Applying Business Analysis Techniques in Business Data Analytics Contexts

In today’s data-centric world, the value of a well-executed data-driven approach is widely recognized. Equally important — but sometimes underestimated — is the critical role that Business Analysis (BA) plays in enabling and enhancing such initiatives.

To effectively drive data initiatives, Business Analysts are increasingly leveraging the Business Data Analytics (BDA) discipline. According to the IIBA Guide to Business Data Analytics [1], BDA encompasses six core practices:

1. Identify the right business problem or opportunity for data analytics
2. Source the data
3. Analyze the data
4. Interpret the results
5. Use data to influence decisions and drive action
6. Guide organizational strategy with analytics

Let’s explore how traditional business analysis techniques can be applied within each of these BDA domains.

1. Identifying the Business Problem

Clearly defining the business problem is the foundation of any successful data initiative. It aligns the data analytics efforts with organizational goals and ensures that the analysis delivers actionable insights.