Top 30 Agile Business Analyst Interview Questions

Scope Creep refers to the uncontrollable changes or shifts in the project scope within the same resource range. It indicates potential risk to a project or poor project management in some cases. Some possible causes of Scope Creep could be: 

1) Lack of proper documentation regarding the project’s requirements 

2) Poor communication among the Stakeholders of the project

Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a visualisation approach used by Agile Business Analysts for visualising, documenting and developing the different elements of a system. This approach is primarily used for Software Development and for defining and outlining organisational functions, job roles and business processes. 

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The most commonly used tools for Business Analysis are: 

1) Microsoft Office Suite 

2) Python and R 

3) SWOT analysis 

4) Rational tools 

5) Google docs 

6) ERP systems 

Note: It is recommended to tailor your answer to emphasise your skills and background in using these tools. 

During project estimation, using Story Points in Agile can prove beneficial in the following ways: 

1) Using Story Points means the teams must compulsorily use velocity as their performance data for release planning 

2) They eliminate the need for frequent re-estimation and work like a size-based estimate 

3) The velocity Story Points make planning real and performance-based 

4) Since there is no fixed timeline for work, therefore the team can perform rationally  

5) Story Points instils collaboration in team’s behaviour 

6) The involvement of different teams during estimation encourages a cross-functional behaviour 

Among the most commonly used diagram models by business analysts are: 

1) Flowcharts: They are a detailed graphical representation of the complete flow of the system that provides an understanding of the operations to all Stakeholders. 

2) Use-case diagrams: The use-case diagrams devise the functionality of a system using a fixed set of functions, actions and services that the project needs to perform. 

3) Activity diagrams: These diagrams illustrate a diverse set of activities and their flow across various departments. 

4) Collaboration diagrams: These are also known as interaction or communication diagrams, primarily used to illustrate the interactions and connections among software objects in the Unified Modeling Language (UML). 

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Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) is a visual representation of all business processes. It essentially has five elements that are as follows: 

1) Data 

2) Flow Objects 

3) Artefacts 

4) Connecting Objects 

5) Swimlanes 

Following are some techniques used by Agile Business Analysts: 

1) Strength – Weakness – Opportunities – Threats Analysis (SWOT) 

2) Mission – Objective – Strategy – Tactics Analysis (MOST) 

3) Specific – Measurable – Achievable – Realistic – Timely Analysis (SMART) 

4) Business Process Modeling (BPM) 

5) Use Case Modeling 

6) Political – Economic – Social – Technological – Legal – Environmental Analysis (PESTLE) 

Following are some of the popular Agile estimation tools and techniques: 

1) Story points 

2) Poker estimation 

3) Delphi 

4) Elative sizing 

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Gap Analysis is a technique used to analyse the gap between the current business operations and functions and the desired operations. The Gap in Gap Analysis refers to the additional processes required to achieve the expected results. Performing Gap Analysis can help find out four different types of gaps, such as: 

The following are some practices that can be followed to write a use case: 

1) Listing both functional and non-functional requirements in a use case 

2) Having more than one flow along with the main flow as an alternative 

3) A use case must describe what the system does and not the design 

4) It must revert some value to the Stakeholder 

The Business Analysis Process is divided into multiple steps with specific tasks to perform, principles to follow and documents to create. Following are the steps involved in the process: 

a) Collecting background information: It involves performing PESTLE Analysis and implementing Porter’s Five Forces framework. 

b) Identifying the key stakeholders: This stage involves analysing Stakeholder’s Matrix. 

c) Exploring business goal: Creating a Business Objectives List with focus groups and brainstorming using benchmarking techniques and SWOT Analysis. 

d) Analyse the options available: Exploring the objectives listed in the previous stage through Cost-Benefit Analysis, Impact Analysis, Risk Analysis etc. 

e) Describing the scope of the project: Developing a Scope Definition Document. 

f) Outlining the delivery plan: After defining the scope, the next stage involves describing the delivery plan. 

g) Defining project requirements: It focuses on describing functional & non-functional requirements by conducting Stakeholder interviews and using requirements-defining techniques. 

h) Implementing the plan: It involves using Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) method in Agile. 

i) Analysing the value added by the project: This stage involves testing the actual progress of the project across the timeline and whether it has met the business objectives. 

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Interviewers usually ask this question to test your logical thinking skills and how well you handle situations like this. Therefore, it is vital to remember that your answer must highlight your skills as an Agile Business Analyst. You can frame your answer in the following manner: 

To handle the changes in requirements, I would first do the feasibility study to check whether to proceed with the proposed requirements. Further, I would perform an Impact Analysis to identify the amount of resources, time and money required to be implemented to make changes in the project. This is followed by evaluating the scope of change and checking whether it leads to new gaps in the development and testing designs. 

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The traditional methodologies engage in Software Development in a linear format where each phase depends on the successful completion of the previous one. Whereas Agile methodology follows an iterative process for Software Development, providing constant feedback and rectifying customer inputs.  

The Agile methodology is also much more focused on customer involvement at every stage of the project. Further, the Agile methodology is generally more flexible and responsive. In contrast, the Waterfall methods are planned way ahead of time and require the completion of one phase before beginning with the next one. 

You can answer the question in the following manner: 

To avoid Scope Creep, I would: 

1) Ensure that the project’s scope does not deviate 

2) Follow the proper change management process 

3 Create a detailed document with new requirements 

4) Communicate clearly with the Stakeholders about the new requirements 

Ensure not to add extra features to the current functionalities 

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Requirement elicitation is a process of gathering requirements from Stakeholders, end-users and customers. It uses different techniques to do so. Those techniques are: 

1) Brainstorming and interviewing 

2) Preparing samples 

3) Observing 

4) Document analysis 

5) Surveying 

6) Creating focus groups 

7) Interface analysis and conducting requirement workshops 

There are many factors to consider when prioritising requirements. Firstly, understand the Stakeholder’s and customers’ requirements. It means analysing their goals and understanding specific needs. Secondly, keep the timeline, budget and resources allocated to the project in mind. Notably, in some scenarios, Business Analysts may also require to trade off one requirement for another. 

To answer this question, you must first explain the meaning of Product Backlog. Further, list the advantages of having a Product Backlog in Agile. You can say the following: 

Product Backlogs can be extremely helpful for an Agile BA because of the following reasons: 

1) Keep track of all the different parts of a project that need to be completed 

2) Identify the priority tasks and ensure that all team members work towards the same goal 

This interview question is often asked to test how well you implement various competencies such as problem-solving, communication, and negotiation skills. You can answer this question in the following way:  

If any conflict arises within the project, firstly, I will try to identify the source of the conflict. Once I get to the root cause, I will look for possible solutions. One possibility can be bringing the parties involved together to discuss their concerns. If it doesn’t work, I might mediate the conversation or offer a compromise. While doing the needful, I will try to keep the communication open and honest so that everybody can see the cause of conflict themselves and work on it. 

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One of the most important things expected from an Agile Business Analyst is maintaining a positive relationship with their team to ensure everyone is on the same page. You can answer this in this way:  

To maintain good relations with the other team members, I would do the following: 

To maintain a good relationship with the other team members, I would do the following: 

1) Facilitate clear communication between team members as they need to collaborate constantly, and tasks are continually changing. 

2) Keep every team member updated on the latest developments, giving no place to misunderstandings and ensuring everyone is working towards the same requirements. 

3) Continuously receive feedback from team members and consider their input when making decisions. 

Being an Agile Business Analyst means collaborating with multiple people in different positions. While doing so, there may be times when your ideas might not match with that of the others. This is where your influencing, communication and collaboration skills are to test. Here are some tips for answering this question: 

Use the Situation, Task, Action and Result (STAR) method: 

1) Explain the given situation 

2) Understand your tasks 

3) Outline the actions you will take in this case 

4) End your answer by explaining the result and its learning outcomes 

During a project lifecycle, an Agile Business Analyst might face the following problems: 

1) Continuously changing business needs or requirements 

2) Conflict with users, Stakeholders and team members 

3) Technical and access-related problems 

4) Unrealistic timelines 

Agile Project Management is not limited to Software Development. It has other business aspects to it as well that need to be continuously looked after. Therefore, an Agile BA becomes important because they: 

1) Recognise business requirements 

2) Analyse the business domain in detail 

3) Stock and groom the Product Backlog  

4) Assists the teams in understanding the requirements 

Hearing the words “your thoughts,” many candidates get nervous. However, the question is not as tricky as it might sound. This question mainly asks you to list the advantages and disadvantages of the Agile methodology. Therefore, you can first explain some benefits and drawbacks of Agile. Further, evaluate whether this methodology benefits you as an Agile BA. Also, remember to provide a reason for your answer. 

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This is one of the most important questions that test whether Agile BA knows what is expected from them. The candidates can answer the question in this manner: 

1) The first step is to provide personal information such as your name, place of birth, interests and hobbies 

2) Next, proceed with talking about your educational qualifications. It is important to talk about your most recent degree or qualification. Add academic achievements (if any) 

3) Further, talk about your previous job role and particularly mention your achievements 

4) You can also talk about your strengths and weaknesses 

5) Lastly, be confident 

This is one of the most important questions that tests whether Agile BA is aware of what is expected from them. The candidates can answer the question in this manner: 

1) Begin by talking about your hard skills that are particular to the role. These skills include knowledge of Agile Processes and methodology, familiarity with requirement techniques, understanding of technical business areas related to the project, Agile Modeling, etc. 

2) Further, you can discuss the soft skills an Agile Business Analyst requires. Remember, mention only those skills that seem to be acceptable for the role rather than throwing words in the air  

3) You can mention communication skills such as solution-providing capabilities, flexibility and adaptability to changes, analytical skills etc.

Note: You can further talk about the skills that you possess and how those skills are compatible with this job role 

Know-how of Digital Transformation is integral to the Agile Business Analyst role. Therefore, the candidates must be familiar with the current and upcoming tools and technologies that are assisting in keeping the business operations aligned. Here’s an outline of how you can answer this question: 

1) Talk about the current situation of the technological market and how digital transformation is taking over the industries 

2) Give examples or statistics to showcase that you have the appropriate knowledge of the digital trends 

3) Lastly, talk about the future possibilities of digital transformation for businesses. It will require you to research a little on the topic 

Sample answer: Today, almost all industries are in the race to transform themselves digitally. After surviving the blow of the pandemic, digitisation has become integral to their responses and their future. This means digital technologies will be influential in formulating enterprise strategies. This transformation is evident from World Economic Forum’s report, which states that Digital Transformation will add £80 Trillion to the world economy by 2025.  

Businesses are rapidly moving towards using innovation platforms and low-code solutions to increase the market size, which can further add to their business value. Apart from that, Data Analysis is seemingly taking over the industries as Stakeholders expect to understand and analyse business risks from enterprise climate change. 

Further, technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and multi-cloud solutions are promised to increase business conversion rates and create additional sales funnels, improving customer experience. 

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This question is often asked to the candidates transforming from traditional BA to Agile BA. The Hiring Managers particularly look at whether the person understands the seriousness of the role and is aware of the key responsibilities of an Agile Business Analyst. The candidates can answer this question in the following manner: 

The Agile Manifesto describes four fundamental values and 12 principles. It is these principles that guide Business Analysts on how to reflect Agile values. They are particularly engaged in finding out the following: 

1) Which processes are required to be added, removed or reworked? 

2) Which Stakeholders are the ultimate decision-makers? 

3) What data to derive from a running project to improve upon future projects? 

The 12 manifesto principles of Agile methodology are as follows: 

Adjusting to the continuously changing requirements during the development process 

Frequent delivering the developed software components 

Maintaining communication between the Stakeholders and Developers throughout the project 

Encouraging, helping and trusting the people involved in the project 

Allowing one-on-one communications 

Validating functioning software as the primary measure of progress 

Performing iterative processes to ensure a uniform development pace 

Directing attention towards technical design and details to enhance the agility 

Comprehensibility 

Ensuring customer satisfaction through early and regular product delivery 

Ensuring that the teams are self-organised and motivated and encouraging great requirements, architectures, and designs 

Focusing on how to become more effective and efficient 

The Agile Manifesto stands on four foundational Values that are as follows: 

1) Individuals and interactions over processes and tools: It implies that people and their interactions are more valuable than the process and tools used during a project.  

2) Working software over comprehensive documentation: This value emphasises reducing project documentation efforts. Instead, Agile believes in collaboration and interactions among teams.  

3) Customer collaboration over contract negotiation: Agile emphasises engaging with customers throughout the project by providing continuous delivery and feedback, ensuring that the project requirements are met through collaboration.  

4) Responding to changes over sticking to a plan: Agile development involves responding to changes as soon as requested. It is important for the improvement of the project. 

In an Agile environment, a Business Analyst in Agile Team must play not just one but many roles. These roles are as follows: 

1) Product owner: Analysing features and requirements of the product. 

2) Scrum Master: Facilitating the Scrum process and ensuring the development team understands the requirements clearly. 

3) Business Advisor: Gathering and analysing data to guide Stakeholders in decision-making. They also work closely with the Product Owner and Scrum Master, ensuring that the product meets the customer’s requirements. 

4) Communicator: Communicating with the Agile team as Analytics Specialists to encourage collaboration, provide examples, and transfer knowledge.