While the industries are still coming to terms with the business analyst's newly trending job, it is imperative to elaborate on a few points that clarify the necessity of this position and the factors that make it different from a project manager. A Business analyst is responsible for devising innovative and optimal revenue models for organizations. Although the Project managers have been long associated with business strategies and revenue plans, there is considerable confusion regarding both these positions' job responsibilities. This article intends to shed some light on the roles and responsibilities and a few pointers that differentiate the BA's works from that of a Project Manager.
A business analyst explores multiple structured and unstructured data pertaining to the organizations and infers crucial information that brings in more profits. He is technically the liaison between the project manager, financial manager, and the clients. The position of business analyst lies high in IT industries' organizational structure who validates essential business processes and policy changes in the company. A business analyst is also responsible for communicating with the stakeholders to bring businesses to the company. Analyzing profits or losses and interpreting customer feedback is also the forte of BAs who apply these crucial data to better business. Some other roles managed by a jr business analyst are understanding business opportunities and their market prospects and designing features for the business. The entry level business analyst jobs have a pay comparatively higher than the similar jobs and this has attributed BA jobs, the reputation of being a well-paid career prospect.
A project manager plays a crucial role in the organization and is responsible for managing every task involved in the project from the project conception to the development and delivery. A manager is assigned to manage a project while playing multiple roles like managing and delivering projects within a set deadline. He leads, motivates, and estimates the cost involved in the project execution. The project manager determines, analyzes, documents, and analyzes the risks involved in a project. In overall, a project manager manages and keeps track of the project while keeping the conformances in check till the end of the project.
While both professions work relentlessly to improve an organization's operations, there are considerable differences between them. A business analyst approaches teams to gather business process options and requirements; a project manager is responsible for coordinating the activities. The operational aspects of both jobs vary in terms of the audience they address. A business analyst devises business proposals to meet customer expectations, whereas the project manager takes care of the stakeholder's expectations. In all, a business analyst is concerned with the business scope and proposes documents revenue models & requirements; a project manager is responsible for defining a project scope that mainly involves scheduling the project, estimating the cost, identifying resources, and mitigating project risks within a scheduled delivery time.
Although a business analyst cannot advance in the organizational hierarchy, they are vital in IT firms that bring in essential business prospects. A project manager fits in any establishment, and the skills equip the professionals with an easy career shift to a business analyst.
Read More : Is the Embedded System an ideal career for You?