Business Analysis is the set of activities performed to support the delivery of solutions that align with business objectives and provide continuous value to the organization. It involves identifying needs, defining requirements, and ensuring solutions drive business success.
Key Aspects of Business Analysis
- Aligns Solutions to Business Goals – Ensures projects meet strategic objectives.
- Improves Decision-Making – Provides data-driven insights for stakeholders.
- Facilitates Requirement Gathering – Defines project scope and expectations.
- Drives Continuous Value – Focuses on maximizing long-term business impact.
Core Business Analysis Activities
- Stakeholder Engagement – Identifying and collaborating with key decision-makers.
- Requirements Elicitation – Gathering, documenting, and refining business needs.
- Process Analysis – Evaluating and improving business workflows.
- Solution Assessment – Ensuring proposed solutions meet business needs.
- Risk Analysis – Identifying potential obstacles to business objectives.
Example Scenarios
Software Development
A business analyst gathers user requirements for a new CRM system, ensuring the software aligns with sales team needs.
Operational Efficiency
An analyst reviews existing workflows and recommends automation solutions to improve productivity.
Market Expansion
A company plans to enter a new market, and business analysts assess customer demand, competition, and regulatory requirements.
Why Business Analysis Matters
- Ensures Project Success – Aligns initiatives with business priorities.
- Reduces Risk – Identifies and mitigates potential challenges early.
- Optimizes Resources – Ensures time and budget are spent on high-value activities.
- Supports Continuous Improvement – Helps businesses adapt to evolving needs.
See also: Requirements Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Process Analysis, Risk Analysis.