Part I Introducing the Business Analyst

T he first section of this book lays the foundation for professionalizing business analysis. In Chapter 1, we discuss the nature of projects in organizations today, the reasons for the rather dismal project success rate, and the need for more rigorous business analysis to increase project success. We then define business analysis and explain how it is different from other analysis activities that occur in businesses today.

In Chapter 2, we explore the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be a successful business analyst. We also discuss the collaborative relationship between the project manager and the business analyst, and finally, we discuss where the business analyst is placed in organizations.

In Chapter 3, we discover the importance of understanding project life cycles and provide an overview of the role of the business analyst throughout the business solution development life cycle.