PM vs BA: The dynamic duo behind project success
When it comes to project teams, the roles of project manager (PM) and business analyst (BA) are often mentioned together. While they’re both key players, their roles are as distinct as a conductor and a composer in an orchestra. The PM is the conductor, ensuring every section plays in harmony and on time, while the BA is the composer, crafting the melody and ensuring it resonates with the audience. Let’s explore how these roles differ, why they’re essential, and how they work together to deliver a standing ovation-worthy project.
What does a project manager do?
A project manager is the one ensuring the train runs on time, doesn’t derail, and gets to its destination smoothly. PMs are all about the how of a project—developing plans, managing risks, and keeping everyone on task. They focus on delivering the project within the holy trinity of constraints: time, budget, and scope.
Some of their key responsibilities include:
- Creating project schedules and allocating resources.
- Keeping stakeholders in the loop with updates.
- Managing risks and resolving roadblocks.
- Keeping the team motivated and focused.
Simply put, PMs keep the wheels turning, ensuring all the moving parts stay in sync.
What does a business analyst do?
On the other hand, a business analyst is like the compass of the project. They focus on the why and what—helping the organisation understand the problem it’s solving and the best solution for it. BAs are experts at peeling back layers to uncover real business needs and translating them into actionable requirements.
Here’s what a BA typically handles:
- Gathering and analysing requirements from stakeholders.
- Bridging the gap between technical teams and the business.
- Ensuring the final deliverables solve the right problem.
- Facilitating workshops and communication to refine solutions.
While the PM ensures the project runs, the BA ensures the project matters.
How do PMs and BAs work together?
PMs and BAs are like two sides of a coin, working together to balance execution with value. While the PM is focused on getting it done, the BA ensures it’s the right thing to get done.
Here’s how their collaboration plays out:
- Kick-off phase: The BA identifies what the business needs, and the PM plans how to meet those needs within the project constraints.
- Mid-project adjustments: As things change (and they always do), the BA refines requirements while the PM keeps timelines and budgets in check.
- Delivery: The PM ensures the project finishes on time, and the BA ensures it delivers the expected value.
When these roles align, it’s like watching a well-choreographed dance—everything just works.
Why are both roles important?
Picture a project without a BA: the team might produce something impressive, but it could completely miss the business’s actual needs. Now imagine a project without a PM: timelines slip, budgets explode, and chaos takes over. Both roles are vital because they strike the perfect balance between strategy and execution, ensuring projects are both efficient and impactful.
While the PM focuses on keeping the project on track, the BA ensures it’s solving the right problem. Together, they form a powerhouse partnership that not only delivers results but creates real value for the business.
Click here if you want to read more on why you shouldn't try to wear both hats >
Need to upskill your team?
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The content shared on the FTLS blog and social media reflects the opinions and perspectives of the authors and is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be professional advice, as it does not take into account your unique environment or circumstances.
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