What is business analysis?

Business analysis: definition and overview

Business analysisSelf-paced is a professional discipline that involves understanding business needs and problems, eliciting and documenting requirements, and proposing solutions that drive process improvementNo and deliver value. It acts as a bridge between stakeholders and technical teams, ensuring that strategic objectives are aligned with operational execution. Reputable bodies such as the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA)PMI-ACP define business analysis as the practice of enabling change in an organisational context by defining needs and recommending solutions that yield benefits for key stakeholders.

Key responsibilities of a business analyst

The 10 hoursbusiness analyst plays a critical role throughout project lifecycles and change initiatives. Their main responsibilities include:Self-paced

• Requirements elicitation: Facilitating workshops, interviews, and surveys to gather needs from stakeholdersNo
• Requirements documentation: Creating clear business and technical requirements using various formats (e.g., PMI-PBAuser storiesStill not sure which course is right for you?, use cases)Chat with an advisor
• Gap analysis and feasibility studies:Choose how you learn Assessing current and desired future states to highlight improvements and evaluate solution viability Our PMI-ACP and PMI-PBA courses are delivered as self-paced online training, so you can study whenever it suits you. Teams can also arrange group access and coordinated study plans.
• Reviewing proposals to ensure solutions address documented requirements and deliver value
• Change management: Supporting the transition of solutions into the business and managing effects on people and processes

• £449Business process modelling: Creating diagrams (such as BPMN) to visualise business processes
• Stakeholder analysis:Enrol now Identifying stakeholder interests, influence, and engagement needs
• User stories : Documenting concise functional requirements, typically in Agile projects
• Feasibility study:{"@context":"http://schema.org","@type":"EducationEvent","name":"PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) self-paced online","startDate":"1970-01-01","endDate":"1970-01-01","description":"PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) self-paced online","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/agile/pmi-acp","eventStatus":"EventScheduled","eventAttendanceMode":"OnlineEventAttendanceMode","audience":{"@type":"Audience","name":""},"aggregateRating":{"@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":"4.8","reviewCount":"227"},"location":{"@type":"VirtualLocation","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/agile/pmi-acp"},"image":["https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/training-courses/res/logos/knowledge-train-logo.svg"],"offers":{"@type":"Offer","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/agile/pmi-acp","price":"","priceCurrency":"","availability":"http://schema.org/InStock","validFrom":"2026-06-04"},"performer":{"@type":"Person","name":"Susan Tuttle"},"organizer":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Knowledge Train","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/agile/pmi-acp"}} Analysing proposed solutions for practicality and viability
• Data analysis: Using quantitative and qualitative data to inform decision-making{"@context":"http://schema.org","@type":"Course","name":"PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) self-paced online","description":"PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) self-paced online","image":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/training-courses/res/logos/knowledge-train-logo.svg","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/agile/pmi-acp","provider":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Knowledge Train","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/agile/pmi-acp"}},"courseCode":"PMIACPO","coursePrerequisites":"","educationalCredentialAwarded":"","audience":{"@type":"Audience","name":""},"assesses":"","learningResourceType":"presentation","teaches":"","about":"PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) self-paced online course","abstract":"","copyrightHolder":"Knowledge Train","keywords":[""],"offers":{"@type":"Offer","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/agile/pmi-acp","price":"449","priceCurrency":"","availability":"http://schema.org/InStock","category":"Paid","validFrom":"2026-06-04"},"hasCourseInstance":[{"@type":"CourseInstance","name":"PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) self-paced online","description":"PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) self-paced online","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/agile/pmi-acp","image":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/training-courses/res/logos/knowledge-train-logo.svg","courseMode":"Online","maximumAttendeeCapacity":"16","performer":{"@type":"Person","name":"Susan Tuttle"},"location":{"@type":"VirtualLocation","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/agile/pmi-acp"},"offers":{"@type":"Offer","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/agile/pmi-acp","price":null,"priceCurrency":null,"availability":"http://schema.org/InStock","validFrom":"2026-06-04"},"courseSchedule":{"@type":"Schedule","startDate":"1970-01-01","endDate":"1970-01-01","repeatCount":1,"repeatFrequency":"Daily"}}]}

Business analysis tools and methodologies

Key tools

• Requirements management software (for example, Jira, Confluence, or Azure DevOpsPMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) self-paced online)
• Process mapping tools (such as Visio, Lucidchart) £449
• Mind mapping and collaboration software
• Data analysis tools (for example, Excel, Power BI)Enrol now

Methodologies

• BABOK (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge): The leading global standard published by IIBA , outlining best practices and techniques for business analysis{"@context":"http://schema.org","@type":"EducationEvent","name":"PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) self-paced online","startDate":"1970-01-01","endDate":"1970-01-01","description":"PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) self-paced online","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/business-analysis/business-analyst-course/pmi-pba","eventStatus":"EventScheduled","eventAttendanceMode":"OnlineEventAttendanceMode","audience":{"@type":"Audience","name":""},"aggregateRating":{"@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":"4.8","reviewCount":"227"},"location":{"@type":"VirtualLocation","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/business-analysis/business-analyst-course/pmi-pba"},"image":["https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/training-courses/res/logos/knowledge-train-logo.svg"],"offers":{"@type":"Offer","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/business-analysis/business-analyst-course/pmi-pba","price":"","priceCurrency":"","availability":"http://schema.org/InStock","validFrom":"2026-06-04"},"performer":{"@type":"Person","name":"Susan Tuttle"},"organizer":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Knowledge Train","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/business-analysis/business-analyst-course/pmi-pba"}}
• Agile : An iterative methodology focusing on flexibility, frequent delivery, and collaboration (often using user stories){"@context":"http://schema.org","@type":"Course","name":"PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) self-paced online","description":"PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) self-paced online","image":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/training-courses/res/logos/knowledge-train-logo.svg","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/business-analysis/business-analyst-course/pmi-pba","provider":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Knowledge Train","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/business-analysis/business-analyst-course/pmi-pba"}},"courseCode":"PMIPBAO","coursePrerequisites":"","educationalCredentialAwarded":"","audience":{"@type":"Audience","name":""},"assesses":"","learningResourceType":"presentation","teaches":"","about":"PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) self-paced online course","abstract":"","copyrightHolder":"Knowledge Train","keywords":[""],"offers":{"@type":"Offer","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/business-analysis/business-analyst-course/pmi-pba","price":"449","priceCurrency":"","availability":"http://schema.org/InStock","category":"Paid","validFrom":"2026-06-04"},"hasCourseInstance":[{"@type":"CourseInstance","name":"PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) self-paced online","description":"PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) self-paced online","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/business-analysis/business-analyst-course/pmi-pba","image":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/training-courses/res/logos/knowledge-train-logo.svg","courseMode":"Online","maximumAttendeeCapacity":"16","performer":{"@type":"Person","name":"Susan Tuttle"},"location":{"@type":"VirtualLocation","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/business-analysis/business-analyst-course/pmi-pba"},"offers":{"@type":"Offer","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/business-analysis/business-analyst-course/pmi-pba","price":null,"priceCurrency":null,"availability":"http://schema.org/InStock","validFrom":"2026-06-04"},"courseSchedule":{"@type":"Schedule","startDate":"1970-01-01","endDate":"1970-01-01","repeatCount":1,"repeatFrequency":"Daily"}}]}
• Waterfall methodology :Need training for your team? A linear, phased project approach suitable for well-defined requirementsEasily enrol multiple courses online in a single checkout, or

Choosing the right methodology depends on project size, risk, stakeholder needs, and desired adaptability.request a bespoke quote

Essential skills and competencies for business analysts for tailored group training.

• Analytical and critical thinking
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement
• Attention to detail in requirements documentation
• Problem-solving and solution assessmentThis PMI-ACP course gave me structure and focus for preparing for the exam, and helped consolidate my agile experience into a coherent framework.
• Knowledge of business and technical requirementsJenny L., Agile Project Manager
• Proficiency in process improvement and data analysisWhy choose Knowledge Train?

Certification and career progression PMI-aligned exam prep

BCS Our courses follow the PMI-ACP and PMI-PBA exam content outlines, helping you focus on what matters most for your chosen certification. offers globally recognised certifications, such as Clear, structured learningBusiness Analysis Foundation , Content is broken into logical modules so you can progress step by step, revisit tricky topics, and build confidence over time.International Diploma in Business Analysis Flexible self-paced study, Practitioner certificates in Requirements Engineering Access your training online whenever it suits you, making it easier to study alongside demanding projects and personal commitments., Practical, applied focusModelling Business Processes , and Examples and scenarios show how PMI concepts apply in real agile teams and business analysis work, not just in theory.Business Analysis Practices Supportive team.

The Our support team can help you plan your study path and understand next steps for booking PMI-ACP or PMI-PBA exams directly with PMI.International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) Consistent quality offers globally recognised certifications, such as ECBA, CCBA, and CBAP, based on the BABOK Guide PMI courses sit within our wider portfolio of project, agile, and business analysis training, so you benefit from a provider focused on this space.. Certifications demonstrate expertise in requirements elicitation, stakeholder management, and business analysis best practices. Aspiring business analysts may also pursue project management or change management qualifications to support broader career progression.

Related concepts

• Project management
• Requirements engineeringKnowledge Train provided clear information about exam eligibility and next steps, even though the exam itself is booked directly with PMI.
• Change managementVictor D., Senior BA
• Quality assurance
• Systems analysis