At BLUEPRINT 4D 2025, Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), shared exciting updates about the evolution of business analysis and the release of the third edition of the Business Analysis Standard. Designed to make the practice more accessible, flexible, and globally relevant, this standard builds on the foundation of the BABOK® Guide while addressing the realities of today’s fast-changing business environment.

Making Business Analysis Accessible

For years, the BABOK® Guide has been the go-to reference for business analysis, offering detailed practices, 30 tasks, and 50 techniques. But at nearly 600 pages, it can feel overwhelming—especially for professionals who don’t hold a formal “business analyst” title but still practice business analysis daily.

The new Business Analysis Standard bridges that gap. At just 50–60 pages, it provides a clear, approachable way to understand the core concepts, tasks, and principles of business analysis. It’s designed for practitioners of all levels, from seasoned analysts to those in roles like product management, IT, or operations who regularly enable change and define solutions.

Core Concepts and Mindset

Central to the new standard is the Business Analysis Core Concept Model (BACCM), which highlights six interconnected elements: change, need, solution, value, stakeholder, and context. These provide a shared language for driving outcomes and ensuring business analysis efforts align with organizational goals.

Equally important is the introduction of a business analysis mindset—a recognition that effective business analysis goes beyond technical skills. It requires adaptability, communication, problem-solving, and the ability to see the bigger picture. Principles such as customer focus, collaboration, continuous improvement, and avoiding waste help professionals maximize value while building trust with stakeholders.

Tools for Today’s Professionals

The standard also introduces task cards—one-page guides that break down each of the 30 tasks into purpose, value, techniques, and tips. These are practical resources for planning stakeholder engagement, managing requirements, and improving processes without being bound by rigid categories or sequential knowledge areas.

Beyond individual practitioners, the standard speaks directly to leaders and organizations, providing guidance on delivery models, core competencies, and modern techniques like backlog management, customer journey mapping, and storytelling. It also highlights emerging areas where business analysis is critical, such as cybersecurity, ethical AI, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Why It Matters

Business analysis is no longer the job of a single “business analyst.” It’s a democratized practice, carried out by professionals across disciplines who are enabling change, driving innovation, and improving processes. By simplifying the language, streamlining resources, and emphasizing value delivery, the new Business Analysis Standard equips today’s professionals with the tools to succeed in complex, fast-paced environments.

Whether you’re pursuing certification, leading a team, or just beginning to explore business analysis, this updated standard offers an easy entry point and a roadmap for growth. Best of all, it’s freely available for download from IIBA.

Want more?

Explore more content and resources to help you get the most from your JD Edwards investment:

• Be sure to check out the BLUEPRINT 4D 2025 Event Hub for presentation slides – available exclusively to Quest members.
• Visit the Quest Learn Library for blogs, how-to demos, and on-demand sessions.
• Connect with peers in one of our Quest JD Edwards Community User Groups to swap stories, ask questions, and share tips with other users facing the same challenges.

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