From the course: Business Analysis Foundations

What is the role of a business analyst?

From the course: Business Analysis Foundations

What is the role of a business analyst?

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- Let's look beyond the definitions to the individuals who perform these activities. The business analyst: both IIBA and PMI define the business analyst as any person who performs business analysis, no matter what their job title or organizational role. This role also varies based on a couple of different factors: the type of industry, size of the organization, maturity of the organization in terms of both project management and business analysis practices, as well as the project life cycle approach and methodology. More important than the role or position are the actual activities that they perform. So, regardless of an individual's position or role in the organization, business analysts are focused on understanding the current needs in relation to the overall strategic objectives and goals of the organization, and then helping achieve these goals. A lot of what they do comes down to helping with change. The role is often different depending on the situation. The BA may be involved when a new product is created or a current product is enhanced. They can help solve a problem by understanding the situation and helping propose a solution. Often, their skills are used to help project team members better understand the needs of the customer. There are two organizations where you might find a business analyst: first, in a business organization; or secondly, as a key member of a project team. As part of the business organization, the BA plays a role in helping craft strategic objectives, setting the future direction of the organization. This knowledge and understanding is then transferred to others who will support these objectives through projects or programs. In other organizations, the business analyst is on a project team. Their role is to provide understanding of the solutions for the identified problems or opportunities. Basically, the BA is the person that has to explain the solution. They explain why and what actually is involved. There's a number of ways these solutions can be provided. Changes to ongoing operations may be required, or a continuous improvement initiative may need to be supported by a project or a program. The role provided by a business analyst continues to evolve, and that's really because they're so valuable across so many different situations. The analytical skills of the business analyst helps with several things. They're able to understand and define problems or opportunities more specifically. They see how these fit into the overall strategy of the organization. They understand and explain the reasons why projects were selected. An increasingly important role of the business analyst is that of a change agent. Change is inevitable, but it's hard. It's change from the current state to a desired future state. As Mark Twain once said, "I'm in favor of progress; it's change I don't like." By working closely with individuals at all levels within an organization, the business analyst is able to understand how any change may impact them, and therefore, they're more likely to embrace it.

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