The Power of Community: Honouring the Contributors to The Business Analysis Standard 

At IIBA, we’re proud to support a global community of business analysis professionals with tools and resources that help them thrive. One of these is The Business Analysis Standard, which received a fresh update last month. This critical resource presents foundational concepts and activities in a clear, easy-to-use format. 
 
Designed to be practical, the Standard is for practitioners at all career levels, from early-stage analysts to seasoned professionals. Built by business analysis professionals for business analysis professionals, it reflects the profession's growth and provides the foundation for effective business analysis practices. 

More than just a guide, it clarifies what business analysis is, what business analysis professionals do, and how they create value in their organizations. It draws on the expertise and experiences of professionals from diverse industries, ensuring its relevance and applicability in today’s business world. 

The Power of Community

Creating a resource like the Standard wouldn’t be possible without the incredible dedication of our volunteers and contributors—and it’s a truly global and collaborative effort. 

We adhere to the key principles of standard development set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ensuring a rigorous, precise, and transparent process. This methodology reflects our commitment to excellence and inclusivity. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Co-development with the global community: We work together with business analysis professionals worldwide to ensure the Standard reflects diverse perspectives
• Sourcing input from industry leaders and practitioners: Experts from various sectors and regions provide invaluable insights, ensuring the Standard stays relevant to the needs of today’s business world
• Multiple review cycles: We hold several rounds of reviews to integrate expert opinions and global feedback, refining the content throughout
• Consensus-based decision-making: Every step of the process is guided by a consensus-based approach, ensuring balanced, well-rounded content 

Every contributor brought unique perspectives from their diverse experiences and industries, contributing to various phases of this important work—such as workshops, expert reviews, and public review cycles.  

Acknowledging Our Contributors

We want to thank everyone who contributed to the Standard. This resource is a true testament to the power of the business analysis community.

The success of the Standard is a direct result of the collective expertise and commitment of our community:

• 186 volunteers participated in workshops
• 23 expert reviewers provided in-depth analysis and insights
• 115 public reviewers shared valuable feedback to refine and enhance the content

See the full list of contributors here.

Volunteers are the heart of IIBA’s success. As a global non-profit organization, we rely on the passion and dedication of the volunteer community to support initiatives that benefit business analysis professionals worldwide.

Volunteers contribute to a variety of initiatives in different roles—from reviewing key resources like the Standard to supporting local chapters, mentoring new professionals, and contributing to the development of new certifications.

But volunteering with IIBA isn’t just about giving back to the profession. It’s also an opportunity to expand your network, develop new skills, and be part of a global community. Many of the contributors to the Standard are long-time volunteers who have supported multiple initiatives over the years.

Interested in joining our volunteer community? Learn more here.

A Lasting Legacy

The Standard is continuously adapted to meet the needs of the business analysis community. It provides a common language that unites professionals across industries and disciplines while offering a foundation for effective business analysis practices.

The rigour of this initiative is a testament to the strength of the global business analysis community. It reminds us of what we can accomplish when we collaborate, share ideas, and work toward a common goal.

Our contributors’ work has created something truly special that will have a lasting impact on the profession for years to come.

Explore the Standard

The latest edition of the Standard includes new material and enhancements that reflect the changing needs of the business analysis community. These updates offer practical insights and help professionals adapt to today’s business challenges.

Here’s what’s new:

• Outcome-driven focus: Emphasizes achieving measurable outcomes and delivering long-term value beyond traditional methods.
• Organizational context: It provides new insights to help professionals navigate modern organizational complexities. Whether working in agile, hybrid, or transformational environments, these strategies help practitioners remain effective and adaptable.
• Streamlined concepts: Foundational principles have been refined to improve clarity and applicability, offering sharper tools for solving real-world problems. These updates make it easier to connect concepts with daily business analysis activities.
• Updated task cards: Task cards have been refreshed to reflect current practices, offering practical guidance on applying business analysis skills in real-world scenarios.

These enhancements make the Standard a more versatile and impactful resource for practitioners navigating today’s business landscape.

To learn more about how it can support your business analysis practice, download your free copy today.

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The Authors