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A Structured Approach to Decision-Making ​

Business decisions can sometimes be made based on personal preferences or gut feelings. However, this approach is a bit like playing a game of chance, similar to throwing darts at a dartboard. This is where business analysis comes into play. Business analysis provides a structured framework for decision-making, allowing for informed and strategic choices. Whether you're dealing with organizational change or launching a new service, understanding the driving factors behind the change, the best ways to address it, and measuring the success of the implementation are critical steps in the process.

The Necessity of Research in Business Decisions ​

When any business decision-maker, regardless of industry, considers an organizational change, research is vital. Research helps to understand the purpose or driving factor behind the change, the best way to address it, and how to measure success after implementation. For instance, consider a company deciding to offer a new service. Before diving into building this service, it's crucial to understand what the company aims to offer and why. Key questions might include:

  • Will this new service be available in all regions or only the local market?
  • Is the goal to attract new customers or retain existing ones?
  • How will success be measured?

Case Study: Sasha's Role as a Senior Business Analyst ​

Let's take a closer look at a real-world scenario. Meet Sasha, a senior business analyst. She has been tasked with helping Company A bring a new service to market. After her initial meeting with the sponsor, she is asked to start work immediately to ensure the service is available before the end of the year.

Being experienced, Sasha knows the importance of conducting proper research and analysis before jumping to solutions. She defines the situation, sets clear objectives, and analyzes possible approaches to meet the business's needs. For example, she needs to figure out the company’s goal of growing its customer base. This involves detailed discussions to determine the expected percentage increase in new customers. Sasha evaluates various options, such as:

  • Achieving a 20% increase with a $650,000 solution.
  • Opting for a 15% increase with a lower-risk $500,000 solution.

Exploring Solution Options ​

Sasha explores different solutions to see what works best for Company A. She considers several options:

  • Building a New Service from Scratch: This would mean creating something entirely new in-house.
  • Partnering with Another Company: Collaborating with another business to provide the service.
  • Combining In-House and External Resources: Using a mix of internal resources and third-party services.

Each option comes with its pros and cons. For instance, partnering with a third-party service provider might be beneficial for meeting aggressive timelines. However, what if Company A can't reach an agreement with the vendor? There could be risks such as loss of control or the third party not meeting all requirements.

Sasha must apply business analysis to research and analyze the information she gathers. With the results of her analysis, she can formulate a more targeted solution for Company A. Think about a time you stepped back to analyze a problem. You probably organized your thoughts, considered different factors causing the problem, and sought out information to better understand the situation. Eventually, you analyzed possible solutions. By performing these steps, you were engaging in the research aspects of business analysis, even if you didn't realize it at the time.

Reflecting on Your Own Experience ​

Consider how you approach problem-solving in your own life or work. When faced with a challenge, do you dive in headfirst, or do you take a moment to step back and analyze the situation? By organizing your thoughts, considering various factors, and exploring different solutions, you are practicing the principles of business analysis. This structured approach can lead to more informed, effective decisions, whether you're managing a business or tackling personal projects.


In essence, business analysis is about providing a structured approach to decision-making. It helps ensure that decisions are well-informed and based on thorough research rather than mere guesswork. By understanding the purpose behind changes, evaluating different options, and measuring success, you can make smarter choices that drive business success. So, the next time you're faced with a big decision, remember the steps Sasha took and apply them to your own situation. It might just make all the difference.