A business analyst is a person whose job is to analyze business needs and critical problems for the stakeholders and propose practical solutions.  Many times this is done with a project proposal.  The business analyst is to study the proposal, determining which would be the best course of action to reach  the proposed solution.  At times this can not be done.

The plan and solution may look good on paper.  When it comes time to implement the program, people and teams can be divided.  50% of all project proposals fail due to a lack of communication.  The business analyst must also be a good people person to make the teams work together for the betterment of the business.

The entire project is based on saving money.  When a qualified business analyst can not perform his or her duties because of the lack of co-operation, the result is a waste of time and money.  The project is doomed for failure.  A business analyst must be able to use negotiation skills and motivational techniques for the entire project to succeed short term and long term.

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The project scope is the core of an individual project.  Without a project scope the project will just float.  Proper needs assessments and other intricate details will be overlooked.  Each project is designed to resolve issues the stakeholders are experiencing in their company.  These well meaning individuals will dump data and information charts, lists and figures presumptuously on the desk expecting it to all make sense.  The “here’s the problem, fix it” attitude can be frustrating.  There are numerous feature requirements which must be met.  It is unclear as to what to prioritize where.  Cost estimates may not be accurate.  Delivery dates are tentative.  It is enough to make someone through up their hands in desperation and say “I QUIT!”.  The trained business analyst will just grin and dive in.  He or she will know what is needed is a project scope.

The project scope is the outline of the project.  The project scope is considered the itinerary of an individual project program.  The project scope is the step by step guide to determine who, what, why, when, and where.  It will be able to define to the stakeholders what they want to have done.  It will be able to list who will be doing which job.  The project scope will list why each step is critical to success of the project.  It will also address the time frame as to when the project should be completed.

The project scope will detail for the stakeholders outside resources being utilized for completion of individual tasks.  Each development team will be able to view the project scope and see what is required of them.  The project scope will also detail needs assessment and cost estimates.

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