You're evaluating a Business Analyst's performance. How do data analysis skills play a role?

I agree with what is stated above, data skills are absolutely necessary for a business analyst! From my experience it is important to spend time in understanding what will be useful for business, and find your stakeholders - people who will use the insights to make decisions, this helps set the sails in right direction. 2nd is to collect the data, this is a tricky stage, sometimes data is available and accessible but when it’s not, this stage can start feeling like a challenge. For collection of data, I talk to multiple people, to get a holistic view, and then take a comprehensive view of all the data that I have available to me. Having analytical skills is crucial of the role of a business analyst.

When evaluating a Business Analyst's performance, data analysis skills are crucial as they demonstrate the ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights. Proficiency in data analysis indicates the analyst’s capability to identify trends, solve problems, and support decision-making with evidence-based recommendations. Assess their skill in using analytical tools and techniques to deliver accurate, timely reports and forecasts. Effective data analysis also reflects their contribution to improving processes, optimizing strategies, and adding value to projects, highlighting their overall impact on organizational goals.

Data analysis skills are crucial for a Business Analyst as they enable the extraction of actionable insights from data, driving informed decision-making. These skills help in identifying trends, patterns, and anomalies that inform business strategies. Effective data analysis directly impacts the quality of recommendations and overall business performance.

A Business Analyst must also excel in translating complex data into actionable insights, communicating effectively with stakeholders, and understanding the broader business context. It's essential to assess not only their analytical prowess but also how they integrate data with business strategy and stakeholder needs. A well-rounded BA should demonstrate the ability to balance data-driven insights with practical implementation and collaborative problem-solving to address business challenges effectively.

I would also add within the scope of technical skills the knowledge of data visualization tools such as Tableau or Qliksense. They are very important to help in decision making and transmit insights in a visual way.

Ultimately what is real need of business has to be kept on top of everything considering what we are planning to deliver. This become more crucial when it comes to analyzing requirements.