To start things off; let us say that, in case you where to ask ten distinct HR Professionals what a Business Analyst is, which you'd likely get about 10 unique answers. Well that is basically the problem the emerging field of "Business Analysis" is confronting. So, to get a little clarity on the topic, let us start by dividing all analysts into the two main categories; business (non-technical) and specialized. These can be the two chief divisions within the title. This is not to say that you isn't able to or sometimes necessary to work on each side of the fence. This just goes to demonstrate just how perplexing the name "Business Analyst" is.
The first side of this very wide coin is the company side. This is those professionals that employ a particular methodology to provide solutions that raise the value of an organization or a small business.
The other side of the coin will be the IT or Technical side. Now, this aspect has a basic function of applying specific methodologies to provide "technical" solutions to issues, which increases the capability of the business, which in turn increases the worth of a company. Confused yet? OK, moving on.
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Many times analysts have been hired to not only find the problems but to also supply solutions. This is a very different part than a job supervisor. As a general rule a company will acquire the help of a professional or a firm to tackle a specific issue or problem that it is facing. The analyst will then go to the company, collect information, apply principles and methodologies, and create a solution. Currently a requirements analyst may evaluate the needs and requirements (this may or may not be included in the solutions originally supplied). This information is then passed to a Project Manger. The PM will then follow their methodologies that are proven and techniques to generate the final product on budget and on time, hopefully.
Fundamentally to describe what a business analyst would be, we have to describe the job that a business analyst does. Since it is irrelevant if the title is business analyst, process analyst, requirements analyst, operations analyst, business systems analyst, systems analyst, advisor, programmer/analyst, etc; the only thing that makes an analyst an analyst would be the systematic approach to issues and solutions through classified methodic principles.
Just a few of the characteristics of a BA is the the analyst;
• Works with businesses to identify improvement opportunities in processes or operations
• Gathers, documents, and analyzes requirements and needs that a company may have
• The BA solves problems that firms have
There are different organizations that create or adhere to accepted standards of practice within the discipline of company analysis. One of which would be the certifying agency of the International Institute of Business Analysis another would be the Object Management Group. These organizations will adhere strictly to certain methodologies that if properly employed will lead not merely the analyst, but their clients, to a successful result regardless of current scenarios.
Methodologies may fluctuate greatly based on the disciplines of the specific analyst or business. No single methodology is wrong or right; however do keep in mind you will find several well defined collections of disciplines that may be verified with a simple internet search. If an analyst asserts to use a particular system or discipline, check out.
So just to sum everything up, a company analyst is basically defined as somebody who performs particular tasks to create your business better. Like it's been mentioned earlier, if you have a problem with your vehicle, you find a mechanic. If you have a problem with your health, you find a physician. In case you have a issue with your small business, you find a company analyst.
