Business Analysis Practice Manager - IT

Transcription

1 Business Analysis Practice Manager - IT It s about you Do you understand how systems, processes and technologies can contribute to an organization s performance? Are you a people person who can see the big strategic picture as well as connect the dots on the details? If you are passionate about improving the quality and practice of business analysis, then a job as a Business Analysis Practice Manager may be for you. What is IT business analysis practice management? Business analysis focuses on designing, modifying, and expanding business information and communication systems to support business objectives that make organizations more efficient, effective and profitable. It is a unique function that works more closely with other parts of the business than any other IT group. It occupies a unique position ensuring effective communications between an organization s business systems user community and its technology solutions development community. Business analysis practice management is a special area that exists in some organizations with large business analysis teams. It involves setting up and evolving the so-called governance framework of quality standards, practices and tools for the business analysis function. For example, it may define a specific process for gathering user requirements using a detailed checklist of interview questions designed to obtain information about the various functions and reports required from a new IT system. Or, it may set the standard for the professional certification of IT Business Analysts hired into the organization. The result of these efforts is the creation of a Centre of Excellence that establishes business analysis as a core competency for an organization. What is the role of the IT Business Analysis Practice Manager? A Business Analysis Practice Manager oversees an organization s business analysis practice by establishing, monitoring, and evolving the processes, standards and methodologies used by its IT Business Analysts at different levels who may or may not directly report to this Manager. The Manager also develops structures to reduce risk and support high-quality outputs that are aligned to business needs and ensure there is consistency in approach. For example, he or she may establish a process for quality-checking all client deliverables (e.g. a report summarizing the business needs assessment 1

2 based on stakeholder interviews). Furthermore, the Manager acts as liaison between the business analysis function and senior leadership, ensuring that business analysis is a value-adding segment of the business. Areas of focus [there are no particular areas of focus for this role] Main Duties Main duties and related activities of Business Analysis Practice Manager: Practice Development The Business Analysis Practice Manager is responsible for developing and institutionalizing the competency (or in other words, the function or practice of business analysis). Key activities: Develop strategic, operational and budget plans for the business analysis function Establish best practices in standards and processes for conducting business analysis across the organization, including quality, efficiency and effectiveness measures. This could include recommendations for certification requirements for Business Analysts and documenting/building a corporate repository of business processes. Consult across the organization, as required, on the application of the business analysis tools and methods Consult on curriculum for business analysis training requirements In some firms, this Manager may also be called upon to advise on the cost effectiveness of existing and proposed IT investments and prioritize business analysis projects accordingly 2

3 Communication and Relationship Management The Business Analysis Practice Manager has oversight to a team of Business Analysts and acts as their representative to the rest of the organization and external stakeholders. Individuals in this role are focused on building good working relationships. Key activities: Communicate regularly with Business Analysis Managers/Business Analysts to keep them up-to-date on the firm s business analysis best practices Interface regularly with leaders of other departments to define business analysis project direction and system change priorities Act as a direct contact for the business analysis function within the larger organization Participate in local or international associations to keep abreast of new developments and to provide input on the development of industry-wide business analysis practices Performance Monitoring and Compliance In some organizations, the Business Analyst Practice Manager will have accountability for the overall quality standard of business analysis activity across the organization. Key activities: Oversee multiple high-profile projects to ensure they are executed in a timely, efficient and effective manner in line with the firm s business analysis best practices Ensure that analysts are adequately certified and/or trained and adhering to the prescribed business analysis methodologies Resolve escalated issues relating to business analysis elements of projects Develop and maintain business analysis templates and processes for the organization and creation of a community of practice of IT business analysts to share knowledge across the organization Align business analysis practices, templates and processes with other IT process within the organization (e.g. quality assurance testing, project management, systems development) 3

4 Practice Performance Management In additional to technical expertise, the Practice Manager may also manage team performance. Key activities: Set performance standards and expectations for the team - defining what success looks like and how it will be measured Provide leadership coaching to the Business Analysis Managers (e.g. assist them in the process of conducting annual performance reviews for their Business Analyst reports) Assist Business Analysis Managers to create personal and professional development plans that include on- and off-job learning and development opportunities for themselves and their BA reports Provide ongoing motivation, coaching, guidance, feedback and mentoring to Business Analysis Managers Identify training needs for Business Analysts and Managers Ensure employee engagement by understanding individuals strengths and needs and helping the practice to mature appropriately Work Context, Knowledge, Skill Requirements and Applicable Experiences Work Context The majority of the Business Analysis Practice Manager s time is spent in meetings with members of the practice, internal clients, IT colleagues, vendors and members of the senior executive team. For example, this would involve communicating and interfacing with IT leaders and executives to obtain buy-in for enterprise standards and processes. Depending on the scale of the organization and its business analysis function, the role may involve travel to other business locations. 4

5 Given the project-related nature of the function, the Business Analysis Practice Manager may often interact with virtual/global teams, responding to issues and, at times, working outside of traditional business hours. The Business Analysis Practice Manager would be expected to take a highprofile external role on behalf of the organization, attending relevant subjectmatter-specific external meetings and conferences. Knowledge The Business Analysis Practice Manager requires specific knowledge of: Project and program management and the associated methodologies, techniques, processes and approaches to manage the IT business analysis projects Expert understanding of Project and Portfolio Management Methodology (PPM) Technology architecture Technical trends and financial marketplace knowledge Resource management tools including cost and productivity management and measurement Change management tools and methodologies Technical skills The Business Analysis Practice Manager requires specific technical competencies: Developed analytical skills with the ability to solve complex and ambiguous problems that may be technical in nature Creation of multi-year functional roadmaps with demonstrated ability to advance the strategic importance of a role or department Multi-project resource allocation and management Ability to budget and organize a project Ability to oversee multiple concurrent projects from start to finish 5

6 Soft skills The Business Analysis Practice Manager requires specific soft skill competencies: Ability to lead teams and mentor Business Analysis Managers and Analysts in a dynamic, fast-paced environment Strong written and verbal communication with the ability to communicate technical terms in non-technical language Ability to consult with external customers and manage expectations and relationships with all stakeholders Proficient in dealing with situations involving sensitive interpersonal dynamics Applicable Experience There are a number of different types of work experience that are applicable to the role of Business Analysis Practice Manager. People with experience in developing mission-critical project requirements and deliverables in all business analysis phases of the system development life cycle (project planning, system analysis, system design, implementation, integration and testing, acceptance, installation and deployment, and maintenance) will do well as a Business Analysis Practice Manager. For example, experience leading teams to implement an online banking platform from project planning to execution to maintenance to measuring improvements in the customer experience would bring valuable experience to the role of Business Analysis Practice Manager. 6

7 Education, Certifications, Designations, and/or Licenses Entry Level Position [this is not an entry-level position] Senior Level Positions More senior positions typically require: þ College diploma þ Undergraduate degree In the fields of: Computer Science Management Information Systems Business Certifications and designations Certifications and designations may include: Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA) Project Management Professional (PMP) Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP) Six Sigma Green and Black Belts 7

8 Professional Associations Professional Associations may include: International Institute of Business Analysts (IIBA) Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Association of Canada (PMAC) International Project Management Association (IPMA) International Society of Six Sigma Professionals (ISSSP) Association of Business Process Management (ABPM) Representative Job Titles Director, Business Analysis Head of Business Analysis Account Manager Business Analysis Manager Career Pathways Moving in to the role To move into a Business Analysis Practice Manager role, you may start out as an IT Business Analyst, Project Manager or other IT-related role. These positions provide exposure to the various processes involved in business analysis practice management. 8

9 Progression beyond the role Typically, the Business Analysis Practice Manager position is a career destination role which is satisfying to experienced professionals. Many remain in their role for the remainder of their careers. It is also possible to move laterally into a functional management role within the IT department or to become an external consultant. Or, if the Business Analysis Practice Manager chooses to go back to doing what he or she does best, there is a possibility to move back into a senior IT Business Analyst role. External Factors Impacting the Role Education, certification and professionalization of the field of business analysis continue to develop. Also, organizations are increasingly recognizing the role of high-quality business analysis in successful project delivery and enterprise risk management. As a result of these factors, the role of Business Analysis Practice Manager may become more prevalent. Employment Trends and Outlook Employment Trends As a specialized area in the discipline of business analysis one that includes a more diverse range of competencies - the role of Business Analysis Practice Manager is relatively uncommon and most often found in larger organizations with sizable business analysis teams. In smaller organizations, it is possible that some of the functions of the Business Analysis Practice Manager are combined into a Business Analyst Manager or other IT manager role. This role represents another potential step on the career path for a Business Analyst, making it a sought-after position. It is a role that is likely to be more prevalent in the future as the discipline continues to develop, offering even more opportunities for those with an interest in this area. 9

10 Compensation Business Analysis Practice Manager positions are typically salary-based with the potential for a performance-based bonus. 10