What is a Business Analyst – Data Projects?
Data Projects Business Analysts perform business analysis on the functional requirements and solve project challenges through information technology solutions. Their role is significant in articulating the functionality and design of a project, per the client’s requirements, to the software developers and testers.
A business analyst will collaborate with project managers, key stakeholders, third-party software providers, and consultants. The full scope of the project will fall within the purview of the business analyst, enhancing the quality of IT services.
Business analysts bridge the gap between IT and business management using data analytics to assess requirements and deliver data-driven insights to the stakeholders.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Identify and compile business requirements and translate them into detailed functional specifications
- Evaluate the elements of systems design, wireframes, business and data migration rules and other deliverables
- Work with the development team to ensure a complete understanding of all technical specifications to meet business requirements
- Develop improvement strategies to meet the business needs and develop business process modelling procedures
- Run A/B testing and create applicable scenarios for the testing teams
- Work on risk assessment by carrying out quality checks to determine the need for any corrective actions
- Identify training needs for team members and develop related programs
- Support the Project Manager in adhering to project budgets and on-time project delivery, among other challenges
- Representing the requirements through UML Modelling and documenting it
Requirements
- Understand the functional requirements of a company and develop methodologies and reporting systems to reduce or correct dysfunction
- Extract relevant data, provide insights for improvements and secure implementation if needed
- Demand management approach: forecast, plan for, and manage the demand for products needed for the project
- Coordinate with the team to brainstorm and discuss required implementations for improving process efficiency
- Ability to present new strategies and technologies for implementation to stakeholders
- Strong analytical and oral presentation skills to coordinate with IT directors
- Willingness and flexibility to work in an agile environment
- Take part in brainstorming new ideas, developing new plans to increase the return on investment
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration is preferred
- 3+ years of industry experience in computer applications, data and analytics is often required
- Proficiency in programming languages like SQL, Python and R is a bonus
- Experience with ELT/ETL (Extract, Load, Transform/Extract, Transform, Load) tools like Talend, Matillion, and Kafka
- Creative problem-solver, possessing excellent analytical skills and knowledge of current market trends
- Knowledge and use of software development methodologies and processes (Agile, Waterfall, and Lean)
- Excellent Knowledge of Business Intelligence tools like Tableau, Power BI and Looker
- Excellent interpersonal, project management, and organisational skills
Role of a Business Analyst
Many business people think that business analysts work with technology systems only, referencing only a portion of their expertise. However, business analysts will possess a strong background in information technology and business administration. Over time business analysts often become subject matter experts in Data and Analytics.
Business analysts work with business stakeholders to formulate and communicate the business vision for the project. They map out the initial requirements, define the project scope, and communicate it to the rest of the team. Business analysts need superior technical competency overlaid with excellent communication skills to break down complex technical challenges into terms and scenarios understandable to project stakeholders. A Business Analyst takes part in pre-project analysis and decision making on how best to invest project resources in the required technology.
A Business Analyst typically will spend their day conducting research, developing and implementing strategies for already defined data projects. They will work with stakeholders, creating data, using the information to make strategic data-driven decisions and communicating results and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences. A Business Analyst will evaluate and modify business processes, analyse the software requirements, and improve those processes impacted by the technologies supporting the projects.
Career Path
With relevant experience, business management skills, and technological expertise, a Business Analyst will transition into senior business analyst, business consultant, programme manager, or senior programme manager positions. Employers in this field require candidates seeking senior positions to possess supervisory experience and expertise in technical requirements analysis, modelling and methodology development, and data visualisation techniques.
According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a Business Analyst in the UK is £42,768 pa. The salary varies depending on the industry and the candidate’s experience.
Project Manager Vs Business Analyst
A project manager is an internal role that manages the project requirements, from team management to coding and testing and managing the entire product development life cycle. The project manager is responsible for ensuring each aspect of the project functions optimally and produces a successful outcome.
A business analyst will work with stakeholders and the development and technical teams to strategise future business goals and increase the organisation’s operational efficiency. They will articulate business and technical requirements to the project managers, coordinating with stakeholders and other key players.
Business Analyst – Data Projects Job Description Template 
We are looking for a dedicated Business Analyst to join our team to support and ensure the successful completion of data projects. The ideal candidate will possess the knowledge and excellent understanding of data and business requirements to develop innovative business solutions to benefit the organisation.
Business Analyst – Responsibilities
- Create, analyse, and validate functional specifications
- Identify complex business problems and determine technological solution
- Gather data and define objectives to resolve project issues
- Provide suggestions on hardware and software components to assist business goals
- Develop improvement initiatives to meet business and user needs
- Work with system architects and developers to ensure system implementation
Requirements
- Run projects analysis and assess business processes based on data analytics
- Maintain IT standards and determine future business processes
- Willingness and flexibility to work in an agile environment
- Take part in brainstorming new ideas, developing new plans to increase the return on investment
- Strong analytical and oral presentation skills to coordinate with IT directors
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration is preferred
- 3+ years of industry experience in computer applications; data and analytics is often required
- Proficiency in programming languages like SQL and Python; R is a bonus
- Experience with ELT/ETL (Extract, Load, Transform/Extract, Transform, Load) tools like Talend, Matillion, and Kafka
- Excellent analytical skills and knowledge of current market trends
- Knowledge and use of software development methodologies and processes (Agile, Waterfall, and Lean)
- Knowledge of Business Intelligence tools like Tableau, Looker, and Power BI
- Excellent interpersonal, project management, and organisational skills
