What does a business analyst do ?

To understand the role of a business analyst, it is important to start with the fundamental concept that the presence of a business forms the cornerstone of their vocation. A business consists of a series of processes, individuals, and regulations that kind of dictate how an organization operates and how it functions. As business analysts, it is our primary objective to understand all of this. 

Understanding Business Objectives 

Business analysts are essential because they bridge the gap between the business's objectives and its operations. When a business decides to implement changes, typically to increase profits or reduce costs, this shift is termed as a business objective. A BA's primary responsibility is to understand what is the real reason behind this request change.  

Why are we inducing changes? What are we try to improve, what should we be able to do (better) in the future. Whythe business requires to achieve these objectives, often referred to as required capabilities or requirement? A pivotal task for a BA is to decipher the requisites essential for attaining of these objectives. These requisites are often known as required capabilities or in short – requirements.  

These required capabilities come together to form what is known as the solution—a sort of blueprint for fulfilling the business's objectives. 

From Solution to Implementation 

However, having a solution drawn out on paper is not enough. To bring this solution to life , a project is initiated. Within the realm of the project, a team of skilled professionals collaborates to execute the plan. 

A business analyst does not operate in isolation but alongside fellow team members, including designers, developers, testers... These roles obviously vary depending on the subject and required expertise.” 

Collectively, these roles, including the business analyst, are indispensable team components necessary for the successful execution of a project. 

Project Management: Orchestrating the Symphony 

While a business analyst plays a crucial role in defining the solution and understanding the business's requirements, it is the project manager who orchestrates the entire ensemble of resources. They ensure that the project progresses smoothly, adheres to timelines, and achieves its objectives. 

To clarify the distinction between a project manager and a business analyst: a project manager oversees the project as a whole, managing resources and ensuring its successful delivery. In contrast, a business analyst focuses on understanding the business, its objectives, and translating these into a concrete solution. So the role of the business analysts should start way before a project is even started, but it is also important for the business analyst to remain up until the end of the delivery of the initiative, and even after that. 

Conclusion 

In essence, the role of a business analyst is to serve as the bridge between the business's objectives and the execution of a solution. It involves understanding the business, defining requirements, and collaborating with other professionals to bring the solution to reality. 

Contraste Europe relies on a team of experienced Business Analysts. Their ability to listen, their curiosity, their rigour and their organisational skills are the pillars of their success in understanding clients' needs and proposing innovative solutions. With in-depth expertise in key sectors such as finance, our team is ready to take on the most complex challenges and help businesses succeed.