by Derrick Brown and Jan Kusiak

When this paper was first published in 2003, business analysis was just starting to emerge as a distinct profession in its own right. Prior to this the role was often performed by the systems analyst who would carry out both the analysis and the design on a new system or enhancement. This often meant that a “problem” was made to fit the “solution”. The transition from telling the client what they would be getting - versus analysing their problems and recommending solutions – was still a new one for many organisations.

In this latest version of the paper Derek Brown and Jan Kusiak have updated the methodologies, techniques and tools references to reflect current trends and usage – but the mix of soft and hard skills which was the basis of the first version of this paper remains consistently relevant today. The business analyst can be confident that their fundamental skills will not be outdated anytime soon.