business analysis vs business systems analysis

[how]

hey, i've been reading about these programs and was wondering if someone here would know more about it? like what's the difference between a business analyst vs business systems analyst. from what i've read, there seems to be no difference. your thoughts

thanks

[coolspot]

At most companies the titles are interchangable - they're pretty much the same job. But sometimes companies differentiate because systems analyst deals with more technical details such as system functionality, technical requirements, technical interfaces, interfacing with developers, etc.

But regardless of which job you take - a IS background (even a couple courses) will help - especially when you're in a meeting and the developers are throwing around a lot of technical terms.

[TotallyKiller]

A business analyst, can often be more financial based (dealing with business processes such as Financial Reporting, Order to Cash, etc.).

A business systems analyst will usually be more technical in nature and be more related to security, internal controls and such.

They are both umbrella terms that can mean different things depending on the company.

[Rocketo]

being a business analyst and actually coming from a bsa role prior ....i tend to feel a bsa is more technical in terms of logical design and testing...while a b.a. tends to be more in tune with the requirements and end user specification...

[how]

how would an information technology management program compare to the bsa?

thanks again

[coolspot]

how would an information technology management program compare to the bsa?


A BSA is a good entry job because it allows you to interface with business and technology - so you get to see both sides of a business.

You can think of it this way:

Business -> BA -> BSA -> IT

So basically IT implements the requirements of business. Thus, ITM you'll be involved more with implementation than specification/requirements.

In anycase, a BSA would be a good place to get your feet wet in a company because you'll get a good perspective on how things work.

[how]

so which would be a better program to pursue, these are all certificate programs that's being offered?

business analysis cert at NAIT
business systems analysis cert at UBC (100% online)
information tech management cert at UofA

thanks

[coolspot]

What do you want to do?

[how]

What do you want to do?

i want to get into consulting field

[coolspot]

i want to get into consulting field

Consulting is a very big field - what sort of consulting?

[xwar]

similar things .. title means nothing

[chunkymonkey]

The title makes a difference depending on the industry you want to work in.

Generally a BA title is geared towards operational business processes, whereas a BSA delivers the technology.

[mayluvz]

Hi,

Im' a FINANCE major 3rd year, what I understand from the posts that BA requires IT Knowledge, so given that I am on the business track but absolutely no hard core programming background jsut know very BASIC MS ..what type of courses are taken to be qualified for a BA?? More on busines courses? ie..stats,mrketing?? or IT/programming/compsci etc...??
Cz right now I work an inbound call centre job and that's what Im good at bt not something I would like for long term career...

please advise.. THANKS :cheesygri

[TotallyKiller]

Hi,

Im' a FINANCE major 3rd year, what I understand from the posts that BA requires IT Knowledge, so given that I am on the business track but absolutely no hard core programming background jsut know very BASIC MS ..what type of courses are taken to be qualified for a BA?? More on busines courses? ie..stats,mrketing?? or IT/programming/compsci etc...??
Cz right now I work an inbound call centre job and that's what Im good at bt not something I would like for long term career...

please advise.. THANKS :cheesygri

As some of the posts above mention, the BA position is a pretty broad term and in some industries it may not involve any IT work. I know many people with the BA title who have only business responsibilities within the financial applications. No IT knowledge whatsoever. Extra skills won't hurt, but make sure you know what you want to do in the end and tailor your learning to that.

[ullyeus]

I'm a BA and while I have numerous IT type qualifications from 5+ years ago I have nothing current, nor do I require it. BA is a good field to be in, your skills are largely transferrable to any industry.

[coolspot]

Hi,
More on busines courses? ie..stats,mrketing?? or IT/programming/compsci etc...??
Cz right now I work an inbound call centre job and that's what Im good at bt not something I would like for long term career...


If you're planning to become a BA with technology exposure... definately take some systems courses. A couple database, information system, project management courses would help alot.

You don't need to be a guru - you just need to know what people are talking about. Basically you don't want to look like an idiot ;)

In anycase, like others have said, BA is a very broad term - there are lots of BAs who only word process all day :)

[TorontoEh]

sorry to bring old thread bac, but didnt want to start again....

DO you guys recommend any good books or white papers? I'm currently working as web content specialist but am changing role within company soon - given this opportunity.

I'm brushing my excel skills for reporting :) Also, will try to take this 'business analysis and design' course at Ryerson (if they let me skip CITM 1000 basic MS Office course)

I'd appreciate your advice....

[chicken_little]

DO you guys recommend any good books or white papers? I'm currently working as web content specialist but am changing role within company soon - given this opportunity.
BABOK™ Business Analysis Body of Knowledge™ Version 1.6

http://www.iiba.com/content.asp?contenttype=Body%20of%20Knowledge

[TorontoEh]

Hey Chicken little: thanks a million for giving that link.....it's an 800 hundred pound book on Biz Analyst...I'm going to devour the info this year :)