Business Analysis- Tech or Not

Over the years, there has been a rise in the number of business analysts worldwide, especially with the demystified myth that business analysts do not need to be coding wizards. The Techie part of business analysis and the non-Techie part create the perfect blend of the BA’s skill set. It is necessary to state that there are different and evolving BA roles with varying technical demands.

What exactly is Business Analysis

According to the BABOK (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge V3), Business analysis enables change in an enterprise by defining needs and recommending solutions that deliver value to stakeholders. Business analysis enables an enterprise to articulate needs and the rationale for change and design and describe solutions that deliver value.

Business Analysis Toolkit

Every role has its toolkit; for business analysis, the toolkit largely depends on the task being performed, available technology, skillset of human resources, etc. There is expected to be a balance between the technical and non-technical skills that all business analysts perform.

Knowing that Business analysis is the bridge between business needs and IT solutions, some core tasks that can be performed and some of the technical skills tools used include; Solution definition and validation- Balsamiq, Figma, InVision; Requirement Management- Trello, Asana, Jira, Google Forms, Survey Monkey, Xmind; Process Modeling- Visio, Draw.io, LucidChart; Data Analysis/Visualization- PowerBI, Tableau, R, SQL, Python.

There is also a non-Technical, these spectrums would primarily include the following tasks and form the basis for an ideal BA skillset. There is a communication and collaboration, which clearly articulate complex data insights to both technical and non-technical audiences, collaborate effectively with stakeholders across different departments, active listening and interpersonal skills are key

Business Acumen, is also another business analysis toolkit that involves understanding the business domain and its objectives, translating business needs into actionable requirements, thinking strategically and seeing the bigger picture. Similar to this is problem-Solving & Critical Thinking. A business analysts must analyse problems, identify root causes, and develop solutions, think critically about data and challenge assumptions and have a strong analytical and decision-making skills are essential

The Future of Business Analysis

Due to the ever-increasing role of technology in business, the rise of automation, and its impact on all business activities, there is a call for business analysts in every organization to spearhead the change while being flexible with the changing business environment.

Automation will undoubtedly change the way BAs work. Repetitive tasks like data entry and report generation might be automated. However, this doesn’t mean BAs will become obsolete. Instead, their role will shift towards higher-level functions. Business Analysts would need to focus on, identifying opportunities for automation, defining the business rules and logic for automation, ensuring a smooth transition to automated processes for users and focusing on strategic analysis and user experience design.

The key to Business Analyst’s future success is adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning. BAs must continuously update their skills to stay relevant in a rapidly changing technological landscape. This would include developing expertise in new technologies relevant to their industry, honing their soft skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking, embracing a growth mindset and being open to new ways of working.

By embracing technology and focusing on evolving skills, Business Analysts can ensure they remain valuable assets in the digital age. They can become the bridge between the ever-evolving technological landscape and the core business needs of organizations. The technical part of business analysis safely empowers business analysts to be valuable partners in the digital transformation business.

Business Analysis is not simply a “tech” role but undeniably requires a strong tech foundation in today’s world. Understanding technology’s role in business, translating needs into technical requirements, and collaborating effectively with IT professionals empowers BAs to be strategic partners in driving digital transformation.

The future of BA is bright, but it demands adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning. As technology reshapes the business landscape, BAs who embrace emerging trends, upskill in relevant areas, and focus on strategic analysis and user experience design will remain invaluable assets. They will continue bridging the gap between business and technology, ensuring organizations leverage technology effectively to achieve their strategic goals.

So, is Business Analysis a technical role?

The answer is that it depends. While deep coding expertise isn’t necessarily required, a potent blend of business acumen and tech-savvy is essential for success in this ever-evolving field. If you’re an analytical thinker with a passion for business and a willingness to embrace technology, a career in Business Analysis might be the perfect path for you.

About the Author

Esther Oluwabusayo Folorunso, MBA, CBAP is an experienced and certified business analyst currently working in the US Higher Education Industry. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship/ Business Management from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria and an MBA in Management Information Systems from Fort Hays State University, Kansas, USA. She presently serves on the Board of the International Institute of Business Analyst, Tampa Bay Florida Chapter and is a speaker on everything from business analysis and Change.