Technology Assessment and Selection

Technology Assessment and Selection Guide for PMI-PBA

Why Technology Assessment & Selection is Important

Technology assessment and selection is a critical process in business analysis because it ensures that the technology solutions chosen align with business needs and objectives. Making the right technology decisions can lead to increased efficiency, cost savings, and better business outcomes. Conversely, poor technology choices can result in wasted resources, failed projects, and missed opportunities.

What is Technology Assessment & Selection?

Technology assessment and selection is the systematic evaluation and choosing of technology solutions to meet specific business requirements. This process involves:

1. Identifying business needs and requirements
2. Researching available technology options
3. Evaluating each option against established criteria
4. Selecting the most appropriate solution
5. Planning for implementation

How Technology Assessment & Selection Works

Requirements Gathering:
- Collect and document functional and non-functional requirements
- Understand stakeholder needs and expectations
- Define the problem the technology needs to solve

Market Research:
- Identify potential technology solutions in the market
- Research vendors and their offerings
- Consider build vs. buy options

Evaluation Criteria Development:
- Create a scoring matrix with weighted criteria
- Include factors such as cost, functionality, scalability, security, compatibility, vendor reputation, and support
- Ensure criteria align with business objectives

Solution Evaluation:
- Score each solution against the established criteria
- Conduct proof of concepts or pilots if necessary
- Perform cost-benefit analysis
- Consider total cost of ownership (TCO)

Selection:
- Make recommendation based on evaluation results
- Document rationale for selection
- Obtain stakeholder approval

Implementation Planning:
- Develop implementation strategy
- Plan for data migration, training, and change management
- Define success metrics

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Technology Assessment and Selection

1. Focus on business value: Remember that technology selection is about meeting business needs, not just choosing the newest or most advanced solution.

2. Understand evaluation methods: Be familiar with common evaluation techniques like weighted scoring models, cost-benefit analysis, and return on investment (ROI) calculations.

3. Know key selection criteria: Memorize important criteria categories: functional requirements, technical requirements, security, scalability, vendor stability, support options, and total cost of ownership.

4. Recognize stakeholder roles: Understand who should be involved in technology selection decisions and their respective roles.

5. Consider constraints: Be aware of common constraints like budget limitations, technical infrastructure, security requirements, and compliance needs.

6. Remember the process flow: Questions often test your knowledge of the correct sequence of activities in technology assessment.

7. Be familiar with documentation: Know what documentation is typically produced during technology assessment (requirements specifications, evaluation matrices, recommendation reports).

8. Understand risks: Be prepared to identify risks associated with technology selection and mitigation strategies.

9. Remember the business analyst role: Focus on how the BA facilitates the process rather than making technical decisions alone.

10. Apply ethical considerations: Consider conflicts of interest, fairness in vendor selection, and transparency in the decision-making process.

When answering exam questions, carefully read the scenario to identify key requirements and constraints before selecting your answer. Look for clues about what stage of the process is being described and what specific technique would be most appropriate in that context.