Use this checklist to review business, medical, or technical documentation. It is recommended to review the document for start to finish for each item on this list, instead of reviewing all items as you go through the document. In other words, check that all images are correct throughout the document. Fix any errors. Then go […]
Monthly Archives: November 2014
Summary: Business Process documents give business and technical users an objective snapshot of how a system works. Use these guidelines to improve how you analyze, document, and review As-Is and To-Be processes. Download Now for $9.99 – Buy Here! [Learn more about these templates here] Ask how it works. In other words, you can’t write […]
Style guides? Hmmm. A nice idea but are they really worth the effort? One of the difficulties for small companies is that the time and effort it takes to create a style guide doesn’t seem to justify the effort. There is always something more important to do. The problem is that the moment you bring someone into […]
No one wants to admit they’re lazy. I don’t. But if we’re not careful we end up getting into ruts, stagnating, going in the same circles, getting less results each time. So, how to stop this? In no order: Read outside your comfort zone. Ask for feedback, but not from your staff. Go to events […]
Yesterday, before they were defeated by Leicester, the Man United manager said that he would get rid of players who stayed on the bench too long. What he meant was if they didn’t make it into the first team, he would get rid of them. At least, that was my interpretation. As a project manager, […]
If you’re developing training material, consider blending push and pull techniques to ensure learners retain more of the subject matter. What’s the difference? Push gives the information to the learner. The learner is passive. Pull encourages the learner to find the information they need. The learner is active. Of course, most training materials should combine […]
The purpose of screenshots is to compliment the text, not replace it. This means that your screenshots compliment what you’ve written and help orient the reader. They also help reduce anxiety in the reader as they can check if they are on the right window. What to capture Identify where the user needs to perform […]
Let’s say you’ve been asked to create a new training plan. You want to develop a series of modules that provides real value, that helps the learner succeed, and makes you, the trainer, feel satisfied. Where do you start? Let’s begin with these guidelines. When writing the training material: Highlight the benefit. Instead of describing […]
Summary: Listening skills help business analysts gather the right level of information to document functional, technical, and business requirements. The ability to listen – not just wait until the other person is finished, so you can have your say – is one of those skills that makes you better at doing your job. Learn more […]
Your white paper gets one attempt to make a good first impression. The title of the white paper needs to clever, witty, interesting, odd, or different enough to stand out from the competition. Last week we were writing a white paper about the mobile market in China. It just wasn’t working. We were sitting around […]
If you’re a parent reading this, maybe you’re thinking, wouldn’t it be great if that teenage son of mine could get himself organized for the next school year? I say son as girls seem to have the knack of managing their time much better. If you’re that son, maybe you’re thinking, wouldn’t it be nice […]