A Study on the Relative Importance of Underlying Competencies of Business Analysts

Business analysis is a key factor of project success or failure in information systems. However, there are few studies on business analysis competencies. The objective of this paper is to identify which competencies a business analyst (BA) needs, and analyze the importance weights and priorities of business analysis competencies. Literature review yielded 6 competency dimensions and 30 competencies. Based on interviews with 12 experts and analytic hierarchy process analysis, the relative importance weight and priority of each business analysis competency were analyzed. Moreover, an importance-perception gap between stakeholders in different positions was identified. This result can be used as selection and development criteria for superior BAs that are responsible for solving business problems using information systems solutions. Keywords: Business Analysis; Business Analyst; Underlying Competency; Requirements Engineering; AHP Analysis; Importance-Perception Gap