Question

So far in our attempt to understand the entire software development life cycle we have covered the two main types of methodologies and types of testing needed before a software is released. We understand that on a high-level a developer is needed to do the development work, and a tester will conduct the testing piece. But let's explore the roles and responsibilities of a project manager and business analyst in this week's discussion.

1. How is a Business Analyst's role different than that of a Project Manager?

2. Are there similarities in both roles? What are they?

3. Can the same person have the same role? Why or why not?

Answer 1

1. Business Analyst is a individual contributor role. BA is expected to work in the grassroot level with the client, requirements gathering for specific tasks from the client, interact with the development and testing team. Manager handles the overall process and usually is a level higher than BA. He takes care of project operations for example allocation, billing, SOW with the client etc.

2. A business analysts role would roll up ultimately to the manager while the manager does not do grassroot level requirements gathering. Both are client facing roles.

3. While it is possible in projects which have constraints in terms our budget and resources it would not be advisable as both roles have vast Scopes.