The purpose of business analysis is supposedly to define a future that will allow an organization to achieve specific goals and objectives. In reality, the purpose of business analysis can be anything from mindlessly scribbling down “requirements” to predicting the future of the known universe.

Although often married to IT (Information Technology), business analysis is a fundamental business process regardless which organizational unit performs it. Because it defines the interface between people and technology, it is by nature complex. Based on experience gained in working with hundreds of organizations of various sizes world-wide, we identify distinct differences in business analysis as practiced at three levels.

In a nutshell,

1. Strategic Business Analysis identifies opportunities for improvement
2. Tactical Business Analysis flushes out the details of defined projects or initiatives
3. Operational Business Analysis deals with the evolving daily changes in the life of any change process

These three different careers or levels of business analysis share a great deal of common techniques. As the business analyst, you need to be aware of the level at which you are working to adapt appropriate business analysis techniques to your situation for maximum returns.

In this brief overview, you will learn the differences between strategic, tactical, and operational business analysis audiences, how-to's, and results. Furthermore, the author presents his view on the future of the Business Analyst profession.