As a Business Analyst (BA), you are often faced with complex and ambiguous problems that require creative and logical solutions. How do you document and communicate your problem-solving process to stakeholders, customers, and team members? In this article, we’ll explore some best practices for documenting and communicating your problem-solving process as a BA, using a common framework and helpful tools.
Identify problems
The first step in any problem-solving process is to define the problem clearly and concisely. This means identifying the root cause, scope, impact, and desired outcomes of the problem. A clearly defined problem statement can help you focus your analysis, avoid assumptions, and communicate the problem to others. You can use tools like 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams or Problem Trees to help you identify the problem and its causes.
Analyze the problem
The next step is to analyze the problem deeply, using relevant data, information and techniques. This means collecting and validating data, identifying key drivers and indicators, performing qualitative and quantitative analysis, and finding patterns and trends. Thorough analysis can help you better understand the problem, generate insights, and support your recommendations. You can use tools like SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis or Porter’s five forces to help you analyze the problem and its context.
Create a solution
The third step is to find possible solutions to the problem by brainstorming, creativity and logic. This means generating as many ideas as possible without filtering or evaluating, then evaluating and prioritizing them based on criteria such as feasibility, impact, cost, and risk. A diverse and comprehensive set of solutions can help you approach problems from many different angles, optimize results and anticipate trade-offs. You can use tools like brainstorming, mind mapping or CHECKING to help you create solutions and organize them.
Proposed Solutions
The fourth step is to propose a solution to the problem, using evidence, argument and persuasion. This means choosing the best solution from your solution set, based on your analysis and criteria, and presenting it clearly and convincingly. A well-proposed solution can help you convince stakeholders, customers, and team members of the value and feasibility of the solution, while gaining their feedback and support. You can use tools like cost-benefit analysis, decision matrices, or business cases to help you propose a solution and justify it.
Implement the solution
The fifth step is to implement the solution to the problem by planning, implementing and monitoring. This means defining the solution’s scope, schedule, budget, and resources, executing tasks and deliverables, and tracking solution progress and performance. A well-implemented solution can help you achieve the desired outcome of the problem, solve the problem, and reap the benefits. You can use tools like project plans, Gantt charts, or dashboards to help you implement the solution and measure it.
Evaluate the solution
The sixth and final step is to evaluate the solution to the problem, use feedback, modify, and learn. This means gathering and analyzing feedback from stakeholders, customers, and team members, reviewing solution outcomes and consequences, and identifying lessons learned and best practices for future problems. A well-reviewed solution can help you improve your problem-solving process, increase your skills and knowledge, and celebrate your achievements. You can use tools like surveys, KPIs, or after-action reviews to help you evaluate the solution and learn from it.
