Dear Carmel,

Thank you for bringing up this important discussion regarding whether we should employ a full-time business analyst (BA) or hire an external one. Both options have their merits and potential drawbacks, so it's crucial we weigh them carefully.

Advantages of a Full-Time Business Analyst:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: Hiring a full-time BA can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to the potentially higher fees of external consultants.
2. Internal Knowledge: An internal BA would have a deeper understanding of our company's operations, culture, and specific needs. This familiarity can lead to faster and more accurate development of functional specifications.
3. Consistency: A full-time BA can provide ongoing support and consistency throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring continuity and coherence in documentation and design.

Disadvantages of a Full-Time Business Analyst:

1. Limited Perspective: An internal BA might be limited by the company's existing practices and might not bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table.
2. Skill Gaps: Depending on the individual, a full-time BA might lack certain advanced design skills or the latest industry best practices, which could affect the quality of system design.

Advantages of an External Business Analyst:

1. Vast Experience: External BAs often have a broader range of experience across different industries and projects, bringing valuable insights and innovative solutions.
2. Best Practices: They are typically up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in business analysis and system design.
3. Objective Perspective: An external BA can provide an objective viewpoint, potentially identifying issues and opportunities that internal staff might overlook.

Disadvantages of an External Business Analyst:

1. Higher Costs: Hiring external consultants can be more expensive, especially for long-term projects.
2. Learning Curve: An external BA would need time to understand our company’s unique processes and culture, which could delay project initiation.
3. Potential Lack of Commitment: External consultants may not be as invested in the long-term success of the company as a full-time employee would be.

Given these points, it’s clear that the decision hinges on our specific needs and priorities. If we require a long-term, deeply integrated role with ongoing support, a full-time BA might be the better choice. Conversely, if we’re looking for cutting-edge expertise and a fresh perspective for a specific project, an external BA could be more beneficial.

Additionally, considering a hybrid approach might also be worthwhile—having a core internal Business Analyst team supplemented by external consultants for specialized tasks could offer the best of both worlds.

I look forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts on this.

Best regards,

Mark Williams