MBA161: Evolution of the BA Role

In this episode, you’ll discover the next step in the evolution of the role of the Business Analyst and if Agile spells the end of the BA role.  After listening to this episode, you'll understand: The origins of Business Analysis Why context is important when considering your responsibilities What to do to increase the value you provide in your current role If Agile means the end of the BA role SHOW NOTES Origins of Business Analysis The role of the Business Analyst stemmed from gaps in understanding between different groups and a need for a holistic viewpoint. In the early 80s, the role of a Systems Analyst started to become prevalent. The Systems Analyst is responsible for analyzing the technology as a whole and ensuring that all of the pieces work will together. But that’s only part of the puzzle. While the technology works well, we aren’t necessarily creating solutions that meet the needs of our organizations or our customers. As a result, a new type of analyst emerged from the business side of organizations; a Business Analyst. The Business Analyst focuses on the needs and wants of the customers and the business . . . Not just the technical aspects, but how the two pieces fit together. The problem that these first BAs were trying to solve is that there’s a gap between the different parts of an organization; usually between business and technology. The different terms and language that each area uses leads to gaps in understanding. To fill this gap, the first Business Analysts became translators between business teams and technology teams. From this role, BAs started to become a bridge. A bridge between business and technology. Between the problem and the solution. As the role continues to evolve and Business Analysts add more value, the role is starting to be seen as more of a consultant or trusted advisor; someone with subject matter expertise who people can go to for advice and who can make recommendations. This shift requires BAs to move from the tactical to the strategic. We need to be more forward-looking and understand not only needs and wants, but also our organization’s capabilities, the environment in which we operate, and what our competitors are doing. Provide Move Value A big part of what BAs do is to find ways to bring more value to our organizations. How we do that depends on the context of our role. Are you working in a traditional environment or an Agile Environment? Are you imbedded in a project team/development team or do you operate outside the team? Listen to the full episode to understand how you can add more value to your organization in your current contect and understand what’s next for the Business Analyst role. http://traffic.libsyn.com/masteringbusinessanalysis/MBA161.mp3 YOUR HOMEWORK Think about the immediate next step in the evolution of your current role and do one thing that will increase the value you provide to your organization and to its customers. Links mentioned in this episode: Dude’s Law The BA Career Path Thank you for listening to the program To get more valuable content to enhance your skills and advance your career, you can subscribe on iTunes and other podcatchers. Also, reviews on iTunes are highly appreciated! I read each review and it helps keep me motivated to continue to bring you valuable content each week. . The post MBA161: Evolution of the BA Role appeared first on Mastering Business Analysis.