The Benefits of a Business Analysis Course

Why Training to be an Analyst in Business is a Good Career Move

Oct 31, 2009

Business Analysis Course: Better Job Prospects, Clipart.com Photo

Businesses recovering from an economic slump are more likely to employ applicants with training in business analysis; staff who can make informed business decisions.

A good business analysis course will walk learners through the process of analysing the needs of an organisation related to business and information. Step by step, the student will learn analytical skills that will identify problems and opportunities in an existing business and what action the business needs to (1) redress current problems and (2) move in the right direction for the future.

Content of a Typical Business Analysis Course

A learner can expect to learn quantitative methods that will assist in making more informed business decisions: skills that will be of use to not only job seekers, but small business owners and entrepreneurs. Skills and strategies learned in the business analysis course should be transferable to a variety of job situations including systems analysis, IT, and management analysis. In business today, project management skills are looked upon favourably in new employees.

A student of business analysis can expect to study content similar to that listed below.

Decision-making skills: strategies that can be used in problem-solving to result in a viable solution.
The concept of probability applied to various business scenarios.
The role of a survey: the basic steps in conducting a survey and the potential for error (with examples and troubleshooting guide). Should also reference mean and standard deviation.
An explanation of the basics of PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique); CPM (Critical Path Method) and the use of a GANTT chart in the management of projects.
The role of forecasting in business analysis (both qualitative and quantitative).
Modeling (applying mathematics to the decision making process); looking at different types of models; an explanation of how a model should be used in business in order to succeed.
Financial analysis: estimating costs and different types of financial analysis (break-even; benefit/cost)
Risk analysis: what it is and how it is performed.

Tasks Assigned to a Business Analyst

Employees with training in business analysis are likely to be asked to look at ways to control costs and improve both productivity and efficiency at various levels. Depending on the size of the company, they can be put in charge of small projects or they might be asked to work with a team on a larger project. Their focus (depending on training, background and specific skills) could be on information technology (computer systems analysts), corporate structure, human resources, or management structure. Overall, their task is to collate, review and analyse information in a nominated area then make recommendations based on their findings.

Someone with a business background who has also done a business analysis course might prefer to look for work as a consultant. Businesses sometimes prefer to hire a consultant to perform the work for as long as it takes rather than commit to hiring full-time staff.

The benefit to being self employed is that the freelance business analyst can set their own hours and work from home; the drawback is that they need to continue sourcing work.

The copyright of the article The Benefits of a Business Analysis Course in Business Management is owned by Marg McAlister. Permission to republish The Benefits of a Business Analysis Course in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.