Business Analysis Work Plan

A requirements work plan helps the Business Analyst define their requirements activities encompassing not only elicitation and analysis activities but also the support activities to consumers of the requirements for implementation of the solution. With this list of activities Business Analysts can confidently estimate tasks. This plan helps the Business Analyst identify all sources of requirements, along with the best way to elicit requirements from these various sources. Utilizing a requirements work plan can help the Business Analyst track progress and communicate the status of requirements activities. 

As Business Analysts, you are most likely highly organized, but without the planning tools and business analysis expectations; you may have the appearance of being disorganized in your plight to deliver effective requirements. If we do not pause to plan our work, that would be like trying to ride a bicycle before the wheels have been attached. You might be able to sit on the bike and think about where you want to go, but you won't get anywhere at all. In a rush to provide a solution, the problem still might not be resolved because users are still unskilled. So the cycle of design a solution, find a problem, design a solution, and find a problem just continues, with everyone who is involved still unhappy and unproductive. 

Most organizations have identified productivity as a strategic goal for all employees. Business Analysts can contribute by developing their plan and working toward the plan. We were challenged to deliver with speed, increase productivity & efficiency, and to help deliver a competitive advantage. Management most likely will be pressing to complete the analysis phase quicker than possible. The plan will provide you the ammunition to discuss the options to meet aggressive timelines.