The roles, responsibilities and key skills required across a variety of industry professions have evolved since their initial carnation and Business Analysis is no different. A field which can often be adapted, overlapped, and even overlooked in many situations, the role continues to evolve. We have seen this evolution in the past with similar, but very different aspects, adopted by Product Ownership, Systems Analysis and Data Analysis, to name a few.
Expected Trends
It is difficult to predict exactly what Business Analysis will look like in 2023, but it is likely that the following trends will continue to shape the field:
- Increased emphasis on digital transformation: As technology continues to advance, business analysts will play a crucial role in helping organisations adapt to new technologies and leverage them to achieve business objectives.
- Greater focus on customer experience: Business analysts will continue to play a critical role in understanding the needs and expectations of customers and designing solutions that deliver an exceptional customer experience.
- Data and analytics: Business analysts will continue to use data and analytics to inform business decisions, identify trends, and improve processes.
- Agile methodologies: Agile methodologies will continue to play a critical role in business analysis, enabling organisations to respond quickly to changing requirements and deliver value to customers faster.
- Collaboration: Business analysts will continue to work closely with cross-functional teams, including technology, product, and marketing teams, to ensure that solutions meet the needs of all stakeholders.
Overall, the role of business analysis will continue to evolve as technology and business needs change. Business analysts will play a critical role in helping organisations navigate these changes and deliver value to customers.
Expected Skills
In 2023, the following are expected to be the key skills for a Business Analyst:
- Data Analytics and Visualisation: The ability to collect, analyse and interpret data to support business decision making.
- Agile Mindset: Knowledge and experience with Agile software development methodologies and frameworks.
- Technical Knowledge: Understanding of technical concepts and software development lifecycle.
- Business Process Re-engineering: Ability to identify and analyse inefficiencies in business processes and implement solutions.
- Stakeholder Management: Communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills to effectively manage relationships with stakeholders.
- Problem Solving: Ability to identify and analyse problems, generate and evaluate alternative solutions, and recommend the best course of action.
- Project Management: Knowledge and experience in managing projects, including project planning, execution, and delivery.
- Domain Expertise: In-depth understanding and knowledge of a particular industry or business domain.
- Adaptability: Ability to quickly adapt to changes in technology, business, and industry trends.
- Digital Transformation: Understanding of digital technologies and their impact on businesses and how to drive digital transformation initiatives.
Many of these have been covered in a recent online IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis) event, along with others such as leadership and influence, systems thinking, creative thinking and decision making. The link to the full event can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:7021145555850444800/
All of the skills listed in this blog are those which any current or aspiring business analyst should look to have. Dependent upon the role which the Business Analyst plays within an organisation and the scenarios presented will dictate how impactful applying each could be. However, aligned with expected trends in 2023, it is still important to focus on them all and consider how each can be applied effectively and provide the most value in different scenarios.
