If a business analyst (BA) asks Questions during the job shadowing with a subject matter expert, which approach is being used?

The scenario describes a business analyst (BA) actively engaging with a subject matter expert (SME) by asking questions during a job shadowing session. This method is defined as the Active Observation approach. In this approach, the observer interacts with the participant to clarify actions, understand the rationale behind decisions, and probe for deeper insights as the work is being performed. This direct interaction is the key characteristic that distinguishes it from passive methods.

B. Contextual Inquiry Observation: While it involves active questioning, Contextual Inquiry is a specific, structured user-centered design method. Active Observation is the broader, more general term for the approach described.
C. Inactive Observation Approach: This is not a standard term used in business analysis or defined in the IIBA's official literature. It serves as a distractor.
D. Passive Observation Approach: This approach requires the BA to observe the SME without any interaction or interruption. The BA would not ask questions during the session.

1. International Institute of Business Analysis. (2015). A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide) (Version 3). IIBA.

Section 10.30.2 (Description): "Observation may be active or passive. In active observation

the business analyst may ask questions of the stakeholder to confirm an observation or to probe for the reason why a stakeholder takes a particular action."

Section 10.30.3.1 (Elements - Observation Approach): Defines the "Active/Noticeable" approach as one where "The observer is visible to the participants and may ask questions to clarify what is being observed."

2. Sommerville

I. (2016). Software Engineering (10th ed.). Pearson.

Chapter 4

Section 4.2.3 (Scenarios): Discusses observation (ethnography) and the distinction between passive observation

where the analyst observes without participation

and active involvement

which aligns with the principles of an active observation approach. This textbook is widely used in university software engineering curricula.