Business Analyst with AI

Key Topics:

What is an Application

Types of Applications

Web Application Fundamentals

Web Technologies: Frontend (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React)

Web Technologies: Backend (Python, Java, Node.js)

Web Technologies: Databases (SQL: MySQL, PostgreSQL; NoSQL: MongoDB)

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

SDLC Phases: Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation, Testing, Deployment, Maintenance

Key Topics :

What is an Application

Types of Applications

Web Application Fundamentals

Web Technologies: Frontend (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React)

Web Technologies: Backend (Python, Java, Node.js)

Web Technologies: Databases (SQL: MySQL, PostgreSQL; NoSQL: MongoDB)

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

SDLC Phases: Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation, Testing, Deployment, Maintenance

Key Topics :

Waterfall vs. Agile Methodologies

The Agile Mindset

Popular Agile Frameworks

Scrum Overview & Pillars

Scrum Roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Dev Team)

Scrum Events (Sprint, Planning, Daily Scrum, Review, Retrospective)

Scrum Artifacts (Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment)

Writing User Stories

Epics and Themes

Acceptance Criteria

Estimating User Stories

Managing Backlogs

Tools: Google Sheets, Azure Boards

Key Topics :

The Importance of Computing Power

Key Computing Technologies: CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Key Computing Technologies: GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

Introduction to Cloud Computing

Cloud Service Models: IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)

Cloud Service Models: PaaS (Platform as a Service)

Cloud Service Models: SaaS (Software as a Service)

Key Topics :

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

How AI Works?

Machine Learning (ML) Fundamentals

Deep Learning (DL) Fundamentals

What is Generative AI?

Large Language Models (LLMs)

Image Generation Models

AI in Everyday Learning

Key Topics :

Role of a Modern Business Analyst

Agile Mindset & Scrum vs. Waterfall

Scrum Framework Deep Dive (Roles, Events, Artifacts)

User Stories, Epics, Themes & Acceptance Criteria

Requirement Backlogs in Sheets & Azure Boards

Introduction to GenAI in BA Work

BA Tools & Skills for the Future

Application Lifecycle Management (ALM)

Key Topics :

Discovery Phase Overview

Identifying Stakeholders & Stakeholder Analysis

Power/Interest Grid & Influence/Impact Matrix

Creating User Personas

Empathy Mapping

The RACI Matrix

Agile Interviews (Discovery, Contextual, Stand-up)

Surveys in Agile Context

Workshops and Facilitation

GenAI for Stakeholder Management

Key Topics :

Introduction to Requirement Prioritization

MoSCoW Method

WSJF (Weighted Shortest Job First)

RICE Scoring Model

Comparing Prioritization Techniques

GenAI for Requirements Management

Requirement Traceability

Requirement Versioning

Requirement Validation

Aligning Requirements with Business Needs & OKRs

Key Topics :

Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN)

As-Is and To-Be Process Mapping

SIPOC Analysis

Value Stream Mapping

Customer Journey Mapping

Identifying Bottlenecks and Waste

Automation Opportunities

GenAI for Diagram Generation & Workflow Simulation

Version Control for Process Diagrams **Hands-On:**

Create As-Is BPMN diagram for existing process

Design To-Be process with automation

Conduct Value Stream Mapping workshop

Identify 5 automation opportunities

Key Topics :

From Process to Requirements

Business Requirements Document (BRD)

Functional Design Document (FDD)

User Story Mapping to Functional Requirements

Integration Scenarios & API Requirements

Non-Functional Requirements (NFRs)

Data Modeling & Schema Design

Requirements Traceability Matrix

GenAI for Requirements Documentation

Linking Requirements to Objectives & OKRs

Requirements Review & Sign-Off Process

Key Topics :

Introduction to Prototyping

Wireframing vs. Mockups vs. Prototypes

Design Thinking for BAs

User-Centered Design Principles

Creating Wireframes (Balsamiq, Figma)

Interactive Prototypes

Usability Testing

Design Validation with Stakeholders

GenAI for UI/UX Design

Key Topics :

BA Role in Testing

Writing Test Scenarios from Requirements

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Planning

Creating UAT Scripts

Facilitating UAT Sessions

Defect Management & Triage

Acceptance Criteria Validation

GenAI for Test Case Generation

Testing Documentation

Key Topics :

Change Management Fundamentals

Stakeholder Communication Planning

Creating Training Materials

Conducting Training Sessions

User Adoption Strategies

Resistance Management

Communication Cadence & Channels

GenAI for Training Content Creation

Key Topics :

Go-Live Readiness Assessment

Deployment Planning

Cutover Strategy

Super Care Period Planning

Production Support Handoff

Monitoring & Issue Resolution

Post-Implementation Review

Lessons Learned

Key Topics :

Measuring Business Value

KPI Definition & Tracking

Data Analysis for BAs

SQL Basics for Requirements

Power BI / Tableau for Reporting

Process Optimization

Retrospectives & Feedback Loops

GenAI for Data Analysis

BA Career Growth & Specializations

Key Topics :

What is Software & Types of Software (System, Programming, Application)

Software Applications (Desktop, Web, Mobile)

What is Software Testing & Why Testing is Important

Real-world Testing Failures (Therac-25, Mars Climate Orbiter, Boeing 737 MAX)

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) - Overview

Quality, QA vs QC

Errors, Bugs, Defects & Failures

Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) - Introduction

Key Topics :

SDLC Models Overview

Waterfall Model (Phases, Advantages, Disadvantages, When to Use)

V-Model (Verification & Validation Model)

BRS & SRS Documents

HLD & LLD Documents

Static Testing (Review, Walkthrough, Inspection)

Comparison of SDLC Models

White Box, Black Box & Grey Box Testing

When to use each testing approach

Key Topics :

Unit Testing

Concept & Responsibility

Unit Testing Techniques (Basis Path, Conditional Coverage, Loop Coverage)

Unit Testing Frameworks (JUnit, NUnit, pytest)

Integration Testing

Purpose & Importance

Integration Testing Types:

Incremental (Top-Down, Bottom-Up, Sandwich/Hybrid)

Non-Incremental (Big Bang)

Stubs & Drivers

Developer's Role in Testing

Key Topics :

System Testing Overview

Functional vs Non-Functional Testing

GUI Testing

Visual Design Verification

Functional Elements Testing

Content & Interaction Verification

Usability Testing

User-friendliness Assessment

User Satisfaction Metrics

User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

Alpha Testing

Beta Testing

Key Topics :

Object Properties Testing

Database Testing (SQL Basics for Testers)

CRUD Operations Validation

Data Integrity Testing

Error Handling Testing

Calculations/Computations Testing

Links Testing (Internal, External, Anchor, Email)

Cookie Testing

Session Testing

Practical Examples & Scenarios

Key Topics :

Performance Testing

Load Testing

Stress Testing

Spike Testing

Endurance/Soak Testing

Volume Testing

Scalability Testing

Security Testing (Authentication, Authorization, Encryption)

Recovery Testing

Compatibility Testing (Hardware, OS, Browser)

Installation Testing (Fresh, Upgrade, Uninstall, Reinstall)

Garbage Testing

Key Topics :

Regression Testing (Unit, Regional, Full)

Retesting vs Regression Testing

Smoke Testing (Build Verification Testing)

Sanity Testing

Exploratory Testing

Ad-Hoc Testing

Monkey Testing

Positive Testing vs Negative Testing

Globalization Testing

Localization Testing

Severity vs Priority

Key Topics :

Equivalence Class Partitioning (ECP)

Valid & Invalid Equivalence Classes

Practical Examples

Boundary Value Analysis (BVA)

Boundary Values & Conditions

Test Case Creation

Decision Table Testing

Conditions, Actions & Rules

Complex Business Logic Testing

State Transition Testing

States, Events, Transitions

State Transition Diagrams & Tables

Error Guessing (Experience-based Testing)

Key Topics :

Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) Phases

Requirement Analysis

Test Planning

Test Case Development

Test Environment Setup

Test Execution

Test Closure

Test Plan (Contents, Creation, Sample)

Use Case, Test Scenario & Test Case

Understanding the Differences

Use Case Components (Actor, Action, Goal)

Test Case Design & Documentation

Test Case Components & Format

Test Data Management

Writing Effective Test Cases

Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM)

Defect/Bug Life Cycle & Reporting

Key Topics :

Agile Methodology

Agile Principles & Values

Advantages & Disadvantages

Agile Frameworks Overview

Scrum Framework

Scrum Roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Development Team)

Scrum Artifacts (Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment)

Scrum Events (Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective)

Burndown/Burnup Charts

Testing in Agile Environment

JIRA for Test Management

Creating Test Cases in JIRA

Bug Tracking & Reporting

Sprint Management

Version Control System (GitHub Basics)

Real Project Execution

Interview Preparation & Resume Building

Key Topics :

Business Intelligence fundamentals and modern analytics

Power BI components and architecture

Interface navigation and first report creation

Understanding Desktop vs. Service capabilities

Key Topics :

File, database, cloud, and web source connectivity

Import vs. DirectQuery vs. Live Connection

Data source settings and credential management

Performance considerations for connection modes

Key Topics :

Power Query interface and applied steps

Data profiling and quality assessment

Essential transformations: filtering, splitting, merging

Reshaping: pivot, unpivot, grouping

Combining queries: append and merge operations

Key Topics :

Star schema vs. snowflake schema design

Creating and managing table relationships

Primary and foreign keys

Hierarchies and date dimension tables

Data model optimization strategies

Key Topics :

Data visualization principles and chart selection

Core visualizations: charts, tables, maps, KPIs

Interactive elements: slicers, filters, bookmarks, drill-through

Dashboard layout and mobile optimization

Storytelling with data

Key Topics :

DAX syntax and structure

Calculated columns vs. measures

Essential functions: aggregation, logical, text, date/time

CALCULATE and FILTER functions

Creating KPIs and business metrics

Key Topics :

Time intelligence functions: YTD, MTD, QTD

Prior period comparisons and growth rates

Filter context vs. row context

Variables and iterator functions

DAX performance optimization

Key Topics :

Custom visuals from AppSource

Advanced chart types: waterfall, funnel, decomposition tree

R and Python integration

AI visuals: Key Influencers, Q&A, Smart Narratives

Dynamic visuals with parameters

Key Topics :

Publishing and workspace management

Dashboards vs. reports

Data refresh and gateway configuration

Sharing strategies and Power BI apps

Integration with Teams, SharePoint, Excel, PowerPoint

Key Topics :

Power BI admin portal and tenant settings

Row-Level Security (RLS) and Object-Level Security (OLS)

Incremental refresh and aggregations

Dataflows and deployment pipelines

Performance optimization and capacity management

Enterprise licensing models

APIs and embedded analytics

Key Topics :

Introduction to Databases & DBMS

Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS)

ACID Properties (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability)

Introduction to PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL Installation & Setup (Windows, Mac, Linux)

PostgreSQL Tools: psql, pgAdmin 4

Database Objects (Databases, Schemas, Tables)

Data Types: Numeric, Character, Date/Time, Boolean, Special types

Constraints: PRIMARY KEY, FOREIGN KEY, UNIQUE, NOT NULL, CHECK, DEFAULT

Creating Databases and Tables

INSERT Operations and Data Population

Referential Integrity

Key Topics :

SELECT Statement Basics

Column Aliases and Expressions

WHERE Clause and Filtering

Comparison Operators (=, !=, >, ,>=, =) - Logical Operators (AND, OR, NOT) - BETWEEN, IN, LIKE operators - NULL handling (IS NULL, IS NOT NULL) - ORDER BY (Sorting data) - DISTINCT (Removing duplicates) - LIMIT and OFFSET (Pagination) - String Functions (UPPER, LOWER, CONCAT, SUBSTRING, etc.) - Numeric Functions (ROUND, CEIL, FLOOR, ABS, etc.) - Date and Time Functions (CURRENT_DATE, EXTRACT, DATE_TRUNC, etc.) - Aggregate Functions (COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX) - GROUP BY and HAVING

Window Functions (ROW_NUMBER, RANK, LAG, LEAD, etc.) - JOIN Operations: - INNER JOIN - LEFT JOIN / RIGHT JOIN - FULL OUTER JOIN - CROSS JOIN - SELF JOIN - Multi-table Joins - Join Optimization

Key Topics :

Subqueries in WHERE, SELECT, FROM clauses

Correlated Subqueries

EXISTS and NOT EXISTS

IN and NOT IN with subqueries

Common Table Expressions (CTEs)

Recursive CTEs for hierarchical data

Multiple CTEs

Set Operators:

UNION and UNION ALL

INTERSECT

EXCEPT

UPDATE Statements

UPDATE with expressions

UPDATE with JOIN

DELETE Statements

DELETE with subqueries

TRUNCATE vs DELETE

Transaction Management

BEGIN, COMMIT, ROLLBACK

Savepoints

Transaction Isolation Levels

Concurrency Control

Key Topics :

ALTER TABLE Operations

Adding, Modifying, Dropping Columns

Managing Constraints

Indexes and Performance

Index Types (B-tree, Hash, GIN, GiST)

Creating and Managing Indexes

When to use indexes

Views and Abstraction

Creating Views

Updatable Views

Materialized Views

Refreshing Materialized Views

Stored Functions

PL/pgSQL Programming Language

Function Parameters and Return Types

Control Structures (IF, CASE, LOOP)

Functions Returning Tables

Stored Procedures

Procedure vs Function differences

Exception Handling in PL/pgSQL

Triggers

BEFORE, AFTER, INSTEAD OF triggers

Trigger Functions

Audit Logging with Triggers

Data Validation with Triggers

Advisory Locks

Key Topics :

Entity-Relationship (ER) Modeling

Entities, Attributes, Relationships

Relationship Types (1:1, 1:M, M:N)

ER Diagrams

Normalization Principles

First Normal Form (1NF)

Second Normal Form (2NF)

Third Normal Form (3NF)

Normalization Benefits and Trade-offs

When to Denormalize

Database Design Best Practices

Naming Conventions

Data Type Selection

Primary Key Strategies

Foreign Key Design

Query Optimization

EXPLAIN and EXPLAIN ANALYZE

Reading Execution Plans

Index Strategies

Query Rewriting Techniques

Performance Tuning

Database Statistics (ANALYZE)

VACUUM and Maintenance

Connection Pooling

Table Partitioning

Large Language Models fundamentals

Transformer architecture

Comparing major LLMs (GPT, Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek)

Evolution of LLMs from GPT-1 to 2026 frontier models

LLM architecture and tokenization

Model selection for different use cases

Cost optimization strategies

Advanced prompt engineering techniques

Context engineering and design

Reasoning mode optimization

Reducing hallucinations

Zero-shot, few-shot, and chain-of-thought prompting

Multimodal prompting (text, image, audio)

Domain-specific prompt design

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and DeepSeek APIs

LangChain 1.0 fundamentals

Create_agent abstraction

Middleware systems for customization

Multi-provider integration

Streaming and batching

Function calling and structured outputs

Cost-optimized pipelines

Vector databases (ChromaDB, Pinecone, Qdrant)

Building production RAG pipelines

Agentic RAG and self-improving retrieval

MCP-Enhanced RAG

Embedding strategies

Hybrid search (semantic and keyword)

Document processing at scale

Hallucination reduction techniques

Streamlit and Gradio interfaces

LangGraph Platform deployment

Cost optimization strategies

AI governance and EU AI Act compliance

API security and rate limiting

Monitoring and observability

Scaling strategies

Integration with enterprise tools

Agentic AI fundamentals (plan, reason, act)

LangChain 1.0 Agents with middleware

Model Context Protocol (MCP)

Tool integration patterns

Enterprise adoption and use cases

Agent architectures and design patterns

LangGraph 1.0 architecture

State management and graph-based logic

Node caching for development

Pre/Post hooks for guardrails

Building AI workflows

Production use cases

Parallel execution with deferred nodes

Conditional routing and decision trees

Iterative refinement loops

Type-safe streaming

Essay evaluation systems

Customer feedback routing

Multi-stage approval workflows

Quality-gated content generation

Durable state management

Built-in persistence (PostgreSQL, Redis)

Human-in-the-loop (HITL) implementations

Multi-day workflow support

Enterprise compliance and audit trails

Restart and failure recovery

LangGraph Platform deployment

Multi-agent system design

Google A2A Protocol for agent-to-agent communication

LangSmith observability and monitoring

MCP security model

Prompt injection prevention

Compliance and audit trails

Agent guardrails and safety