You’ll be empowered to create value and enhance your credibility with an 8-step framework that brings structure and clarity to your work.
Speaker
Laura Brandenburg ACBA CBAP
Agenda
7:00pm - Event starts
5 mins – Welcome & Introduction
- Host welcome (Chair of BCS OSSG)
- Brief introduction to the BCS OSSG and the speaker
- Overview of the session goals
10 mins – The Role of a Business Analyst in Open Source
- Clarifying what a Business Analyst (BA) does
- Why BA skills are essential in open source environments
- Common challenges in open source project coordination
25 mins – The 8-Step Success Framework
- Walkthrough of the 8 key steps
- Practical techniques to apply at each stage
- Real-world examples (or adapted to OSS context)
10 mins – Leveraging Generative AI as a Business Analyst
- Tools and use cases for speeding up requirements gathering
- Using AI to streamline communication and decision-making
- Tips on ethical and practical implementation
5 mins – Interactive Polls or Discussion Break
- Ask participants about their BA challenges or current OSS projects
- Short live Q&A or Mentimeter poll
- Encourage networking and shared insights
15 mins – Q&A and Open Discussion
- Questions from the audience
- Reflections on applying the framework in participants' own projects
5 mins – Wrap-Up & Next Steps
- Key takeaways
- Further reading or resources
- BCS OSSG upcoming events and how to get involved
8:30pm - Event close
Synopsis
Succeeding on a project requires that you be strategic, proactive, and well-organised. Yet all too often, open source professionals find themselves navigating shifting requirements, loosely defined roles, and diverse contributor expectations without a clear framework.
In this session, you’ll be empowered to create value and enhance your credibility with an 8-step framework that brings structure and clarity to your work - whether or not you hold the title of business analyst.
You’ll discover:
- The key responsibilities of a business analyst, and how these skills help align contributors, facilitate communication, and ensure shared understanding of project goals.
- The business analysis techniques and practices that support each of the 8 steps, with a focus on collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and clear communication.
- Quick tips for how to leverage generative AI to accelerate your impact and reduce ramp-up time on new initiatives.
This session is designed for open source professionals who want to bring a business analyst’s mindset to their work - focusing on clarity, alignment, and outcomes that truly serve end users and contributors alike.
By mastering these steps, you’ll gain tools to lead with confidence, build consensus, and drive meaningful results.
About the speaker
Laura Brandenburg ACBA CBAP, internationally-recognised leader known for helping mid-career professionals start and succeed in business analysis careers.
She is the founder of Bridging the Gap, the best-selling author of The Value-Driven Business Analyst and How to Start a Business Analyst Career, as well as the creator of The Business Analyst Blueprint® framework and training program.
Laura brings over 20 years of experience in the business analysis profession, filling several different full-time business analyst positions, as well as contributing as a consultant, hiring manager, trainer, and career coach. She believes that we build our profession one business analyst at a time, and her life purpose is to help others achieve more confidence and live their best life.
Our events are for adults aged 16 years and over.
BCS is a membership organisation. If you enjoy this event, please consider joining BCS. You’ll be very welcome. You’ll receive access to many exclusive career development tools, an introduction to a thriving professional community and also help us Make IT Good For Society. Join BCS today
This event is hosted by: Open Source specialist group
