4.4 Knowledge Area Summary
In this section we have seen a view of the business part of the organization which is often
undiscovered by much of the Information Technology staff. The section lays a firm
foundation for learning about the specific instantiations of the business practices within the
organization. For BA’s without “business experience” this section provides a vocabulary for
effective discussion and learning. Learning to be a fully “bilingual” BA, speaking both
Information Technology and Business fluently, adds both personal and professional value. By
developing a better understanding of the business and creating a partnership with other
portions of the organization, the CSBA will add value to each project activity. In each of the
areas considered, the CSBA is exposed to the full range of potential job requirements, while
being focused on those which will have the most impact.
By understanding the nature of “for-profit” and “not-for-profit” organizations and the
alternative structural decisions that can be made, the BA will now be better able to place
specific project activities in their proper context. They will be able to associate project activity
with organizational Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives in a way that is actionable.
A consideration of how and why organizations receive funds and revenues expands on the
earlier exploration of organization types. Project timing is one of the essentials for success in
many organizations. Business Analysts who are not fully aware of the potential impact of a
project on funding sources or timing may make the wrong decisions. The CSBA is now able
to combine that knowledge with the skills to understand where their organization is in the
marketplace, who their customers/clients are and how they interact with vendors and
suppliers.
Within the framework of organizational risks and opportunities, with constrained resources
and limited horizons, decisions must be made on which project to pursue and which to
abandon. The CSBA now has the tools to understand (or even develop) the information
needed to make those decisions. Creating information out of raw data is a significant
communication skill. By looking at potential risks and rewards at increasing levels of detail,
the BA is able to participate in the process. This detail includes not only competitive risks, but
also those posed by the regulatory environment.
This information needs to be evaluated and placed in context for effective decision making.
The Business Analyst, often in concert with the Project Manager, or working at their
direction, will now be able to bring all of the pieces together in products which communicate
the financial, legal as well as technical issues to stakeholders, using tools such as Risk
Analysis documents, SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat) Analysis, and
Cash Flow Analysis to complete an effective Feasibility Study.