Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) — Question 171

A business analyst (BA) is planning for an upcoming solution based on a signed contract with a client but has learned that one of the key subject matter experts is unavailable during the first half of the business analysis phase. The project has a tight timeline and firm deadline that is part of the contract. There are no substitutes for the key subject matter expert.
How should the BA proceed?

Answer options

• A. Change the solution scope by removing the subject matter expert's component and obtain approval on the new scope
• B. Reduce the schedule to coincide with the subject matter expert's availability and reduce the formality for requirements
• C. Document the contract terms as a risk and adjust the contract costs to plan for the changes/rework
• D. Identify the missing stakeholder as a risk and recommend an adaptive approach for the analysis phase

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is B because adjusting the schedule to align with the subject matter expert's availability allows for the necessary input while still meeting the contract's firm deadline. Options A and C do not address the requirement for the expert's input, potentially jeopardizing the project's integrity, while option D, although recognizing a risk, does not provide a practical solution to the immediate scheduling conflict.