Business Analysis Goals in Action

It is important to understand the goals of business analysis before beginning a project. Without understanding the goals of business analysis and how it may impact business goals, it can be difficult to put a value on the process or have a context with which to interpret the results of the investigation.

Understanding the Goals of Effective Business Analysis

There are several important objectives to keep in mind when conducting a business analysis. Goals should be considered not only in terms of the outcome the company is hoping to achieve but also in terms of the individual goals of each person and department contributing to the project.

Business analysis goals can typically be divided among a few broad categories. Analysts are tasked with finding ways to improve efficiency, reduce waste, identify and implement solutions, meet project deadlines, and accurately document the necessary requirements.

Due to the complex nature of modern business structures, there is often some overlap within these business analysis goals – as well as in who is responsible for delivering them. In many cases, business analysts, project managers, Six Sigma specialists and others must work together to achieve these goals.

However, it’s important to understand the significance of each business analysis goal and what the responsibility is in relation to it. The overarching objective of a business should be to become more efficient, effective, and profitable. It’s the business analyst’s role to determine and allocate the resources necessary to achieve those goals.

Business Analysis Goals and Information Technology

As a discipline, business analysis is closely related to IT. Business analysis goals often include a systems development aspect, in addition to other non-IT areas such as process improvement, strategic planning, and policy development. Some business analysts focus exclusively on developing and improving software systems, and may have titles such as IT business analyst, technology business analyst or systems analyst. However, most analysts are responsible for a wider spectrum of deliverables, and consider IT as just one component of their overall business analysis goals.

When it comes to IT projects, the initial business analysis goals are to determine the project requirements and the resources required to meet them. The analyst can help to estimate a budget based on the materials, systems, and manpower needed, and establish a timeframe for completion. From there, business analysis goals typically focus on meeting deadlines, controlling costs, and ensuring the solution is properly implemented.

Performing a thorough analysis of the specific challenges and opportunities of a particular IT project during the planning stages is one way to make sure strategies, goals, and milestones are incorporated from the beginning. The better your understanding of the risks and obstacles associated with a project, the greater your chances for success. That’s why it’s vital to have a clear outline of your business analysis goals before launching an IT or systems development project. After all, you can’t quantify your success unless you know what you’re measuring it against, and you can’t optimize your projects unless you identify where there is room for improvement.

Sharpen Your Business Analysis Skills 100% Online

If you’re already working in the field of business analysis, you might already know the importance of staying up to date with the latest terminology, tools, and best practices. To that end, formal training and certification may be essential to continued success. Whether you’re currently working toward your Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) or Certification of Capability in Business Analysis™ (CCBA®) certification or need professional education credits for recertification, Villanova University offers 100% online training that can help develop skills and knowledge to achieve business analysis goals.

Villanova has earned a reputation as a leading provider of online professional education. Villanova’s Certificate in Business Analysis consists of two required courses – Essentials of Business Analysis and Mastering Business Analysis – and one elective option.

In addition, the program supports the latest version of IIBA’s Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide) and can help prepare professionals for the CBAP® or CCBA® certification exam through IIBA.

With Villanova’s video-based e-learning platform, professionals can learn from experts in the field of business analysis and can view lectures via streaming video. They can also interact with instructors and fellow classmates through email, live chat, online message boards, two-way voice over IP (VOIP), and virtual whiteboards. Get the training and credentials to surpass business analysis goals and help advance your career potential with Villanova’s 100% online Business Analysis certificate courses.