Business Analysis Myths Debunked — Without Sugar Coating
If there was ever a role in a team that was always undermined and dismissed, it’s definitely the BA role. Everyone, except us, has a strong opinion about our job. Our value is often belittled, our worth is frequently questioned, and our existence itself is considered irrelevant! Our noble predecessors have bled for the worthy cause of proving our worth and establishing our roles in organizations. My business analyst brethren will have their tales of woe to tell! Well, maybe I am being slightly dramatic here, but, in the process of trying to contribute towards the betterment of the Business Analyst community, allow me the pleasure of addressing some of the Old Wives’ Tales…
1. Business Analysis is a documentation job
Throughout my career, if I had a rupee for every time someone tossed their documentation task my way, just because “(I am) the BA”, I’d be a millionaire!
Business analysis is a vast area of expertise. It can be compared to an ocean, and documentation is just one drop of water in that ocean. In fact, it is so comprehensive that the practice of Business Analysis has been segregated into 6 knowledge areas by the IIBA (the governing body for business analysis).
So yes, we Business Analysts can bring much more value to the table, than doing just your documentation work.
2. Anyone can do the BA part
Business Analysis work (or BA work) is definitely not rocket science, but, if you try to go about doing “BA work” the way you perceive business analysis to be, without any guidance or training, you, my friend (and your team, and also your organization) are in a big mess. As the popular Sri Lankan saying goes —
“දැන ගියොත් කතරගම, නොදැන ගියොත් අතරමග”
(If you know the way, you will reach your destination, but if you do not know the way, you will end up nowhere)
Don’t take me wrong, I am not trying to scare away BA enthusiasts. Like any other job role, the BA role too requires the honing of certain skills. Business analysis will be a walk in the park when you get yourself trained, do some self-study, and a lot of reading. You need to know what Business Analysis actually is, by understanding its core concepts and knowledge areas.
3. We don’t need a BA in the team
“We don’t need a BA in the team because — ”
- “this is a small project”
- “business analysis is not required for projects”
- “the client does not see the need for a BA”
and a whole load of excuses…
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If you want to make that small project, a not-so-small mess, by all means, carry on with that mindset. Business analysis work commences at the pre-project stage, continues throughout the project lifecycle and the post-project stage. Incorporating business analysis practices into the project ensures that the maximum value is delivered successfully. Yes, clients are entitled to their opinions, but service providers have a duty to recommend the best possible practices to ensure the successful completion of the project.
4. Boys / Girls are better as BAs
No, no, and no. The governing body for Business Analysis itself has formulated the set of competencies that best support the practice of business analysis, and gender is definitely not one of those attributes. If you’re curious about the competencies, you could have a look at this article. (The (Not So) Secret Ingredients of a Competent Business Analyst)
As you reach the end of this article, I hope this was instrumental in setting your mind at ease on some of the most common myths related to the practice of Business Analysis and the role of Business Analysts. If you feel this has been a tad bit harsh — facts are best presented without overly sugar coating when it comes to myth-busting.
To the fellow BA who’s reading this article — Do let me know your thoughts and comments! :)
References
BABOK Guide v3
