A Business Project Analyst in a banking company plays a crucial role throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). This journey usually spans over a period of 14 days, which includes various phases like planning, requirement gathering, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance. In a banking environment, these processes require precise coordination, clear communication, and thorough documentation to ensure successful project delivery. Here, we will take a closer look at what each day might involve for a Business Project Analyst.
Day 1-2: Project Kickoff and Planning
The first two days are focused on planning. During the kickoff meeting, the Business Project Analyst aligns with stakeholders such as project managers, developers, testers, and end-users. The goal is to understand the project objectives, timelines, scope, and expectations. A clear project roadmap is created, and responsibilities are assigned.
Example: Imagine a project aimed at enhancing a bank’s mobile app features. The Business Project Analyst begins by discussing goals such as improving user experience, adding new features, and ensuring security compliance. They map out a schedule to determine which features will be prioritized in the current sprint.
Day 3-4: Requirement Gathering and Analysis
In this phase, the focus shifts to gathering detailed requirements from stakeholders. The analyst organizes workshops, interviews, and brainstorming sessions to capture clear, unambiguous requirements.
Example: If the project is to introduce a new online loan application feature, the analyst meets with loan officers, IT security, and customer service teams to understand essential functionalities, compliance needs, and user experience goals.
Day 5: Requirement Documentation
Once the requirements are collected, the analyst documents them thoroughly, creating specifications that will guide the development team. This may include user stories, acceptance criteria, and process flow diagrams.
Example: The Business Project Analyst drafts a document outlining how a user can apply for a loan via the app, the stages of application review, and the security checks that must be automated.
Day 6-7: Collaboration with Design and Development Teams
The analyst collaborates closely with the design and development teams. They ensure the requirements are clear, feasible, and aligned with the technical solutions. Adjustments are made if there are gaps between the business needs and technical possibilities.
Example: During discussions, the development team might raise concerns about the complexity of a feature, prompting the analyst to modify the requirements or suggest simpler alternatives.
Day 8-9: Development Sprint Support
During these days, development is in full swing. The Business Project Analyst continues to provide clarifications and resolve any queries that arise, ensuring the team stays on track. They may participate in stand-ups to keep communication smooth.
Example: Developers might need to understand specific scenarios related to a banking regulation. The analyst promptly provides additional information or modifies user stories to better reflect compliance requirements.
Day 10-11: Testing Preparation and Support
The testing phase is crucial. The analyst coordinates with QA teams to develop test cases that cover all requirements. This ensures the product is tested against real-world scenarios that match the business needs.
Example: For the loan application feature, test cases might include scenarios where a user inputs invalid data, leaves fields blank, or submits multiple applications in a short time. The analyst verifies these scenarios are correctly reflected in the testing plan.
Day 12: User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
This is the phase where end-users interact with the new feature to validate if it meets their needs. The Business Project Analyst organizes UAT sessions, gathers feedback, and makes necessary adjustments to the product.
Example: Bank employees test the new app feature to ensure it’s easy to use, all mandatory fields are appropriately marked, and the user journey is smooth. Any issues or suggestions from users are recorded.
Day 13: Deployment Preparation
The analyst helps prepare for deployment by ensuring all documentation is complete, training materials are ready, and there is a plan for any necessary changes to processes. This may involve creating user guides or coordinating with IT for seamless integration.
Example: The analyst makes sure the backend systems will properly support the new loan feature and that all required updates are in place.
Day 14: Launch and Post-Launch Support
The feature is finally launched! The analyst’s job is not yet complete. They provide post-launch support to monitor the system, address any bugs or issues, and gather feedback for future enhancements.
Example: After the new feature goes live, the analyst keeps an eye on customer feedback, listens for any complaints, and ensures that the system continues to operate smoothly. They start planning for further updates based on feedback.
Throughout the 14-day SDLC, a Business Project Analyst’s role is dynamic and essential for a banking company’s success. They bridge the gap between business goals and technical execution, ensuring that projects meet the necessary standards, timelines, and user expectations. Effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are key skills that make a significant difference in how smoothly each phase progresses.