What Exactly Is a Business Analyst, Anyway?
o Start off things; let us say that, in case you where to ask ten distinct HR Professionals what a Business Analyst is, that you’d likely get about 10 distinct answers. Well that is basically the problem the emerging field of”Business Analysis” is confronting. So, to find a little clarity on the topic, let’s begin by dividing all analysts to the two major categories; business (non-technical) and technical. These can be the two major branches within the title. This is not to say that one is not able to or on occasion necessary to operate on each side of the fence. This only goes to demonstrate just how perplexing the title”Business Analyst” really is.
The first side of this very broad coin would be that the Company side. This will be those professionals that apply a specific methodology to provide solutions that raise the value of an organization or a small business.
The opposite side of the coin Will be the IT or Technical side. Now, this side has a simple use of applying specific methodologies to provide”technical” solutions to issues, which increases the capability of the company, which in turn increases the value of a company. Confused yet?
Many times Analysts have been hired to not just find the problems but to also provide alternatives. This is a completely different role than a project manager. As a general rule a company will acquire the services of a professional or a company to tackle a specific issue or problem it is facing. The analyst will then visit the company, collect data, apply principles and methodologies, and create a solution. At this time a requirements analyst will assess the needs and requirements (that may or might not be included in the solutions originally provided). This information is then passed to a Project Manger.
Fundamentally to describe what a business analyst Is, we must describe the work that a business adviser does. Since it doesn’t matter if the name is business analyst, process analyst, requirements analyst, operations analyst, business systems analyst, systems analyst, consultant, programmer/analyst, etc; the sole thing which makes an analyst an analyst would be the systematic approach to problems and solutions through classified methodic principles.
Just a Couple of the characteristics of a BA will be that the analyst;
• Works with companies to identify development opportunities in procedures or operations
• Gathers, files, and analyzes requirements and needs that a company may have
• The BA solves problems that firms have
There are Various organizations that produce or adhere to accepted standards of training in the discipline of business analysis. These associations will adhere strictly to certain methodologies that if properly employed will lead not only the analyst, but their clients, to a successful outcome regardless of current situations.
Methodologies can vary Greatly depending on the disciplines of the particular analyst or business. No single methodology is right or wrong; however keep in mind there are several well defined sets of disciplines which may be verified using a simple internet search. When an analyst asserts to use a specific system or subject, check out.
So Simply to sum up everything, a Business analyst is essentially defined as somebody who performs certain Tasks to create your business better. Like It’s Been said before, if you Have an issue with your vehicle, you find a mechanic. If you have a Problem with your health, you locate a doctor. If you have a problem with Your business, you find a company analyst.For more information click Financial Services Alastair Majury
