Abstract

In this IDC Perspective, we are approaching head-on the debate about the role of the business analyst in today's digital world. We talked to several organizations that participated in IIBA's 2021 study on analytics and businesses' ability to respond to change.

Business analysts are not a prerequisite in the digital age. There is a case for other roles being of greater importance. Good technical architects who design an IT platform for growth and speed are worth their weight in gold. So are great UX designers to better engage customers. Subject matter experts from the business are also a must-have.

"What is more important than the role, or what title it has, is the business analyst skill set," said Mark Schrutt, strategic advisor, Innovation and Public Sector Research at IDC Canada. "Companies won't get very far in the digital world without the soft skills of critical thinking, problem solving, and stakeholder engagement. These capabilities, which BAs have crafted over time, are the most critical in the digital age."

Coverage