The need for software developer and business analyst duality
Today's complex and competitive business landscape is calling for a shift in the role of the software developer as we currently understand it. Increasingly, businesses are looking towards a particular hybrid of software developer and business analyst – someone who can scope and design software architecture while simultaneously considering business and stakeholder needs.
Traditionally, business analysts tended to be acquainted with the commercial side, but not necessarily the IT side, of a business. However, as businesses streamline, and global competition increases, the need for IT knowledge and experience in a business analyst is becoming more and more apparent. In fact, the best-performing business analysts are those born out of a company's own software-development team.
A business analyst should speak the same language as software developers
This is because one of their biggest duties is relaying information between stakeholders, software developers and programmers. Somebody with a software developer background will most likely know how best to translate a client's needs into a set of instructions that other developers and programmers can understand. He or she will also be well versed in the particular HR technology of that particular company.
A working knowledge of the developmental side of a project also means knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes. This can help to identify potential problems and shortcomings, while providing solutions and alternatives, as opposed to following a brief or building architecture that hasn't been considered from multiple angles and perspectives.
A large amount of information is channelled through an analyst, so this person will be able to make sure both sides of the fence (client and development) are hearing each other loud and clear. They will be able to deliver a far more effective project in far less time than the one who can't.
Acting as the middleman is not an easy role
Excellent communication skills are vital in knowing how to speak to people and how to ask the right questions to help clients determine exactly what they need. Such communication skills must also extend to writing documentation for developers so the process is always understood and clearly articulated. The ability to structure, coordinate and lead teams is also of extreme importance, as is being well versed in HR technology. Strong leadership skills need to be demonstrated.
According to Carey Schwaber, a senior application development analyst at Forrester Research, anyone who believes that software projects succeed or fail based on the quality of the requirements must believe that software projects succeed or fail on the basis of business analysts too. Now, more than ever, it is imperative to have someone in your organisation who can fulfil a dual role and cross-over the developer/analyst divide to act on behalf of both the software development organisation and its client.
