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...
Oluwaseyi Johnson AkinolaGroup Managing Director / Chief Operating Officer| THE IBUILD GROUPIsolo, Lagos, Nigeria
BA at times presents a conflicting project evaluation from those of a PM. And if not well assessed, criticized and a compromise is arrived for a More Realistic Project delivery plan and implementation procedure the Whole investment gets messed up and stakeholders get disappointed and frustrated.
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1 reply by Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
Mar 13, 2020 4:28 PM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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Oluwaseyi, I have seen a few of those in my time, but the vast majority have been a good experience.
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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1 reply by Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
Mar 13, 2020 4:29 PM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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True Kiron, and that's a good analogy: the best wing man/woman.
Like Kiron, I believe a good project manager will have some business analysis skills. Because of that skill set, you are in a better position to work with project BAs. Put yourself in the place of the BA and you should be fine.
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1 reply by Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
Mar 13, 2020 4:30 PM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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Stephane, I've definitely picked up BA skills over the years as a PM.
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.
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.....
Sounds like a non-agile shop, or just an autocratic BA. Saving Changes...
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.
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. Saving Changes...
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.
Thanks, Emily. Great BA's have a knack of giving concise, clear and truthful information. Saving Changes...
BA at times presents a conflicting project evaluation from those of a PM. And if not well assessed, criticized and a compromise is arrived for a More Realistic Project delivery plan and implementation procedure the Whole investment gets messed up and stakeholders get disappointed and frustrated.
Oluwaseyi, I have seen a few of those in my time, but the vast majority have been a good experience. Saving Changes...
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
True Kiron, and that's a good analogy: the best wing man/woman. Saving Changes...
