subject: The Implementation of Business Analysis Tools [print this page] The Implementation of Business Analysis Tools
There is no way one can undermine the importance of the role of a business analyst in an IT organisation. A business analyst works to improve the overall productivity and efficiency of the business. The task is achieved by closely monitoring and analysing how business processes work. If certain processes are found to be lacking in meeting the requirements, then it is the responsibility of the incumbent in an IT business analyst job to suggest modifications and thereby bring about marked improvements. If the solution, thus recommended by the analyst is approved by the concerned authority then the suggested changes are promptly implemented.
The role and responsibility of business analysts vary in each of the organisations. However, the chief responsibilities, which more or less remain the same, are:
The analyst acts as a bridge between the software development team and the business team.
The analyst is responsible for conducting feasibility studies, preparing cost estimates, creating user manuals for business processes, planning testing schedules and preparing project briefs.
Making an analysis of the business processes to determine problems and implement the required solutions that help in the eventual improvement of the business process.
The analyst is also responsible for suggesting technical solutions for the usual business problems to the owners and stakeholders in the business.
Preparing the documentation or explanation of complicated business operations for software developers
It is necessary that a business analyst in an IT organisation masters the basics of computer programming. They should have a comprehensive understanding of Microsoft Office Automation, SQL, Visual Basic Programming, UML, reporting and data analysis. In fact, a candidate who has had an experience in IT can apply for the profile of an IT business analyst. There are many in .net jobs and other profiles who apply for the position of an IT business analyst at a later stage in their careers. A business analyst also needs to work on his/her skills of working in a team and coordinating with various team members for effective work management.
A number of tools are used for the sake of effective project management. These include tools such as SWOT analysis, bench marking and a balanced scorecard. The term SWOT stands for Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. This tool of analysis makes a review of the information available. Managers use the technique for determining how well the company can operate in particular economic scenario.
Benchmarking is a statistical business analysis tool and is used to determine the strength and weakness of a company based on its operational and financial ratios. The ratios that are taken into account include operational ratios, liquidity ratios and capital finance ratios.
Another tool that is quite frequently used for business analysis is a balanced scorecard. This is used to track the growth of a company's customer, financial and business processes. The financial aspect takes into account the total economic return of the company, the operational income and the capital financing processes. The business processes that are taken into account comprise procurement methods, production costs and product quality.
