Business analyst

Business Analyst (BA)

Business analyst

A business analyst (BA) is a professional who analyzes an organization or business domain and documents its business, processes, or systems, assessing the business model or its integration with technology. Business analysts help guide businesses in improving processes, products, services, and software through data analysis.

Roles and Responsibilities

Business analysts are responsible for identifying business needs and determining solutions to business problems. Solutions often include a systems development component, but may also consist of process improvement, organizational change, or strategic planning and policy development. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting market analyses
• Analyzing both product lines and the overall profitability of the business
• Developing and monitoring data quality metrics
• Ensuring business data and reporting needs are met

Skills and Competencies

Business analysts require a mix of skills, including:

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of business structure
• Stakeholder analysis
• Requirements engineering
• Process modeling

Tools and Techniques

Business analysts use various tools and techniques to perform their tasks, such as:

• SWOT analysis
• PEST analysis
• Business process modeling
• Use case modeling
• Data flow diagrams
• Gap analysis

Education and Certification

Many business analysts have a background in business, information technology, or a related field. Certifications can enhance a business analyst's credentials, such as:

• Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Related Roles

Business analysts often work closely with other roles, including:

• Project manager
• Systems analyst
• Product manager
• Data analyst

Related Pages

• Business process management
• Requirements engineering
• Systems development life cycle
• Enterprise architecture
• Change management