We all know about the love/hate relationship project managers have with business analysts. My experience with them has been very good. In some cases, I don't know what I would have done without them. What is your experience with BA's? Saving Changes...
When it is good, it is very good. When it is bad, it is horrible.
As usual, it comes down to the people involved, their understanding of their respective roles, and how well work flows between those roles.
Kiron
Thanks Kiron. Any juicy stories?
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1 reply by Kiron Bondale
Mar 12, 2020 9:29 AM
Kiron Bondale
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I have lots of "bad" BA stories. Almost as many as the "bad" PM ones I've got :-)
Seriously though, there is an overlap in required competencies to be an effective BA and PM, but there is sufficient difference in accountabilities and tools that conflicts can occur.
However, I've found that when I've managed a project where I've had a good BA, they can be the best "wing-man/woman" I'd ever want. Of course, they are probably thinking the same thing :-)
Kiron
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Deepesh RammoorthyICT Project Manager ( PMP®AgilePM®Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®))| Australian Red Cross Blood ServiceTarneit, Vic, Australia
Came across a BA that said that the requirements specifications they created were always "perfect" and there was no need / room to change.
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1 reply by Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
Mar 11, 2020 7:20 PM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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Now that's confidence!
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Manuel PerezProject Management Coordinator| Las Vegas Valley Water DistrictNorth Las Vegas, Nv, United States
BI’s mostly gather information, determine operational objectives, evaluate outputs, and make reports/charts to be used by management to make decisions. The PM ensures the project collect and provide all the necessary information the BI needs to do his job. For sure, the BI do not plan and execute projects. Saving Changes...
Came across a BA that said that the requirements specifications they created were always "perfect" and there was no need / room to change.
Now that's confidence!
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1 reply by Deepesh Rammoorthy
Mar 11, 2020 8:47 PM
Deepesh Rammoorthy
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That same BA also mentioned that "Developers" were not supposed to contact the customers directly to clarify requirements and anything should always go through them.....
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Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Business Analysis when performed 'right' is an amazing asset to the organization. I don't have any stories, and have fortunately had good experiences, including when I was the BA :), but could definitely see some chaos from a poor BA.
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1 reply by Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
Mar 13, 2020 4:21 PM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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That's good to hear Andrew.
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Deepesh RammoorthyICT Project Manager ( PMP®AgilePM®Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®))| Australian Red Cross Blood ServiceTarneit, Vic, Australia
Mar 11, 2020 7:20 PM
Replying to Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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Now that's confidence!
That same BA also mentioned that "Developers" were not supposed to contact the customers directly to clarify requirements and anything should always go through them.....
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1 reply by Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
Mar 13, 2020 4:22 PM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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Sounds like a non-agile shop, or just an autocratic BA.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Sante
In our company, as consultants, we do both BA / PM work so my experience with myself has been good so far :D
RK
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1 reply by Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
Mar 13, 2020 4:23 PM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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Ah Rami, yes I have met a few PM/BA. Good to know that you have both PMI certs in their respective fields.
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Anton OosthuizenSenior Business Analyst / Project Manager| Self EmployedPretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
I'm both so I'm probably my own worse nightmare :)
I believe what Kiron said is true but for most things. I have always believed that the link between PM and BA is very clear and there should be a role that encompasses both. I have performed both roles at the same time but also separately and to be honest, I have never come across a love/hate situation. Some conflict like we get in any project team, yes, but nothing that is not manageable.
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1 reply by Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
Mar 13, 2020 4:25 PM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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Thanks, Anton. I have seen several love/hate relationships between PM's and BA's, but it's all part and parcel of stakeholder engagement.
I agree with Kiron that it's all about the people. I've had the fortune of working with some exceptional BAs who seem to just "get" what we're trying to achieve and what the impact/bigger picture is.
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1 reply by Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
Mar 13, 2020 4:27 PM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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Thanks, Emily. Great BA's have a knack of giving concise, clear and truthful information.
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