The BAST: The New Gravitational Centre of Business Analysis
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect the perspectives of IIBA.
This article was originally published on the Brazilian BA website and my LinkedIn page. Share your comments there and read what others have said.
A transformation of great magnitude has occurred in the universe of business analysis, yet many professionals have not fully grasped its significance.
In January, IIBA clarified its strategy for evolving the official business analysis body of knowledge—a shift that realigned planetary orbits. In an article by IIBA President and CEO Delvin Fletcher for the first edition of The Corner, it became evident that a new paradigm had been established.
The gravitational centre of business analysis has shifted, redefining the common foundation upon which we rely. Let’s explore it with a useful analogy. 
“When the second sun arrives to realign the orbits of the planets, bringing down with exemplary astonishment what astronomers thought was just another comet.” ("The Second Sun," a song by Duda Beat and Nando Reis, free translation) – Image source: ChatGPT
The BABOK Guide: The Former Gravitational Centre
Since 2006, when version 1.6 of A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide) was released, the business analysis community has always considered it the fundamental reference. Subsequent publications aligned with it, ensuring a collective understanding.In 2020, this alignment was complemented by the Global Business Analysis Core Standard, a more concise and accessible document available for free download on the IIBA website. While the BABOK Guide has over 500 pages, the Core Standard had about 50 and clearly summarized key concepts.
The Evolution of The Business Analysis Standard
A major shift occurred when the Core Standard was expanded and renamed The Business Analysis Standard—which my friend Ricardo Stucchi, IIBA Brasil Chapter president, affectionately nicknamed the BAST.In addition to the key principles of business analysis available in the BABOK Guide, the BAST introduces updates and extended concepts, such as the business analysis mindset and new techniques for performing business analysis tasks, and integrates agile and hybrid approaches into the practice. It speaks to a broader audience, including organizational leaders and different roles benefiting from business analysis practices.
The BAST is now the best reference for business analysis terminology and vocabulary. As a more concise document that’s updated regularly (every 18 to 24 months), it facilitates understanding and communication among professionals in the field. More than just a summary of the BABOK Guide, it’s a structural axis connecting IIBA-specific publications like guides on cybersecurity, agile analysis, and product ownership. Plus, it links to the BABOK Guide, practical examples, and resources in IIBA’s KnowledgeHub.
Why the BAST Is the New Sun of Business Analysis
In the business analysis solar system, the BAST has become the new sun, around which other guides and publications orbit. Though concise, it’s dense and highly relevant, guiding the evolution of knowledge in the field through a collaborative process in which volunteers continuously contribute to its updates.It serves as the foundation for understanding other official IIBA resources, containing fundamental business analysis concepts and the framework upon which they are structured.
The BAST has become the core content for IIBA’s foundational certification (the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis). This certification is ideal for professionals from various backgrounds who want to demonstrate their alignment with an outcome-driven mindset.
The new solar system of IIBA resources – Image source: ChatGPT
The Importance of a Common Language in Business Analysis
The common, simplified language provided in the BAST is essential for strengthening our identity as a community and enhancing the results achieved through business analysis. The discipline is applied in various contexts and can take different forms, depending on the industry and organizational needs.Software developers, for instance, approach business analysis differently than process analysts and corporate consultants. But they all share the goal of achieving better outcomes for stakeholders from an outcome-driven perspective.
Companies frequently develop proprietary approaches based on internal methodologies and terminologies, using specific artifacts, roles, and responsibilities. This makes communication with professionals from other organizations more challenging. The BAST addresses this challenge by establishing a shared conceptual foundation, allowing different derived methodologies to remain connected to the global business analysis ecosystem.
Adopt the BAST and Align With the Future of Business Analysis
Now, the question is: Are you aligned with the updated BAST? Explore it, use it as a reference, and contribute to the evolution of business analysis. The balance of the system depends on our engagement!Your next breakthrough in business analysis starts here. Download the Standard today, sharpen your skills, and lead your organization toward success. Together, let’s drive the future of business analysis.
References
- The Portuguese version of this article.
- IIBA President and CEO Delvin Fletcher’s article in The Corner.
- Business Analysis Live session: The Updated Business Analysis Standard: What You Need to Know
- What is Business Analysis? A simple explanation.
About the Author
Fabrício Laguna, AKA the Brazilian BA, is a business consultant, teacher, professional speaker, and former IIBA Brazil Chapter President. Fabrício is the author and producer of videos, articles, classes, lectures, and playful content. He can explain complex things in a simple and easy-to-understand way. He has over 25 years of experience working with business analysis, methodology, solution development, systems analysis, project management, business architecture, and systems architecture.
