The Role of a Business Analyst

The Role of a Business AnalystThe role of a business analyst can be verydifficult. He or she must wade through the massof information presented to determine theunderlying problems. This information may ormay not be correct. The business analyst muchresearch to comprehend the true situation of thebusiness. The information supplied to thebusiness analyst is given from many perspectives.Opinions can influence how one perceives therelated issues. At times, the opinions can addunrelated information which only complicates therole of a business analyst.

Problems can occur for the analyst when personswith the business know how try to explain whatmust be done. The role of the business analystis to understand what is the desired outcome. Heor she will listen and put into perspective whatis being relayed. The business analyst will beable to determine what is feasible and what justcan not be done. The role of a business analystis that of a problem solver. Understanding bothaspects as a user and as one affected by theapplication will allow the business analyst toperform his or her role.The role of a business analyst is to merge theInformation Technology (IT) department with thebusiness departments. He or she will be able toseparate the separate the individual teams whilestill maintaining a uniform team managementsystem. Teaching these two teams how to work toovercome obstacles and strive for completion ofa goal is a main directive for the business

analyst. He or she will act as a liaison betweenthe two. Performed correctly will result inproject completion. Success will be achieved.Management may be impatient when the businessanalyst begins resolving the project programissues. The role of the business analyst willallow him or her to understand the project scope.He or she will determine what the projectobjectives are and who is trying to implement them.The business analyst will assess the needs anddetermine the project goals. He or she will notjump ahead to the solution without utilizing theproper steps. A good business analyst will beskilled in explaining the structure of each stepand co-ordinate them with each department. Thiswill reassure management the job is being done ina timely manner.The perfect business analyst is one who was a user.In other words, he or she understands thecomplications of being with the IT team. The

business analyst will be able to explain theproject scope from the lay person's perspective.He or she will not get lost or caught up in tryingto explain technicalities or formulas. Ratherthe business analyst will explain each process asa stepping stone to reach the ultimate goal. Thelack of communication has resulted in almost 50%of project failures. Informing each departmentinvolved, in a way they will understand, can meangreater success.The role of the business analyst is not to jumpto the end and start with the solution. This willonly result in failure. Assessing the needs todetermine what is actually required will allowthe business analyst to implement the steps tosuccess. There are times when management willthink otherwise. The business analyst shouldtry to make all parties understand what isimportant and what is not relevant. This ensuresall information needed to identify the solutionhas been presented. In the end, the business

analyst will be able to determine if the solutionwill meet the requirements designed in theproject proposal. This will ensure success forthe business analyst and the company.