Business Analyst vs Scrum Master

Business analysts and Scrum masters are essential roles for teams that run an agile program. They usually require similar abilities but differ in use and expression. That's where the confusion about the distinct features of each is.

But, once you know their specific duties and responsibilities, it becomes easy to identify which is the case.

However, before we get into the significant distinctions and similarities between a business analyst and a scrum master, it's essential to comprehend how each position will be described

SCRUM MASTER VS BUSINESS ANALYST

A scrum master supervises is a fairly standard position in software development, and Scrum has evolved into an exceptionally widely used framework.

However, Scrum is based on an agile system in which issues are solved using methods that encourage cooperation and self-sufficient functions at the same time.

A scrum master plays various tasks to ensure the framework is used correctly. One of those roles is being a mentor, coach and facilitator of the process.

On the other hand, business analysts work in the technical aspect of operations. They are responsible for ensuring that the processes used in business operations align with the business objectives and for improving the satisfaction of customers.

In projects, their work usually involves gathering, validating, analyzing needs and working with technical teams to meet them.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Scrum Master Responsibilities:

• PROVIDING TRAINING ON SCRUM PROCESSES.

Scrum masters lead the training related to the scrum framework and agile methodologies.

They ensure that everyone on the team knows the significance of the methods and Scrum's principles.

In addition, they outline the primary processes and components, such as factors, elements, and methods outlined in the implementation plans.

• COACHING THE ORGANIZATION ABOUT THE APPLICATION OF THE SCRUM FRAMEWORK.

When implementing the scrum process, scrum masters aid the team in understanding the tactics and methods used to complete challenging projects.

Additionally, they ensure that team members work efficiently, with discipline and self-management at their level. They also offer an understanding of cross-functionality, gathering team members from various departments to collaborate on the work.

• HELPING TEAM MEMBERS ACHIEVE RESULTS.

Scrum managers perform many coaching sessions, particularly at the beginning of the implementation process. This helps ensure that all team members acquire the required abilities to deliver high-quality outcomes that will ensure your project's progress.

Additionally, scrum masters aid the team members in determining the proper amount of work to complete in light of the most critical performance indicators.

• ATMOSPHERE OF PRODUCTIVITY.

Providing a safe and positive work setting is likely among the crucial tasks of a scrum master.

Anyone in this position must know how important it is to have psychological security in a team environment where members feel allowed to voice their opinions without fear of being judged.

In addition, the scrum master makes sure that productivity is not affected.

• SMOOTH IMPLEMENTATION OF SCRUM PROCESSES.

Scrum managers ensure the process stays in order by monitoring their team members' collective and individual functions. They also consider possible issues and their effect on the implementation of the procedure.

Business Analyst's Responsibilities:

• FORMULATING A DETAILED BUSINESS ANALYSIS.

This could be the primary function of the business analyst, who is to give a thorough knowledge of the present state and prospects of the company or department.

In this way, business analysts require experience with data collection (i.e. surveys, workshops, interviews, workshops, SQL code). Then, they conduct data analysis to give crucial insights and strategies from data to bring about the goals of the business.

• CONDUCTING MARKET RESEARCH.

Business analysts are associated with market research whenever the company introduces new products or analyses the business environment. They are an integral member of the scrum group with the product's creator; they ensure that the product owner has a proper relationship with the customers to comprehend their requirements and where the company or project is in terms of solutions.

It is all about how your team structure is constructed. There may not be an exact role for your business analyst if the new product is launched, and the Product Manager is the one who takes on that responsibility.

Additionally, you could be a Product Manager responsible for the product's action plan. Therefore, both product owners and the Product Manager are business analysts.

However, the three roles could cooperate to accomplish the project. We will look into this in the next post on how Business Analysts assist.

• SPECIFYING BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS.

The business analyst identifies and oversees the requirements that the implementation team has to adhere to and that the top business stakeholders are in agreement and accept. They utilize techniques like reviewing documentation, shadowing others' work and interviewing and analyzing data, workshops and many more.

After changes are made, the business analyst should ensure all the requirements are carried out. It's not unusual to meet those who refer to Business analysts as agents of change.

They act as the drivers within the organization to modify processes or change to a new technology that can improve efficiency and performance.

• PERFORMING ANALYSIS, OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL MODELLING.

Business analysts do not just collect data. They also work to analyze the information, integrating the data they gather to create functional and financial models appropriate for the state desired by an organization. They rely heavily on their operational, finance, and IT expertise. This means that there are lots of collaboration teams from across the functional spectrum.

• TAKING AN ACTIVE PART IN BUDGETING AND FORECASTING.

The scope of a business analyst's job includes their contribution to forecasting and budgeting. They are engaged in planning financials and creating the long-term project and business plans. Knowing what must be accomplished to reach the business goals can provide a complete understanding of the modifications that must be implemented and the potential cost. This information can determine the company's direction using technical processes, timelines and modifications.

CAN A BUSINESS ANALYST BE A SCRUM MASTER?

Yes, Business analysts can become scrum masters, provided they keep up-to-date their knowledge by obtaining an official scrum master certificate.

Many companies seek out individuals with a degree or a background in IT or business to take on the role of scrum master and to obtain the certification. So, if you're a professional business analyst, your chances of getting the position are very high when you've had the proper education.

However, you might wonder what the purpose of training and certification is essential to be a scrum master, considering that you have already worked in the field of business.

That's where the critical distinction between the business analyst and scrum master becomes apparent.

Scrum masters manage the team to ensure more agility and efficiency. They focus on building the team and investigating issues hindering interactions and collaboration among departments or teams. To fulfil the duties and responsibilities of a ScrumMaster, proficiency in the principles of agile is vital.

Unfortunately, those ideas, practices, methods, and abilities are more useful after you have completed the appropriate training, and not only from your work experience.

As an analyst for the business, you typically focus on optimizing the department and company; However, you seldom examine the optimization of teams or agile methods. Your role is to satisfy demands and implement necessary adjustments in the technology, people, and processes to meet goals for the business; however, not to ensure that your team members are sharing effectively.

So for an analyst in business and if you are assigned the job of ScrumMaster, your chance of failing or having problems in your career is greater without the required qualification.

QUALIFICATIONS

The abilities of an analyst for business are important to the scrum master's role, and the certification will benefit you and your company. The certificate will ensure that your company understands that you are not just aware of the agile framework

but can also use it to aid the business.

The certification is PSM certification. This course combines instruction and team-based exercises. It teaches the fundamentals of Scrum as well as the Agile movement.

WRAPPING UP

Business analysts and Scrum masters work in different ways. They are, however, both prominent members of the Agile development crew.

When business analysts concentrate mostly on the technological aspects of the procedure, scrum masters ensure that they keep the team running at the same speed and level of effectiveness.

This fundamental distinction is why it is not a good idea for a company to employ an analyst from the business field as a scrum master without having the right education.

Fortunately, Business analysts can obtain a scrum master's certification, which makes them more adaptable to the job.

Furthermore, the role of a ScrumMaster with a solid knowledge of analytics for business can provide many advantages when it comes to personal growth is related. Therefore, it's up to you to decide whether you want to assume different roles in the scrum team. Have fun!

Jaylin is a Staff Writer for Bizmaa focusing on business analytics, business systems, gadgets and other small business news. She has a background in information and communications technology coordination.