Agile Business Analysis Practice

Which role is primarily responsible for identifying the gap between the current and desired future situation?

1. Project Manager

2. Business Sponsor

3. Business Analyst

4. Technical Coordinator

The correct answer is: Business Analyst

The role of the Business Analyst is crucial in identifying the gap between the current situation and the desired future state within an organization. This is often referred to as gap analysis, where the Business Analyst evaluates the existing processes, systems, and challenges against the goals and requirements of the business. The Business Analyst engages with stakeholders to gather requirements and understand what the future state should look like. By facilitating discussions, conducting stakeholder interviews, and utilizing modeling techniques, the Business Analyst maps out the current state and outlines the path to achieving the desired outcomes. This role is specifically focused on understanding and bridging the divide between what is currently being done and what is necessary for success, making it a key function within Agile frameworks where adaptation and iterative improvement are prioritized. In contrast, while the Project Manager oversees project execution and can facilitate alignment with goals, their role is more about managing resources and timelines rather than conducting in-depth analysis of gaps. The Business Sponsor, often a senior stakeholder, is involved in providing direction and support for projects but typically does not engage in the detailed exploration of the current vs. future state. The Technical Coordinator usually focuses on the technical aspects and integration of solutions rather than identifying business gaps.