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1/22/2014 2:15 AM

	chunkyluv79
1 posts

BA to Business Architect

Hi All

Hoping you can give me some practical advice in regards to making the transition from Business Analysis to Business Architect. I have recently made the switch, but am finding practical advice and guidance a little hard to come by.

This is a new role for both me and the company, so I dont have any one I can learn from, but at the same time I can hopefully shape the role to what ever I want it to be. Does anyone have any advice, tips or can point me in the direction of a good book that can provide a solid base from which to start?

2/6/2014 8:39 PM

	Jarett Hailes
155 posts

Re: BA to Business Architect

Hi chunkyluv79,

What are the expectations in the new role? What is the company looking to have accomplished?

Much like Business Analysts, a Business Architect title can potentially mean many things. I would leverage your business analysis skills and: a) define what the business need for such a role is b) determine the requirements around the role c) develop a future state of the tasks and processes that will be performed by the role d) perform a capability gap analysis to see what is needed to be developed or procured in terms of skills, tools/technology and business processes and finally e) go about developing a solution that will get you to your desired future state.

I am currently working on a Business Architect role with a client and can provide my experiences but they may or may not apply depending on the expectations your organization has. If you think they would be of benefit, find me on LinkedIn and we can chat more.

2/10/2014 4:44 AM

	wrightandru
1 posts

Re: BA to Business Architect

Modified By Chris Adams on 2/10/2014 12:05:09 PM)

Business Architect – A role within various types of enterprises (business, government, non-profit) that is focused on collecting information on the strategic positioning of an area of activity (line of business, business unit, department, team, etc.) and creating a clear picture of the capability gaps that may impede that area from reaching it’s full and required potential.

Business Analyst – A role either within an information technology division of an enterprise, or within a non-IT team serving as a key point of contact with an IT division. This role is focused on understanding the root cause of a specific business problem in order to develop the IT requirements needed to address that problem.

3/19/2014 1:46 PM

	Machelle
6 posts

Re: BA to Business Architect

Hi, I've migrated back and forth between business analyst and business architect roles over the years. I agree with the posted definitions of them. In practical terms, the architect role has a broader enterprise-level scope. It's a much more strategic, forward thinking role that provides the foundation and structure for IT to work within. In my opinion, the architect is responsible for understanding the organization's long term business goals, mission, and vision. In addition, they should understand the industry trends and best known methods. With that broad understanding, it's up to the architect to define processes and infrastructures that will help the organization achieve that vision. In contrast, the BA works within the framework and structure defined by the architects to achieve solution-specific objectives. The scope is much smaller in scope and responsibility, yet no less important. I hope that's helpful and good luck on your new adventure! Machelle

3/31/2014 9:13 PM

	Sandy
74 posts

Re: BA to Business Architect

As Jarett noted, there are many different interpretations of the term Business Architect and different understandings of what that role involves across organizations. However, there are a number of professional organizations and assocations that are trying to put some standardization and discipline on this role.

Here is a good article from the BA Institute that gives an overview of the Business Architecture role and value to an organization:

http://www.bainstitute.org/resources/articles/defining-term-business-architecture

The Open Group (OMG) has lots of resources on business architecture and enterprise architecture - membership is free to access webinars, white papers and other material at www.opengroup.org.

There is also a Business Architecture Guild that is building a guide to Business Architecture knowledge ("BIZBOK", similar to the BABOK and PMBOK). Their website also has a number of online references (not sure which ones are available free, but you can browse through and check them out):

http://www.businessarchitectureguild.org/More_Resources

As a Business Architect, I tend to use diagrams like value-stream maps (see first linked article above) and strategy maps; and I conduct capability analyses, stakeholder impact assessments, business cases, SWOT assessments, etc.

These may or may not be what your organization needs or wants from you in this role - as Jarett also suggested, there are some key questions that you can ask your supervisor and executive management teams to determine the best way for you to bring value in this new role.

Happy to chat further offline as well - you can connect with me on LinkedIn if you like.

Sandy