Business Analyst consulting opportunities typically present themselves in the following categories:
Business Process Reengineering (BPR) Specialist
The need to model and understand the organizational or business environment within which an information system is intended to operate is well recognized. The recent concept of business reengineering further highlights the need to relate information systems to business objectives. When used innovatively, information technology can bring about dramatic improvements in organizational performance, such as increased speed, reduced costs, and improved quality and service. By enabling people to work in ways that were not possible before, information systems often play key roles in reengineered business processes.
Conceptual modeling techniques are applied by the Business Process Reengineering Specialist to help understand and redesign business processes.
Business Analysts typically define business requirements and perform application impact analysis. They are responsible for analysis and understanding the capabilities of package applications and provide solutions to complex business problems. The Business Analyst facilitates requirement's gathering sessions with the business requirements user groups, which includes creating requirements documentation using the Systems Life Cycle Development Methodology. The BA is also responsible for delivering detailed requirements and estimates for new functionality for a project or a maintenance requests. The business analyst role contributes to the acceptance of applications and enhancements via a formal test processes, by assisting the business through various phases of the projects up to, and including, stakeholder sign-off.
Business Transformation Architect (BTA)
Transforming the enterprise and prioritizing options against clear decision-making criteria requires a "big-picture" approach and includes a comprehensive understanding of enterprise mission and objectives. Business Transformation Architecture (BTA) practice straddles business and technology providing strong knowledge of good business practices combined with a sound understanding of architectural and technical issues. BTA's are typically able to articulate service visions, align Information Technologies with Enterprise Strategy, and share common solutions and best practices.
Current opportunities for professionals engaged in the practice of Business Analysis are found in this section.