BCS BCS Certifications BAPV5 Questions & Answers

• Question 21:

  A business analyst has been carrying out investigations into a problem situation However, it is clear to the business analyst that, even after a number of interviews with individual stakeholders, some stakeholder s views still conflict.

  Which investigation technique SHOULD be used to resolve the conflict and gain a consensus?

  A. Scenario analysis.

  B. Questionnaire

  C. Observation

  D. Workshop

  Correct Answer: D

  A workshop is a technique for conducting group discussions and activities with stakeholders to elicit, analyse, validate and prioritise their views and needs. It helps to facilitate effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders and resolve conflicts or issues. Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as a workshop would help the business analyst to resolve the conflict and gain a consensus among stakeholders who have different views after individual interviews. A workshop would help to bring together the conflicting stakeholders in one place and time and enable them to share and compare their views openly and constructively. A workshop would help to identify and address the sources and reasons of the conflict and find common ground and mutual understanding among stakeholders. A workshop would help to generate and evaluate different options or solutions that satisfy all or most of the stakeholder views and agree on the best one for further development and implementation. Option A is not a correct answer, as scenario analysis is not a technique for resolving conflict and gaining consensus among stakeholders who have different views after individual interviews. Scenario analysis is a technique for exploring how different scenarios or situations could affect the outcomes or impacts of an organisation or project. It helps to test the feasibility and desirability of different options or solutions under various circumstances or assumptions. Option B is not a correct answer, as questionnaire is not a technique for resolving conflict and gaining consensus among stakeholders who have different views after individual interviews. Questionnaire is a technique for collecting information from stakeholders by asking them predefined questions in written form. It helps to elicit quantitative or qualitative data from a large number of stakeholders in an efficient and consistent way. Option C is not a correct answer, as observation is not a technique for resolving conflict and gaining consensus among stakeholders who have different views after individual interviews. Observation is a technique for gathering information from stakeholders by watching them perform their tasks or activities in their natural environment. It helps to analyse how stakeholders work in practice and identify their implicit or tacit needs. References: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen, page 42.

• Question 22:

  The board of Jackson Holding wants to save money on its purchases by introducing a new procurements system Before preparing the business case, what activity would it be BEST to undertake?

  A. Prepare a Feasibility Study

  B. Select a procurement solution

  C. Approve the budget for the new system

  D. Prepare a Benefits Realisation Report

  Correct Answer: A

  A Feasibility Study is an assessment of whether a proposed business change or solution is viable and worthwhile. It helps to evaluate the benefits, costs, risks and constraints of different options and recommend the best one for further development. Therefore, option A is the correct answer, as preparing a Feasibility Study would be the best activity to undertake before preparing a business case for introducing a new procurement system. A Feasibility Study would help to identify and compare different procurement solutions based on their technical, operational, economic, legal and social feasibility. It would also help to estimate their expected benefits, costs, risks and impacts on the organisation and its stakeholders. A Feasibility Study would provide a solid foundation for preparing a business case that justifies why a particular procurement solution should be selected and implemented. Option B is not a correct answer, as selecting a procurement solution would not be an appropriate activity to undertake before preparing a business case. Selecting a procurement solution would require conducting a Feasibility Study first to evaluate different options and choose the best one based on objective criteria. Selecting a procurement solution without conducting a Feasibility Study would risk choosing an unsuitable or suboptimal solution that may not meet the organisation's needs or objectives. Option C is not a correct answer, as approving the budget for the new system would not be an appropriate activity to undertake before preparing a business case. Approving the budget for the new system would require preparing a business case first to estimate the costs and benefits of different options and justify why a particular option should be funded and implemented. Approving the budget for the new system without preparing a business case would risk allocating insufficient or excessive funds that may not reflect the value or feasibility of the solution. Option D is not a correct answer, as preparing a Benefits Realisation Report would not be an appropriate activity to undertake before preparing a business case. Preparing a Benefits Realisation Report would require implementing the new system first to measure and evaluate its actual benefits against its expected benefits. Preparing a Benefits Realisation Report without preparing a business case would risk implementing an ineffective or inefficient solution that may not deliver the desired outcomes or benefits. References: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen, page 29.

• Question 23:

  A local council wishes to improve its housing allocation process. The following notes were made by the head of housing about the current process.

  Housing application decision are made using a set of criteria based on a range of factors, including the length of time application has been on the waiting list and the number of dependents they have. The criteria by the council housing committee, who meet on a regular basis and seek to ensure that the criteria continue to enable effective housing allocation.

  Occasionally, legislation ensuring protection for the most vulnerable people in our society can affect the criteria, as can changes issued by central government concerning practical issues, such as building regulations?

  Which of the following types(s) of business rule has been described in this extract?

  A. Internal policies and internal procedures.

  B. External constrains and internal policies.

  C. External constraints and external procedures.

  D. Internal procedures.

  Correct Answer: B

  A business rule is a statement that defines or constrains some aspect of a business situation or problem or its solution. It helps to ensure consistency and compliance with policies, regulations, standards or criteria within an organisation or project. Business rules can be classified into four types: external constraints, internal policies, external procedures and internal procedures. Therefore, option B is the correct answer, as it identifies which types(s) of business rule have been described in this extract respectively. External constraints are business rules that originate from outside an organisation or project and are beyond its control or influence. They help to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, standards or criteria imposed by external authorities or bodies. An example of external constraints in this extract is legislation ensuring protection for the most vulnerable people in our society can affect the criteria, as it originates from outside the local council and is beyond its control or influence. Internal policies are business rules that originate from within an organisation or project and are under its control or influence. They help to ensure alignment with objectives, strategies, values or principles established by internal decision makers or influencers. An example of internal policies in this extract is the criteria are agreed by the council housing committee, who meet on a regular basis and seek to ensure that the criteria continue to enable effective housing allocation, as it originates from within the local council and is under its control or influence. Option A is not a correct answer, as it does not identify which types(s) of business rule have been described in this extract respectively. Internal policies and internal procedures are not the types of business rule that have been described in this extract. Internal procedures are business rules that specify how an activity or task should be performed or delivered within an organisation or project. They help to ensure quality and consistency of performance or delivery within an organisation or project. There is no example of internal procedures in this extract. Option C is not a correct answer, as it does not identify which types(s) of business rule have been described in this extract respectively. External constraints and external procedures are not the types of business rule that have been described in this extract. External procedures are business rules that specify how an activity or task should be performed or delivered outside an organisation or project. They help to ensure compatibility and interoperability of performance or delivery with external parties or systems. There is no example of external procedures in this extract. Option D is not a correct answer, as it does not identify any type of business rule that has been described in this extract. References: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen, page 41.

• Question 24:

  You have been discussing Paurs recent project with him He explained that he had needed to spend considerable time interviewing stakeholders and was now behind plan You asked him why he didn't use a workshop to avoid delays.

  Which of the following MIGHT Paul reply'? Select the THREE that apply

  A. One stakeholder has a dominant personality

  B. The stakeholders were located in different time zones

  C. Consensus from stakeholders needed to be established

  D. The challenge of organising key stakeholder diaries

  E. A neutral venue was available for stakeholder discussions

  Correct Answer: BDE

  A workshop is a technique for conducting group discussions and activities with stakeholders to elicit, analyse, validate and prioritise their views and needs. It helps to facilitate effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders and resolve conflicts or issues. Therefore, options B, D and E are correct answers, as they are possible reasons why Paul did not use a workshop to avoid delays. They describe different challenges or constraints that may prevent or limit the use of a workshop technique. Option B describes a challenge related to the geographical location of stakeholders. If the stakeholders are located in different time zones, it may be difficult or impractical to arrange a workshop that suits their availability and preferences. Option D describes a challenge related to the availability of stakeholders. If the key stakeholders have busy or conflicting schedules, it may be hard or impossible to organise a workshop that involves all of them at the same time. Option E describes a constraint related to the venue of the workshop. If a neutral venue is available for stakeholder discussions, it may be preferable or necessary to use it instead of a workshop, as it may reduce bias or influence from any stakeholder group. Option A is not a correct answer, as it is not a reason why Paul did not use a workshop to avoid delays. It describes an issue that may arise during a workshop, but not prevent or limit its use. If one stakeholder has a dominant personality, it may affect the dynamics and outcomes of the workshop, but it can be managed by using appropriate facilitation skills and techniques. Option C is not a correct answer, as it is not a reason why Paul did not use a workshop to avoid delays. It describes an objective that may be achieved by using a workshop, but not prevent or limit its use. If consensus from stakeholders needs to be established, it may be beneficial or essential to use a workshop, as it can help to reach a common understanding and agreement among stakeholders. References: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen, page 41.

• Question 25:

  A Business Analyst and a project Manager are producing a business case for an initiative, which aims to improve the cyber defense of a large financial services provider.

  They met recently to review progress, and made the following notes for the next draft:

  The benefits of cyber will be describes in quantitative terms, so we will need to describe these Qualitatively.

  We need to make it clear that we have fully explored the solution market, and we have considered a range of approaches to meeting the objectives of this project.

  The threat posed to the organization from cyber attack, and therefore the justification for the project, needs to be clearly articulated.

  Which of the following sets of elements of a business case will cover ALL of these points?

  A. Description of the current situation. analysis of costs and benefits, options considered

  B. Impact assessment, analysis of costs and benefits, recommendations

  C. Recommendations, risk assessment, options considered

  D. Description of the current situation, impact assessment, risk assessment

  Correct Answer: A

  A business case is a formal written proposal that details the costs and benefits of a proposed business change or solution. It helps to justify and secure the approval and funding for a proposed business change or solution. A business case typically consists of several elements, such as description of the current situation, analysis of costs and benefits, options considered, recommendations, impact assessment, risk assessment etc. Therefore, option A is the correct answer, as it identifies which set of elements of a business case will cover all of these points respectively. Description of the current situation is an element that describes the problem or opportunity that exists in the current state and the need or rationale for a change or solution. It helps to explain what is wrong or missing in the current state and what are the objectives and outcomes of a change or solution. This element will cover the point that the threat posed to the organisation from cyber attack, and therefore the justification for the project, needs to be clearly articulated. Analysis of costs and benefits is an element that evaluates the financial and non-financial impacts of a proposed change or solution. It helps to compare and contrast the costs and benefits of different options or solutions and determine their feasibility and desirability. This element will cover the point that the benefits of cyber will be described in quantitative terms, so we will need to describe these qualitatively. Options considered is an element that identifies and describes the alternative ways of addressing a problem or opportunity. It helps to explore and analyse the pros and cons of different options or solutions and select the best one based on criteria and evidence. This element will cover the point that we need to make it clear that we have fully explored the solution market, and we have considered a range of approaches to meeting the objectives of this project. Option B is not a correct answer, as it does not identify which set of elements of a business case will cover all of these points respectively. Impact assessment is an element that assesses the effects or consequences of a proposed change or solution on people, processes, organisation and technology. It helps to identify who or what will be affected by a proposed change or solution and how they will be affected. This element will not cover any of these points. Recommendations is an element that proposes and justifies the preferred option or solution for addressing a problem or opportunity. It helps to persuade and convince decision makers or influencers to approve and fund a proposed change or solution. This element will not cover any of these points. Option C is not a correct answer, as it does not identify which set of elements of a business case will cover all of these points respectively. Recommendations is an element that proposes and justifies the preferred option or solution for addressing a problem or opportunity. It helps to persuade and convince decision makers or influencers to approve and fund a proposed change or solution. This element will not cover any of these points. Risk assessment is an element that identifies and evaluates the uncertainties or threats that may affect a proposed change or solution. It helps to estimate the likelihood and impact of risks and plan how to avoid or mitigate them. This element will not cover any of these points. Option D is not a correct answer, as it does not identify which set of elements of a business case will cover all of these points respectively. Description of the current situation is an element that describes the problem or opportunity that exists in the current state and the need or rationale for a change or solution. It helps to explain what is wrong or missing in the current state and what are the objectives and outcomes of a change or solution. This element will cover the point that the threat posed to the organisation from cyber attack, and therefore the justification for the project, needs to be clearly articulated. Impact assessment is an element that assesses the effects or consequences of a proposed change or solution on people, processes, organisation and technology. It helps to identify who or what will be affected by a proposed change or solution and how they will be affected. This element will not cover any of these points. Risk assessment is an element that identifies and evaluates the uncertainties or threats that may affect a proposed change or solution. It helps to estimate the likelihood and impact of risks and plan how to avoid or mitigate them. This element will not cover any of these points. References: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen, page 42.

• Question 26:

  A business case features a management summary, from which the below extract is taken:

  `The new approach will incur significant investment in terms of software licenses and annual maintenance fees, which will not be negotiable until year four of the proposal. We will research competing suppliers in the marketplace at end of year three, the supplier will, therefore, be likely to otter a reduced price for year five and beyond. However, we are convinced that the selected option is the right one. It will give us a competitive edge as a result of improved management information, in addition to the boost it will give to our image with our established customers."

  Which categories of costs and benefits are described in this extract*?

  A. Tangible costs, intangible benefits.

  B. Tangible benefits, intangible costs

  C. Intangible benefits, intangible costs

  D. Intangible costs, tangible benefits

  Correct Answer: D

  A business case is a formal written proposal that details the costs and benefits of a proposed business change or solution. It helps to justify and secure the approval and funding for a proposed business change or solution. Costs and benefits can be classified into two types: tangible and intangible. Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as it identifies which categories of costs and benefits are described in this extract respectively. Intangible costs are costs that have no physical existence and cannot be measured or quantified easily by human senses. Examples of intangible costs are reputation, image, morale etc. An example of intangible costs in this extract is significant investment in terms of software licenses and annual maintenance fees, which will not be negotiable until year four of the proposal, as it has no physical existence and cannot be measured or quantified easily by human senses. Tangible benefits are benefits that have physical existence and can be measured or quantified easily by human senses. Examples of tangible benefits are revenue, profit, market share etc. An example of tangible benefits in this extract is improved management information, in addition to the boost it will give to our image with our established customers, as it has physical existence and can be measured or quantified easily by human senses. Option A is not a correct answer, as it does not identify which categories of costs and benefits are described in this extract respectively. Tangible costs are costs that have physical existence and can be measured or quantified easily by human senses. Examples of tangible costs are equipment, materials, labour etc. There is no example of tangible costs in this extract. Intangible benefits are benefits that have no physical existence and cannot be measured or quantified easily by human senses. Examples of intangible benefits are satisfaction, loyalty, quality etc. There is no example of intangible benefits in this extract (although image could be considered as an intangible benefit). Option B is not a correct answer, as it does not identify which categories of costs and benefits are described in this extract respectively. Tangible benefits are benefits that have physical existence and can be measured or quantified easily by human senses. Examples of tangible benefits are revenue, profit, market share etc. An example of tangible benefits in this extract is improved management information, in addition to the boost it will give to our image with our established customers, as it has physical existence and can be measured or quantified easily by human senses. Intangible costs are costs that have no physical existence and cannot be measured or quantified easily by human senses. Examples of intangible costs are reputation, image, morale etc. An example of intangible costs in this extract is significant investment in terms of software licenses and annual maintenance fees, which will not be negotiable until year four of the proposal, as it has no physical existence and cannot be measured or quantified easily by human senses. Option C is not a correct answer, as it does not identify any category of cost or benefit that has been described in this extract. References: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen,

• Question 27:

  Marketing is primarily concerned with the 4Ps: product, promotion, price and price. The institute of Analysis (IoA) offers qualification in system analysis. A number of interviews have been held with senior stakeholders, including the marketing Manager. Here are two five of the activities that have been identified by stakeholders:

  a) Agree new qualifications. b) Upgrade the website. c) Recruit new examiners. d) Register candidates. e) Analyze website activity.

  Which of these activities would reflect the business perspective of the Marketing Manager of the loA?

  A. b. d and e.

  B. a. b and e

  C. a, c and d

  D. b, c and e

  Correct Answer: B

  Marketing is primarily concerned with the 4Ps: product, promotion, price and place. These are the elements of the marketing mix that an organisation can control or adjust to influence customer demand and satisfaction. Therefore, option B is the correct answer, as it identifies which of these activities would reflect the business perspective of the Marketing Manager of the IoA. Option A identifies `b' (upgrade the website), `d' (register candidates) and `e' (analyse website activity) as activities that would reflect the business perspective of the Marketing Manager of the IoA. These are incorrect examples of activities that would reflect the business perspective of the Marketing Manager of the IoA, as they are not related to any of the 4Ps. Option B identifies `a' (agree new qualifications), `b' (upgrade the website) and `e' (analyse website activity) as activities that would reflect the business perspective of the Marketing Manager of the IoA. These are correct examples of activities that would reflect the business perspective of the Marketing Manager of the IoA, as they are related to some of the 4Ps. `A' (agree new qualifications) is related to product, as it involves developing and offering new qualifications that meet customer needs and expectations. `B' (upgrade the website) is related to promotion, as it involves improving and communicating the features and benefits of qualifications to potential customers. `E' (analyse website activity) is related to place, as it involves monitoring and evaluating how customers access and purchase qualifications through online channels. Option C identifies `a' (agree new qualifications), `c' (recruit new examiners) and `d' (register candidates) as activities that would reflect the business perspective of the Marketing Manager of the IoA. These are incorrect examples of activities that would reflect the business perspective of the Marketing Manager of the IoA, as `c' (recruit new examiners) is not related to any of the 4Ps. Option D identifies `b' (upgrade the website), `c' (recruit new examiners) and `e' (analyse website activity) as activities that would reflect the business perspective of the Marketing Manager of the IoA. These are incorrect examples of activities that would reflect the business perspective of the Marketing Manager of the IoA, as `c' (recruit new examiners) is not related to any of the 4Ps. References: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen, page 39.

• Question 28:

  Jayon has been asked to explain the gap analysis process to a new colleague. Which THREE of the following SHOULD Jayon cover?

  A. Understand the existing situation

  B. Compare the desired situation and existing situation

  C. Consider possible actions to address the gaps

  D. Define the solutions to close the gaps

  E. Deliver the solution to close the gaps

  Correct Answer: ABC

  Gap analysis is a process of identifying and assessing the differences between the current state and desired state of an organisation or project. It helps to determine what needs to be done to achieve business objectives or solve business problems. Gap analysis typically involves three main steps: understand the existing situation, compare the desired situation and existing situation, and consider possible actions to address the gaps. Therefore, options A, B and C are correct answers, as they cover these steps in gap analysis. Option D is not a correct answer, as defining solutions to close gaps is not part of gap analysis itself, but rather a subsequent step that follows gap analysis. Gap analysis helps to identify what needs to be done, but not how it should be done. Option E is not a correct answer, as delivering solutions to close gaps is not part of gap analysis itself, but rather a final step that follows defining solutions. Gap analysis helps to identify what needs to be done, but not how it should be done or implemented. References: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen, page 25.

• Question 29:

  How would a business analyst use a Target Operating Model (TOM) in gap analysis?

  A. To assess how far the organisation's current activities support the desired situation.

  B. To identify how the organisation should structure itself to support the desired situation.

  C. To determine which activities in the desired situation are not financially feasible

  D. To establish which stakeholder views will not be reflected in the desired situation

  Correct Answer: A

  A Target Operating Model (TOM) is a high-level description of how an organisation wants to operate in order to achieve its vision and strategy. It defines what an organisation does, how it does it, who does it, where it does it and why it does it. A TOM can be used in gap analysis to compare the desired situation with the existing situation and identify what needs to change to achieve the desired situation. Therefore, option A is the correct answer, as using a TOM in gap analysis would help to assess how far the organisation's current activities support the desired situation. By comparing the current activities with those defined in the TOM, a gap analysis would help to identify what activities are missing, redundant or inefficient in achieving the desired situation. Option B is not a correct answer, as using a TOM in gap analysis would not help to identify how the organisation should structure itself to support the desired situation. The structure of an organisation is one aspect of a TOM, but not its main purpose. A TOM defines what an organisation does more than how it organises itself. Option C is not a correct answer, as using a TOM in gap analysis would not help to determine which activities in the desired situation are not financially feasible. The financial feasibility of an activity is not determined by comparing it with a TOM, but by conducting a cost-benefit analysis or a business case. Option D is not a correct answer, as using a TOM in gap analysis would not help to establish which stakeholder views will not be reflected in the desired situation. The stakeholder views are not determined by comparing them with a TOM, but by conducting a stakeholder analysis or a CATWOE analysis. References: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen, page 27.

• Question 30:

  The customer journey map below was created for Eyes 4'U. a chain of high street opticians This shows the journey of a person who is 67 years old and retired with a limited pension and active social life

  What are the MOST LIKELY statements to be in Box F and Box 6?

  

  A. F concern at cost 6 provide clearer information on options and pricing

  B. F: worry about choosing the wrong frame 6: introduce virtual frame selection technology

  C. F provide clearer information on options and pricing 6 concern at cost

  D. F pleased appointment ending 6 provide clearer information on options and pricing

  Correct Answer: A

  A customer journey map is a visual representation of the steps and emotions that a customer goes through when interacting with a product or service. It helps to identify the pain points and opportunities for improvement in the customer experience. A customer journey map typically consists of the following elements: stages, actions, thoughts, feelings, touchpoints and opportunities. Therefore, option A is the correct answer, as it matches the elements of the customer journey map for Box F and Box 6. Box F represents the feeling of the customer at the stage of choosing a frame. The feeling is concern at cost, as the customer is worried about the price of the frames and lenses. Box 6 represents the opportunity for improvement at the stage of selecting lenses. The opportunity is to provide clearer information on options and pricing, as this would help the customer to make an informed decision and reduce their anxiety. Option B is not a correct answer, as it does not match the elements of the customer journey map for Box F and Box 6. Box F represents the feeling of the customer, not an opportunity for improvement. Box 6 represents an opportunity for improvement, not a feeling of the customer. Option C is not a correct answer, as it does not match the elements of the customer journey map for Box F and Box

  6. Box F represents the feeling of the customer, not an opportunity for improvement. Box 6 represents an opportunity for improvement, not a feeling of the customer. Option D is not a correct answer, as it does not match the elements of the

  customer journey map for Box F and Box 6. Box F represents the feeling of the customer, not an opportunity for improvement. Box 6 represents an opportunity for improvement, not a feeling of the customer.

  References: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen, page 23.