The term business analysis is a broad term given to the process of analyzing and
influencing three distinctly different aspects of the business, which combined, effect
the enterprise at every level, these are:
Business Strategy - Analyzing the strategic profile of the company and implementing
policy changes based upon this analysis.
Business Architecture - Analysis of the actual way in which the business functions.
This includes evaluating objectives and the resources and processes currently in
place to achieve them. Changes to the business architecture will be made based upon
this analysis.
Business Systems - Analysis of the businesses information systems needs, defining
required changes to information systems based upon this analysis.
The Three Phases of Business Analysis
Every time that business analysis techniques are applied, there is a natural three
phase progression, which can be explained thus:
Phase 1 - Why? - This phase is purely about fact finding. Normally, this will involve
the formulation of a feasibility study to examine the business case put forward for
changes.
Phase 2 - Work - In this phase the business analyst will develop a project or requirements
plan, which will need to be agreed with all stakeholders, and then implemented.
Phase 3 - Working? - This is the final phase, where any changes implemented need
to be proven as working. Additionally, at this phase the business analyst needs to
confirm that all requirements have been met.
