What is a business analyst?

What is a business analyst?A business analyst is a person whose job is toanalyze business needs and critical problems forthe stakeholders and propose practical solutions.Many times this is done with a project proposal.The business analyst is to study the proposal,determining which would be the best course ofaction to reach the proposed solution. Attimes this can not be done.The plan and solution may look good on paper.When it comes time to implement the program,people and teams can be divided. 50% of all

project proposals fail due to a lack ofcommunication. The business analyst must alsobe a good people person to make the teams worktogether for the betterment of the business.The entire project is based on saving money.When a qualified business analyst can not performhis or her duties because of the lack ofco-operation, the result is a waste of time andmoney. The project is doomed for failure. Abusiness analyst must be able to use negotiationskills and motivational techniques for the entireproject to succeed short term and long term.A business analyst will listen. Instead ofjumping ahead and looking at the goal, he or shewill take the time to understand the needs of thecompany. Asking questions is a key element tosuccess in the world of business analysis. Ifthe business analyst fails to comprehend the trueneeds of a company, the project can be sidetrackedwith issues unrelated. Again, the result would

be failure.A certified business analyst has been trained toread and recognize omissions in the projectproposal. He or she will understand the need foroutsourcing certain tasks. Choosing to usein-house personnel or outside resources will besomething the professional business analyst candetermine by assessing the needs of the company.This may be where a lack of communication or eventeam failure comes into the equation. A goodanalyst will explain as the project progresses soeach team knows what is happening.The business analyst may be hired to complete aproposed project but he or she must pull thecompany together as a whole. A good analystknows company failure can result because ofdivision in the offices or departments. He orshe will see to it the company as a whole can seethe vision of the business. He or she willexplain how each department is integrated with

the other. The project proposal may include morethan is listed. The proposal may take anotherroute to get the job done. A business analystfamiliar with the industry involved will be ableto recognize the overlooked or not so obviousissues involved.There are times when services from outsidesources may be utilized by the business. Thebusiness analyst is trained to understand theimportance or lack of need for these sources. Heor she can determine the most cost effective wayto use the sources. The business analyst mayfind directing the designated tasks to in-housedepartments more beneficial to the company.This is part of researching the project proposal.The business analyst is to determine the most costeffective way to reach the goal and still succeedwith a bottom line net profit.