BA Technique #22: Functional Decomposition

Breaking down complex systems or processes into smaller, manageable components or functions

Erivan de Sena Ramos
4 min readNov 5, 2023

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Photo by DCP on Unsplash

Hey, BAs in the house! We're back with another captivating Business Analysis technique from The BABOK Guide v3. Hold tight as we break down complex systems into manageable components with the technique of Functional Decomposition. It can help Business Analysts to dissect processes, analyze interactions, and gain a holistic understanding of system functionalities for practical analysis. Off we go!

What is this technique about?

Functional decomposition has its origin in mathematics. It simplifies complex things by breaking them into smaller parts and understanding how they fit together. It’s like solving a puzzle and seeing how each piece contributes to the whole picture. It’s a great way to tackle complexity and clearly understand how things work.

In Business Analysis, Functional Decomposition is a technique that involves breaking down a complex system or process into its constituent functions or sub-components. It enables Business Analysts to understand the various interdependencies and relationships between different system parts, providing a structured framework for analysis and decision-making.

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Erivan de Sena Ramos

Business Analysis & Requirements Engineering enthusiast. Information Systems & Software Engineering specialist. MBA in PM & HR. CBAP, PMP, CSM, ITIL & COBIT