Recommended Learning Resources

• A.The resources below are provided as optional, supplementary reading and study for a motivated new OFA.
• B.None are required to complete this curriculum.
• C.A mentor should help a learner prioritize based on which stewardship area they most want to strengthen.

• A."Business Analysis for Practitioners·A Practice Guide" - Project Management Institute

A broad, practical overview of core business analysis techniques

• B."The Business Analyst's Handbook" by Howard Podeswa

A foundational reference on requirements and analysis techniques

• C."Software Testing" by Ron Patton

An accessible introduction to core testing concepts and vocabulary

• D."SQL Queries for Mere Mortals" by John L. Viescas

A beginner-friendly introduction to reading and writing SQL queries

• A.IIBA's Free Entry-Level Resources and Local Chapter Webinars

Useful for building business analysis vocabulary and networking with practitioners outside the Church

• B.Microsoft Learn's Free, Self-Paced Modules
• C.Supports the AZ-900, DP-900, and PL-900 certifications
• D.Useful even without pursuing the certification exam itself
• E.LinkedIn Learning Courses

Covers business analysis fundamentals and SQL basics, where available through existing organizational access

• F.Scrum.org's Free "Learning Series" Articles

Covers Scrum and Agile fundamentals

• A.The Companion OFA 2 - Developing Stewardship Curriculum

A natural next step once this curriculum's Completion Indicators are met

• B.The Operational Functional Analyst Stewardship and Capability Development Curriculum (Levels 3-5)
• C.Particularly its module on AI Enablement for OFAs
• D.A longer-term step once this curriculum's AI-Assisted Work sections are complete
• E.Mentor Office Hours and OFA Community of Practice Meetings

Where the most current, Church-specific tool and process guidance can be found