It can be quite challenging to make a decision on which career path to follow, business analysis or project management. Both roles have perks and are essential in many industries, but they serve purposes that are uniquely different. On the surface level, it is safe to say that a business analyst can work under a project manager. You might also assume that a project manager can do the job of a business analyst, but that is not the case. To clear the air, we are looking at “business analyst vs project manager”.
In simple terms, a business analyst is an employee who focuses on what a business needs and relates it to the key stakeholders of the business. On the other hand, a project manager is an individual who ensures that all projects committed under his care are completed within the given time. In other words, they oversee the lifecycle of a project.
In today’s blog post, we will explore the differences in skills, experiences, and prospects of each role. Through thorough understanding, you will know the uniqueness of each role and be able to decide on which path to stand for.
Let’s dive in!
Understanding The Roles and Responsibilities
The focus of a business analyst is different from what a project manager gives his/her time to. The function of business analysts in every team is to understand needs, analyze processes involved, gather requirements, and do their best to ensure what gets to the stakeholder is not below their expectations. In one simple phrase, you can describe business analysts as “the bridge between businesses and stakeholders”.
Business analyst also communicates with the development team and the information they convey is based on what the stakeholders expect, ensuring that the business goals align with the project.
On the other hand, a project manager focuses on the entire picture. Their responsibilities revolve around planning, coordination of the team, managing the project’s budget, and risk management. Project managers take care of the resources involved in the project and ensure that everyone involved in the project knows what they are supposed to do.
In terms of skills required, a project needs to be a good leader with good communication skills. This is because they are managing a team and need to be able to communicate effectively without any hiccup to their teammates. Project managers also need to be problem-solvers with a good eye for detail in planning and execution. While project managers need to be proficient users of platforms like Trello, Asana, and Microsoft Project for project management, business analysts use tools like JIRA, UML, and other process modelling software.
Business analysts need to be analytical. As a business analyst, newbie or expert, you need to have an eye for identifying and solving business problems using stakeholder input and available data.
Business analysts discussing a chart
Business Analyst vs Project Manager: Are There Any Key Differences?
Yes, there are differences between both career paths. The difference, however, lies in the focus of both roles. For project managers, they focus on delivering projects within the designed timeframe and budget. Project managers ensure that the projects under their care run smoothly with all parts coming together successfully.
On the other hand, business analysts focus on defining what makes up the project – the requirements. They ensure that the solution that is given delivers value to the stakeholder and meets the needs of the business.
Another difference between business analysts and project managers is the interaction between stakeholders. Project managers regularly interact with the stakeholders of a project to update them on what to expect and the project’s progress. Project managers coordinate the turnover between different teams engaged in a project and ensure everyone works towards stipulated goals.
Business analysts also interact with stakeholders, but their focus is on gathering and analyzing requirements. They work to understand what stakeholders need from the project. Additionally, their deliverables differ. On one hand, project managers deliver a completed project at the right time and budget while business analysts deliver requirements documents, business cases, and process models. Their work ensures that the team knows exactly what needs to be built.
Read also: Is Business Analyst A Good Career?
The Pros and Cons of Both Roles
Like every other role out there, being a project manager or a business analyst comes with its set pf advantages and disadvantages. For project managers, they have the opportunity to take responsibility and lead teams for an entire project. Being a leader is quite attractive. However, managing timelines and resources can be stressful, especially when you are faced with tight deadlines.
On the other side, business analysts often enjoy the analytical and problem-solving nature of their role. They can shape projects from the start by defining needs and requirements. But the downside is that they deal with ambiguity and changing stakeholder expectations, which can be challenging.
A Businessman who is working late
Business Analyst vs Project Manager: The Challenges They Encounter
Each role has unique challenges. Project Managers must balance scope, time, and budget while managing stakeholder expectations. Handling changes during a project can be challenging. A change might mean revising the project timeline, adjusting the budget, or reassigning resources.
Business Analysts face different challenges. They must deal with conflicting requirements from stakeholders and ensure the final solution meets all needs. Misunderstandings can happen when business needs are not communicated clearly to the development team. Business analysts must clarify requirements to avoid any discrepancies later in the project.
Wrap-Up: Business Analyst vs Project Manager
What an expert project manager can do is not what a business analyst can handle at the very least. Each role comes with unique demands that require a peculiar skillset. Being a business analyst comes with its set of challenges and the same can be said for project managers. Understanding the difference between both paths can help you determine the right career path or identify the role your project needs. Whether you’re drawn to leading projects to success or solving complex business challenges, both paths offer rewarding opportunities.
With this information, you can make informed decisions that will not throw you off your desired path. In conclusion, both project managers and business analysts play crucial roles in ensuring projects succeed, but your unique strengths will determine which role is the perfect fit for you. If you are aspiring to be a project manager, you can read our article on interview questions and answers here.
