Business analysts are at the forefront of driving organisational success by analysing data, identifying opportunities, and recommending solutions. It is a dynamic field that combines critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills to shape the future of businesses in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Business analysts are essential in bridging the gap between business objectives and technology solutions. Their responsibilities include:
Business analysts work closely with stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into detailed requirements for software development or process improvements.
They assess the viability of proposed solutions and evaluate potential risks and benefits.
Business analysts develop comprehensive business cases to support project justifications and secure necessary resources.
Business analysts act as intermediaries between business stakeholders, project managers, and development teams to ensure clear and effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.
Business analysts create detailed business requirements documentation and manage their changes throughout the project.
They analyse data to identify trends, patterns, and insights that inform business decisions.
Business analysts collaborate with testing teams to ensure that developed solutions meet the specified requirements.
Analysts assist end-users in adopting new systems or processes and provide training and support as needed.
You must possess the following skills to land a rewarding career as a business analyst.
Analysts must have strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify and evaluate business needs and propose effective solutions.
Practical verbal and written communication skills are vital for interacting with stakeholders, facilitating workshops, and documenting requirements.
Understanding business processes, strategies, and industry dynamics enables business analysts to align technology solutions with business objectives.
Familiarity with software development methodologies, database concepts, and data analysis techniques is valuable for business analysts working on technology-related projects.
Business analysts often work in cross-functional teams and must facilitate productive discussions, resolve conflicts, and build stakeholder consensus.
Business analysts should be open to learning new technologies, industry trends, and business domains to stay relevant and deliver valuable insights.
Some standard requirements include
They focus on technology-related projects like software development, system implementations, or IT infrastructure improvements.
Analyses market trends, customer behaviour, and marketing campaigns to provide insights and recommendations for marketing strategies.
Works with financial data, perform financial modelling and forecasting and supports decision-making related to financial planning and investments.
Analyses business processes, identify inefficiencies and suggests improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
Business analysts have excellent career prospects and opportunities for growth, such as:
As organisations rely on data-driven decision-making and process improvements, the demand for skilled business analysts remains high.
Business analyst salary in Malaysia starts from RM 34000 per annum. Still, it varies based on location, industry, experience, and organisation size. Generally, business analysts receive competitive salaries that reflect their expertise and value in bridging the gap between business and technology.
Business analysis is evolving with advancements in technology and changing business needs. Some current trends include the increased adoption of agile methodologies, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in data analysis, and the growing importance of data-driven decision-making.
Business analysis skills require formal education, practical experience, and continuous learning. Pursuing relevant certifications, attending training programs, participating in industry events, and gaining hands-on experience in requirements gathering, data analysis, and project management are effective ways to enhance business analysis skills.
Business analysts often use a variety of tools to facilitate their work. Commonly used tools include,
While specific qualifications may vary, essential requirements for business analyst jobs typically include a bachelor's degree in a relevant domain, such as business administration, computer science, or information systems. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills and proficiency in business analysis techniques and tools are essential.