What all work does a Business Analyst do?

Answer 1

As business becomes more complex, the Nation’s firms are continually faced with new challenges. Firms increasingly rely on business analysts to help them remain competitive amidst these changes. Business analysts analyze and propose ways to improve an organization’s structure, efficiency, or profits. For example, a small but rapidly growing company that needs help improving the system of control over inventories and expenses may decide to employ a business analyst who is an expert in just-in-time inventory management. Business analysts first define the nature and extent of the problem. During this phase, they analyze relevant data—which may include annual revenues, employment, or expenditures—and interview managers and employees while observing their operations. The analyst then develops solutions to the problem. While preparing their recommendations, they take into account the nature of the organization, the relationship it has with others in the industry, and its internal organization and culture. Insight into the problem often is gained by building and solving mathematical models.

Answer 2

Generally, they sit in a cubicle and update spreadsheets and write reports using MS Word templates. Sometimes, they leave the cubicle to go to training or meetings. About half the time, a savy Business Analyst will be surfing the internet while pretending to work. They often participate in projects that are allegedly intended to improve the business, but since most are not aware of what creates value for the business, these efforts are often frivolous and can occassionally be detrimental. As new books are written and new business fads develop, business analysts often try to justify their worth to the organization by learning new buzz words and creating incredible drama around very simple and common concepts, such as organization and task completion. Essentially, to be valuable to a business, you need to create something new, produce something valuable, or sell a product. Analysing a business that you have never contributed to and cannot not hope to comprehend won't get you very far on the corporate ladder.