Leading training provider Faculty Training Institute (FTI) has further entrenched its dominance in the business analysis training space in South Africa, by launching a new training programme for entry-level business analysts.
The Certificate Programme in Business Analysis and the BA Upgrade programme now offer entry-level business analysts a path to FTI's landmark Diploma in Business Analysis.
“We quietly launched the Certificate Programme earlier this year, to a select group of key clients,” says Steve Erlank, MD of FTI, and it has been an immediate success. So far, more than 100 people have successfully completed the programme, and we are taking advance bookings for 2010.”
The certificate programme, which follows the same rich, intensive learning methodology as the Diploma, was launched to fill the growing needs of junior and entry level business analysts who were perhaps not ready for the demands of the senior programme.
“We were starting to see an increase in the number of delegates under-performing on the Diploma, which is really aimed at the practicing, professional or more experienced BA. We identified the fact that some companies were sending inappropriately selected delegates too early in their careers, and we were also starting to see increased pressure from less experienced, less suitable candidates who wanted to do the course in the hope of finding a position as a BA. We had to provide a slower, less risky path to the Diploma for these candidates,” says Erlank.
The certificate course, which takes four months part-time, covers much of the content of the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) version 2, released earlier this year. Like the Diploma, the certificate is endorsed by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). Once delegates have completed the certificate and have been able to gain practical experience, they can attend the BA Upgrade programme, which allows them to complete the remaining requirements for the full Diploma. On the Upgrade programme, delegates are guided through the completion of workplace assignments, and will attend a short practical workshop before sitting the same final examination as the Diploma itself. The first group of delegates recently completed the Upgrade programme with 100% pass rate.
“The certificate programme is comparable to programmes offered by other providers around the world, although its unique structure and approach means that we have a very high skills transfer level,” says Erlank. “But apart from opening up a more appropriate skills development path for less experienced BAs, the Certificate has allowed us to increase the standard and intensity of our Diploma programme to levels which are world-beating.”
FTI's long-standing Diploma in Business Analysis continues to set very high industry standards and was the first South African programme to be endorsed by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It continues to be the preferred training for professional business analysts in South Africa, and is supported by more than 150 South African companies. The Diploma programme runs over a 22-week period during which delegates attend part-time, instructor-led classes, supplemented by readings, exercises and practical group work. Workplace assignments, coupled with rich feedback, ensure that the delegate is able to apply the skills directly in the workplace.
From 2010, FTI will be focusing its attention on the needs of senior and professional business and systems analysts, many of whom have already completed the Diploma. “Loyal customers and professional business analysts can expect a range of exciting training offerings, value-added services, and special promotions rolling out next year,” says Erlank. “We already know that professional BAs in South Africa compare with the best in the world. And we plan to be in step with the growth of the profession, and intend to bring much more global value to South African companies and South African business analysts as the understanding of the key role of the business analyst matures.”
For further information, please contact Lauren on 011 807-9478 or Alistena on 021 683-4506.
For more information on our courses or to view our latest course schedule, please visit http://www.fti.co.za.
Share
Faculty Training Institute
Faculty Training Institute (FTI) is a private training company that specialised in offering world-class career-oriented training courses for professional knowledge workers, mainly in the corporate world. Focusing on mid-career rather than entry-level training, FTI specialises in project management, business analysis, systems analysis, technical writing, it management, enterprise architecture, and technical writing training. It offers a variety of training options, including public or in-house, part-time or full-time courses.
FTI was founded in 1989 by five experienced lecturers from the Department of Information Systems at the University of Cape Town, who perceived a gap between the technical or entry level training offered by most private training companies, and the longer degree programmes offered by tertiary institutions. During the past 20 years, FTI has expanded its successful product offerings from the initial two Diploma courses into growing range of diplomas and short courses that serve the career needs of corporate South Africa.
In October 2006, FTI was awarded Charter Endorsed Education Provider status with the International Institute for Business Analysis (IIBA). It is one of a handful of training organisations worldwide who have achieved this status. Web: http://www.fti.co.za
Editorial contacts