Business Analyst’s knowledge can keep afloat even entangled project with a number of problems. What skills make Business Analyst a software project’s superhero?
Analytical skills
Business Analyst takes part in software development process since the initial stage providing needful project analysis on different levels. Working on Business-level, Software-level and Information-level requires a set of analytical skills:
- Critical thinking
Critical thinking is helpful in considering goals and needs, problem-solving and decision-making when BA has to choose one option from many. Business Analyst should apply critical thinking approach to all sides of the project — business, technology, end-users, etc. - Analytical thinking
Different analysis techniques like textual and visual models, scope of work evaluation and writing of requirements’ documents help Business Analyst provide efficient work within a project. Analytical mind is also a key to problem-solving. Analysis of various factors helps to find best solutions and prevent potential problems in provided context. - Technical knowledge
Basic IT knowledge helps Business Analyst to have clear vision of further software development process. When BA knows tech stack and programming principles, he easily writes a technical documentation and discusses possible tech solutions with software engineers.
Communication skills
Business Analysts spend a great part of time communicating with project stakeholders. They expect continuous support from BA within a project. BA can use various communication techniques including Discussion and Requirements Review Sessions. Work meetings, business correspondence and documentation writing require a set of communication skills.
- Spoken interaction
Everyday Business Analyst conveys a huge amount of requirements, ideas and opinions using verbal communication. Ability to ask the right questions and answer them correctly helps BA to understand all stakeholders’ needs. Verbal communication is also a key skill for arranging audio conferences and calls when information is perceived only by ear. - Written communication
Business communication using e-mail, Skype or other tools requires literacy and structured writing. Business Analyst is also responsible for writing different types of project documentation including project vision, user stories, business requirements, test cases, etc. Business Analyst should be self-restrained delivering written project information so that a reader can clearly understand it. - Listening
Besides clear explanation of his own thoughts, Business Analyst should be able to listen to others. Spoken interaction skills are more effective in conjunction with listening skills. Being a good and involved listener helps to gather and use actual information within the project. Good listening skills help BA to build honest relationships between stakeholders understanding the context of the project. - Interpersonal skills
Personality in business is as important as in friendship. Emotional intelligence, time management and the way you solve problems significantly affect communication. Business Analyst should keep calm resolving conflict situations. He should be also equipped with organizational and project management skills to deal with multitasking easily and guide development team during the project.
Exposit also engages skilled Business Analysts to conduct requirements analysis, make project decomposition, evaluation or provide you with other needful services. In case you need a team with BA, we are always ready to help.
