Business analysts work in IT, right?

Scott Lieberman
3 min readApr 9, 2023

Business analysts examine massive amounts of data using data analytics to assist firms in streamlining their operational procedures. In order to promote better business outcomes, they subsequently communicate these findings to executives and stakeholders.

Business analysts can be used for projects in other departments as well as IT projects, even if some of their tasks are related to the latter. It is anticipated that this growth will continue, especially as more companies begin to run their operations using data.

Business analysts frequently work on projects where the emphasis is on technical and functional needs. According to Bob Gregory of Bellevue University, they identify and rank these requirements.

Without efficient requirements collection, design difficulties, development delays, and cost overruns may have a substantial influence on project prices, schedules, and scopes. This is why gathering requirements well in advance of the commencement of a project is crucial.

You can have a better understanding of what you need to deliver to stakeholders by taking the time to interview them and document their objectives and expectations. It can serve as a reliable foundation for monitoring project progress.

Finding answers to challenges is done through the process of doing business analysis. To determine what the organization wants and how to acquire it, experts in this industry use a variety of applications and methods.

Additionally, because they are frequently in charge of spotting new innovations and changes that can boost output or boost profitability, they can act as change agents inside an organization. They might also help with education and assistance for those who will be impacted by these new procedures and systems.

Tools including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, SQL, Google Analytics, and Tableau are frequently used by analysts to examine data and provide visualizations that can help them explain their results. Additionally, they can create new models and systems by using their programming talents.

In an effort to address business needs, business analysts are frequently engaged in the development or updating of computer systems. Additionally, they serve as change agents by bringing new technologies and advising CEOs on how to enhance operations.

Design is typically a primary function of these roles because the bulk of business analyst positions, as they currently exist, deal with software projects. This implies that in order to produce thorough functional specifications for the technical team to implement, you must comprehend the requirements of the business stakeholders.

A business analyst’s job should involve finding solutions that satisfy user and company needs and coordinating them with organizational goals, objectives, functions, and procedures. You should also be able to do options analysis, evaluate operational effects and feasibility, calculate prospective business advantages, and participate in business case creation.

To develop test cases and offer commentary on the quality of the application, business analysts frequently collaborate with QA specialists. Additionally, they assist in creating the documentation that a software team uses as a foundation for its work. Business analysts may also be in charge of testing the finished item. End-to-end testing and acceptability testing are included in this.

A business analyst’s role as a change agent includes introducing new technologies and procedures to a firm. They can achieve this by examining business requirements, spotting the potential for improvement, and suggesting productivity-boosting solutions.

This position is crucial to making ensuring that an organization’s IT systems and procedures run smoothly. For this reason, technical skill lists are frequently included in job descriptions for business analysts.

Businesses can enhance their operations with the aid of business analysts by putting new systems and technology in place. These adjustments may result in greater effectiveness, lower costs, and the identification of fresh business prospects.

Business leaders across the organization frequently receive the results and recommendations of business analysts. Providing information, reports, and presentations are examples of this.

The business analyst might also oversee initiatives for the adoption of fresh strategies and procedures. In order to do this, project plans must be made, progress must be monitored, and team members must be coordinated.

The process of implementation can be laborious and expensive. This is why identifying risks is crucial before starting a project. By doing so, you will be able to modify your original objectives and make sure that everyone is working toward the same goal, preventing pointless delays and expenses.

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Scott Lieberman

Senior business analyst Scott Lieberman is also the company's president and owner. Preferred Pool Management Inc.