Business analysis
SFIA 3: Definition
The methodical investigation, analysis, review and documentation of all or part of a business in terms of business functions and processes, the information used, and the data on which the information is based. The definition of requirements for improving any aspect of the processes and systems, and quantification of potential business benefits. The creation of viable specifications and acceptance criteria in preparation for the construction of information and communication systems.
Proposed for SFIA 4.0:
The methodical investigation, analysis, review and documentation of all or part of a business in terms of business functions and processes, the information used and the data on which the information is based. The definition of requirements for improving any aspect of the processes and systems and quantification of potential business benefits. The creation of viable specifications and acceptance criteria in preparation for the construction of information and communication systems.
Business Analysis
Posted by
davemartyn
at
2008-05-14 10:03 AM
I have had many discussions around the dividing lines between business analysis, business architecture (cf. TOGAF) and project management. The latter in respect of when is managing the change project management and when is it business analysis. The current business analysis skill description leaves this question open.
Business Analysis
Posted by
davemartyn
at
2008-05-21 08:50 AM
Further to my previous comment. Below are some examples of uncertainties between the 'Business analysis' and 'Project management' skills.
Business analysis at level 5 contains 'Defines, plans and justifies (in business terms) projects ...' Compare this with project management at level 4 'Defines, documents and carries out small projects ...' An inference here is that the caveat '(in business terms)' applies only to the justifies term. Therefore, the business analysis skill defines and plans projects - as does the project management skill.
Business analysis at level 6 contains '... overseeing development and implementing solutions ...' Again, project management at levels 5 and 6 'Takes reponsibility for the definition, documentation and satisfactory completion of ...', plus references to the project management skill managing, controlling and monitoring delivery and resources. These similarities make the definition of the verbs overseeing and implementing critical to correct understanding of the business analysis skill.
One conclusion from the the above observations is that we have written the 'Business analysis' skill more as a role description with multiple skills embedded within it. If we removed the project management skill inferences from it would we then have a real business analysis skill definition?
Business analysis at level 5 contains 'Defines, plans and justifies (in business terms) projects ...' Compare this with project management at level 4 'Defines, documents and carries out small projects ...' An inference here is that the caveat '(in business terms)' applies only to the justifies term. Therefore, the business analysis skill defines and plans projects - as does the project management skill.
Business analysis at level 6 contains '... overseeing development and implementing solutions ...' Again, project management at levels 5 and 6 'Takes reponsibility for the definition, documentation and satisfactory completion of ...', plus references to the project management skill managing, controlling and monitoring delivery and resources. These similarities make the definition of the verbs overseeing and implementing critical to correct understanding of the business analysis skill.
One conclusion from the the above observations is that we have written the 'Business analysis' skill more as a role description with multiple skills embedded within it. If we removed the project management skill inferences from it would we then have a real business analysis skill definition?
BA vs. PM
Posted by
kbrennan
at
2008-06-11 05:32 PM
The distinction we've developed at the IIBA between BAs and PMs covers this, I think (and it's in line with PMI's definition of project management). Business analysis is responsible for defining the characteristics of a solution that meets a business goal or strategic need. Project management involves defining the work required to implement a solution or meet a set of requirements, but not what the solution is.
Business and Systems analysis
Posted by
mikechad
at
2008-06-17 12:38 PM
There was a suggestion (at the PD National Forum) that systems analysis should be included as a separate skill, and Business Analysis should be "more business oriented". Any specific proposals for defining such changes would be welcome.
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