work plans for each project
(3) Timeline
(4) Resources
(5) Budget
How many credit bureaus?
There are 100s of credit bureaus but the most important are 3.
(1)EQUIFAX
(2)TRANS UNION
(3)EXPERIAN
Refinancing
Refinancing means taking another loan to payoff the existing
loan.
Derivatives
Derivates are a kind of securities whose value is derived from
underlying assets such as stock and bond.
Mortgage
A mortgage is a loan taken to buy a home or office property.
There are 2 types of mortgages. Fixed rate mortgage and Adjustable
rate mortgage.
Insurance
Insurance means reimbursement in a situation of loan. Different
types of Insurances are Auto Insurance, Health Insurance, Life
Insurance, Business Insurance, Liability Insurance, and casualty
insurance.
Fixed Investment.
Fixed investment refers to investment in securities where you
can get fixed rate of return like CDs, bonds etc.
Mutual Funds
Mutual fund means investment in portfolio. A portfolio means a
group of securities like stocks and bonds.
Annuity Investment
Annuity is a contract between you and insurance company where
you make a lump sum payment or installments and the Insurance co
pays you back on specific future date with interest.
Borland Caliber RM
Borland Caliber Analyst is an enterprise product suite that aligns business and IT by
enabling stakeholders across the organization to collaborate effectively on software
requirements engineering. Using Caliber Analyst, teams can proactively define and
manage software requirements throughout the application lifecycle.
Easily
capture and specify visual scenarios, providing a common language for all
participants
Refine and validate software requirements with industry-unique storyboard
execution
Generate test-case, BPMN and UML designs, improving the speed and
accuracy of requirements engineering
Manage and trace software requirements throughout the project lifecycle,
assessing impact and responding rapidly to ever-changing requirements
Borland offers two products for defining and managing software requirements: Borland
Caliber DefineIT and Borland CaliberRM.
.
Borland Caliber DefineIT: a software requirements definition system for accurate and
complete software requirements definition at the beginning of a new project or enhancement
activity
Borland CaliberRM: requirements management software that facilitates collaboration, impact
analysis and communication throughout the software development lifecycle, helping to manage
expectations and ensure that applications meet end users needs
Sample Interview
Where do you live right now?
Nishant I am living in NJ.
Your Last project was in CA. How come you are in NJ.
Well Nishant my last project was just finished on last Friday and I moved to NJ in
weekend because our head office is located in NJ.
What are you doing now?
I am looking for a project.
How was your day started?
It was very nice. Its very beautiful weather out there.
So when and from where did u finished both the masters?
I have finished my Masters in Accounting from Gujarat University in India in
1999 and finished my MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University at New Jersey in 2001.
There are 2 managers, who want their task done in next six hours. Each managers task
takes 6 hours even if you are an n expert. How will u handle this situation?
Well Nishant first of all I shall try to meet their demands as far as possible. Then
talk to them and find out how I could meet their expectations. I would ask them for the
suggestions and advice.
In MS Project, VISIO and rational suit I rate myself 10+. In SQL and MS Access I rate
myself 8.
If you were not able to finish your task in a deadline how would you handle this
situation?
Nishant, I would update my project manager immediately and explain the
situation. I would work extra hours in evening and weekends and complete the task.
What are you looking for here?
I am looking for a challenging work environment.
Have u ever been fired or asked to resign?
Never Nishant
Are other companies interviewing you?
I have just finished my project and this is my first Interview.
Have you ever handled multiple jobs simultaneously?
Yes Nishant In my project with John Hancock I have assisted in Data Modeling.
Data modeling is the process of creating and extending data models which are visual
representations of data and its organization.
Tell me about your greatest success professionally?
Nishant in my Initial stage of career I was a Business Analyst and in my project
with 21st century Insurance I was promoted to sr. Business analyst. I thing this is the
biggest achievement.
In your previous job what have you done that shows initiative and willingness to work?
Nishant In my project with Countrywide, I researched a lot on mortgage process
and what difficulties customers are having in applying for a mortgage. Then we
developed a system where user can check interest rate online, fill out application form,
know about documents and check status of their loan.
How many hours per week would u like to work?
Nishant I would like to work any number of hours to finish my task.
Is there any project which you like the most?
Nishant I liked all my previous projects. I really liked working on each of them.
How does u handle conflicts?
Nishant I solve the conflicts by keeping the communication open. When I know I
have a problem, I will conduct a meeting and discuss the issue. I try to evaluate the
situation personally and in a group. I try to highlight reasons for the issue
What is your approach toward the work?
Nishant I divide the work in subtasks and keep monitoring the sub tasks against
their deadlines. In case of any subtask is crossing the deadline I reschedule the task so the
main task can be finished in a given time period.
Tell me about a project where you disappointed with your personal performance?
In my project with Nishant Hancock one of my colleges had to travel for 2 weeks
and my manager assigned me his work. But because of shortage of time I could complete
my task by the deadline but I could not finish his part. However I finished 80% of his
task also. But I disappointed at that time.
Do u love programming? What kind of programming skills do u have?
Yes I do love programming. I have knowledge of C, C++, and VB.
What is your current pay?
I m sorry Nishant but because of my company policy and because of the contract
terms I signed with my company I cannot disclose this.
What salary you are looking for?
I am a consultant Nishant and I would request you to discuss the rate with my
company.
What kind of skills and knowledge do u hope to acquire if you join us?
Well Nishant I possess all the required skills to perform the tasks assigned to me.
Yet I would like to learn rich values and working culture of your company.
What kind of testing tools did u use?
Nishant I have used Mercury tools, win runner, Load runner and Test Director.
How you handle rejections?
Nishant I always take them in the right stride. I will take them as an opportunity
to improve myself. Also I will make sure that I will not repeat that mistake again.
Tell me something about your boss?
Nishant he was an honorable gentleman and I had a very cordial relationship with
him.
What is your current project status?
Nishant my recently project has successfully completed on last Friday.
What are your personal strengths?
Positive thinking, confidence, self motivation, enthusiastic and dedication to work
are my personal strengths.
What are your personal weaknesses?
I m a workaholic and perfectionist.
Did u have a culture shock when u first came to US?
No Nishant I like to work in a global environment. Education and work
environment in my country are similar to that of US or UK,
What are your hobbies?
Nishant I take that on the positive side and treat this as an opportunity to analyze
myself and improve.
In your opinion how would you define the most conductive atmosphere for work?
Well defined roles, reporting levels, supporting team members and best
administration.
How do u distribute your work to other people?
Nishant I compare the tasks requirements with respect to the strengths of the team
members and distribute accordingly.
Explain how we can depend on you?
I have excellent knowledge and the skill set that is required for the job. I m
sincere and hard worker. I have excellent references to that effect. Therefore I m
dependable.
Describe your least favorite manager or professor?
Nishant I like all my previous managers and professors. I have excellent relations
with all my managers.
What would your references say about you?
Nishant all my references with whom I have worked tell me that they would rehire me if
they had an opportunity.
What do u know about our company?
Wow thats great. Its very interesting to work in the project from the beginning.
Case 2 The project has begun 4 months back, you are being taken as a substitute. You
need to deliver the project in 2 months.
Thats wonderful. Its challenge to understand work on and deliver this project in 2
months. I am ready to take the challenge.
(2) What tools we will be using?
We are using rational tools
I m an expert in all rational tools and Infect I have used rational tools in all my
previous project.
(3) Do I need to travel?
Yes Thats good. I love to travel.
(4) Do I need to relocate?
(5) What is the duration of the project?
1 year Its pretty long duration. I would love to work on such a project.
1 month Its challenging to understand the environment and deliver in such a
short span. I would love to take the challenge.
(6) Would I be working in a team or individually?
Team of 5 Thats a big team to work with. I have earlier worked in similar team
size.
Individually- That would be excellent. I can plan and execute everything myself
and I assure you that I would do excellent work.
Nishant Can u pls give me 2 minutes so I can summarize the interview.