Business Analysis

Business analysis is a professional discipline of identifying business needs and determining solutions to business problems. Solutions often include a software-systems development component, but may also consist of process improvements, organizational change or strategic planning and policy development. The person who carries out this task is called a business analyst or BA

Business analysts do not work solely on developing software systems. But work across the organisation, solving business problems in consultation with business stakeholders. Whilst most of the work that business analysts do today relate to software development/solutions, this derives from the ongoing massive changes businesses all over the world are experiencing in their attempts to digitise.

Although there are different role definitions, depending upon the organization, there does seem to be an area of common ground where most business analysts work. The responsibilities appear to be:

To investigate business systems, taking a holistic view of the situation. This may include examining elements of the organisation structures and staff development issues as well as current processes and IT systems.
To evaluate actions to improve the operation of a business system. Again, this may require an examination of organisational structure and staff development needs, to ensure that they are in line with any proposed process redesign and IT system development.
To document the business requirements for the IT system support using appropriate documentation standards.

In line with this, the core business analyst role could be defined as an internal consultancy role that has the responsibility for investigating business situations, identifying and evaluating options for improving business systems, defining requirements and ensuring the effective use of information systems in meeting the needs of the business.

What is a Business Analyst (BA)?

The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) describes the role as “a liaison among stakeholders in order to understand the structure, policies, and operations of an organization, and to recommend solutions that enable the orits goals.”

A Business Analysts (BA) contributes to the success of IT projects by bridging the gap between the viewpoints of business managers and IT analysts. The role of the BA is to describe the business problem, solution alternatives, and deliverables of a project in business terms. The BA adds value through better defined projects resulting in more successful technology and knowledge solutions. The result is lower risk, more cost effective, and highly successful projects.

The BA understands business management practices and processes and is an advocate for the business leader. The BA has the skills to apply industry-best-practice business analysis and the competencies to build relationships and to effectively communicate business and technology concepts and solution values to many audiences. The BA is a valued enterprise team player.

Business Analyst Duties & Tasks

Some of the duties and tasks we perform include but are not limited to the following:

Assist in the preparation of user and system test plans
Construct process models to design and develop system software
Deliver change with minimal impact to the business
Develop strategic business plans that incorporate budgetary requirements and resources
Enhance the functionality and effectiveness of the current computing systems of the business
Gather relevant business information and analyse policies, procedures and work practices
Identify clients specific business needs and make recommendations for cost-effective system and software solutions
Implement new systems and provide training and documentation to users
Liaise with other IT professionals and key stakeholders
Negotiate with clients regarding various options
Prepare tenders, written proposals and requirements specifications

Business Analysis

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