Summer is a great time to enhance your skills 🔥

Let's figure out how to train analysts from scratch and see real progress.

At our meetup on August 14, Diana Krylovich – Senior System and Business Analyst at Andersen – will break down how to organize training of analysts: where to begin, how to explain complex topics in simple terms, and how to objectively assess progress.

We invite everyone, especially Middle+ level business and system analysts!

🎟 Register here

⏰ Time: 19:00 (Minsk time)/18:00 (CEST)
🕒 Duration: 1 hour
🗣 Language: Russian
📍 Offline: Andersen’s office in Minsk
💻 Online: The link to the stream will be sent to your email specified in the registration form

See you! 🙂

😶‍🌫️ Cloud Services Are Becoming the New IT Backbone — Are You Keeping Up?

Fresh Eurostat data shows a steady increase in cloud computing adoption among EU enterprises:
🔹 In 2021, 41% of companies (with 10+ employees) used cloud services.
🔹 By 2023 — that number reached 45.3% EU-wide.
🔹 In digital frontrunners like Denmark and Estonia, adoption is now over 69% and 58%, respectively.

📌 Why does this matter for business and systems analysts?
Because cloud is no longer “just” infrastructure. It’s:
the foundation of modern product ecosystems,
the enabler of cross-platform services and faster delivery,
the driver of cost optimization and resilience.
As analysts, we are not only writing requirements — we’re shaping future-proof digital ecosystems.

To do that effectively, we must:
✅ Understand where the market is going
✅ Know what infrastructure clients and users rely on
✅ Anticipate integration challenges and opportunities

📊 These insights aren’t just for architects and developers. They’re a strategic compass for any analyst involved in IT transformation, digital product design, or enterprise modernization.

🌍 Your region’s adoption curve may differ — and that difference matters when localizing or scaling tech products.

💬 Are cloud trends already influencing how you shape your next roadmap or product spec? Let’s discuss.

#BusinessAnalysis #CloudComputing #DigitalTransformation #Eurostat

Choosing the right implementation strategy for your project 📉

When it comes to implementing new systems, processes, or policies, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on your project’s needs, here are 6 types of implementation to consider:
1. Direct cutover – Replace the old system all at once. It’s quick but risky, best for businesses that need a clean break.
2. Big bang – A complete overhaul of systems and processes at the same time. It’s bold but can be risky, ideal for major transformations.
3. Emergent change – Small, continuous changes that allow for flexibility and ongoing refinement. Perfect for projects with evolving requirements.
4. Phased implementation – Roll out the change in stages. It reduces risks and makes complex projects more manageable.
5. Pilot – Test the change on a small scale first. It helps identify potential issues before a full rollout.
6. Parallel run – Run both the old and new systems at the same time for a while. It reduces risk by ensuring the new system works before fully switching over

Choosing the right strategy depends on your project’s goals and the level of risk you’re willing to take.

Whether you need a bold Big Bang or a careful phased approach, understanding these options can help you implement change smoothly and successfully!☝️

#ChangeManagement #ProjectManagement #ImplementationStrategy #BusinessTransformation

🫂 Building Trust with Stakeholders as Business Analyst

Throughout my career as a Business Analyst, I have consistently found that the most successful outcomes are not just the result of well-written requirements, but of strong, trust-based relationships with stakeholders.

Trust is not built through deliverables alone. It is established through consistency, clear
communication, and a genuine understanding of stakeholder needs.

These are the core principles I follow to build and maintain that trust:
1. Active Listening👂
Truly understanding stakeholder needs requires more than just taking notes. I focus on listening carefully, asking follow-up questions, and identifying the real challenges behind what is being said.
2. Clear Expectations from the Start
I make it a priority to align early on how we will work together — what I will deliver, when I need their input, and how we will communicate throughout the process. Clarity up front prevents confusion later.
3. Transparency at All Times 💬
I believe in addressing challenges and risks openly. Whether it’s a change in scope or a timeline concern, sharing this information early builds credibility and encourages joint problem-solving.
4. Bridging the Business-Technology Gap✍️
One of the most valuable aspects of our role is acting as a translator. I work to ensure that both
technical and non-technical stakeholders are aligned, speaking a shared language that
facilitates better decisions.
5. Reliability and Respect 🤝
Trust grows when people know they can count on you. Following through on commitments, respecting time and priorities, and demonstrating empathy have helped me build lasting partnerships with stakeholders.

Business Analysts play a key role in connecting people, aligning teams, and shaping the direction of products and solutions. And at the heart of that role is trust.

I would be glad to hear from others in the field — how do you build trust with your stakeholders?

#BusinessAnalysis #StakeholderManagement #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment
#BusinessAnalyst

⌨️ ICT Security Incidents: The Underestimated Risk Business Analysts Can’t Afford to Ignore

In 2024, 22% of EU businesses experienced ICT security incidents — from disrupted services to corrupted data or leaks of confidential information.

📉 Some of the hardest-hit countries:
Finland — 42% of businesses affected
Poland — 32%
Malta — 29%

While others, like Austria, Slovenia, Bulgaria, and Slovakia, reported much lower rates (12%) — but this may also reflect underreporting or differences in detection.

🔍 Why does this matter for business and systems analysts?

Because in 2024:
93% of EU companies claimed to use at least one ICT security measure
Yet incidents still affected 1 in 5 businesses

This is a gap between policy and reality, and it’s our job as analysts to bridge it.
Whether you’re shaping IT transformation roadmaps, redesigning internal systems, or defining non-functional requirements — cybersecurity must be a core layer, not an afterthought.

📌 Strong passwords (used by 84%) and data backups (79%) are now hygiene factors.
📌 But only 36% of businesses had documented security procedures, and just 22% updated them recently.
📌 Only 25% of companies made cybersecurity training mandatory.

🧩 For analysts, this means:
Mapping risks in business processes isn’t optional — it’s strategic.
We must ask: How resilient is this process if the system goes down?
Security and usability must evolve together in product and system design.

💬 How are you embedding cybersecurity thinking into your product or system specs? Do your stakeholders see it as a cost — or a competitive asset?

#BusinessAnalysis #SystemsAnalysis #CyberSecurity #RiskManagement #ITStrategy #DigitalResilience #BAcommunity #ProcessDesign #NFR #DataProtection #ICTsecurity #Eurostat

🔥 Community, the Business and System Analyst Meetup starts very soon!

📱 If you're joining us online, use this link to watch the live stream - link.

Don’t miss Diana Krylovich’s insights on training analysts from scratch.

⏱ Time: 19:00 (Minsk) / 18:00 (CEST)

See you there!

AI is weaving its way into business analysis — and we want to know how 💡

With GPT-5, Copilot, Gemini and many more, AI tools are reshaping how Business Analysts work. We’re running a short, anonymous survey to explore how widely AI is used, what drives its adoption, and what hopes or concerns professionals have.

Your insights will help us understand current trends and foster smarter, more modern BA practices in IT.
💬👉 https://forms.gle/o8sEU4QqnXev83j1A

Thank you for contributing — your experience really matters!

🏓 The Power & Interest Matrix is a proven framework that helps Business Analysts and project teams categorize stakeholders and develop targeted engagement strategies.

The model divides stakeholders into four categories:

1. High Power + High Interest → Manage Closely
These stakeholders hold significant influence and have a vested interest in the project’s outcome. They must be actively engaged, consulted in key decisions, and kept closely informed to ensure alignment.

2. High Power + Low Interest → Keep Satisfied
This group often consists of senior executives or leaders who care about strategic impact but may not require operational details. Communication should remain concise, highlighting value, progress, and outcomes.

3. Low Power + High Interest → Keep Informed
These stakeholders, often end-users or subject matter experts, may not hold decision-making authority but their involvement and feedback are vital. Regular updates foster trust and prevent misalignment.

4. Low Power + Low Interest → Monitor
These stakeholders require minimal but consistent communication. The goal is to ensure awareness without overloading them with unnecessary detail.

Ultimately, stakeholder management is not about distributing equal attention to all parties. It is about ensuring that communication and engagement strategies are aligned with each stakeholder’s influence and interest, creating the conditions for project success.

💬 How frequently do you apply the Power & Interest Matrix in your work, and what alternative approaches do you find effective in managing complex stakeholder environments? co

#BusinessAnalysis #StakeholderManagement #AnalystHub #ProjectLeadership #ProjectSuccess

❓5 Types of IT users every BA should know

To be truly effective, we need to understand the people we're building for - the end-users. Their behaviors, motivations, and pain points are key to crafting solutions that are not just functional, but truly adopted!

Here are 5 common types of IT users you'll likely encounter and how to collaborate effectively with them:
1. The Knowledgeable Ally
This user is a rare and valuable asset. They understand technical concepts but are humble enough to ask questions when they don't. They are genuinely interested in learning and often have good ideas for improvement. 💡
See them as a partner. They are perfect for early-stage feedback, prototype testing, and even as champions to help with user adoption. Their insightful questions can help you uncover deeper requirements.

2. The Self-Proclaimed Expert
This user believes they are a technical expert because they've read a few articles or understand some jargon. They have loud opinions and are quick to offer their "expert" analysis, which can often be misinformed. 🤔
Don't get drawn into arguments. Instead, guide them by asking open-ended questions that require specific, factual answers about their business process. Redirect their focus from what they think the solution should be to what the business problem truly is.

3. The Results-Driven Stakeholder
This is the high-ranking executive who doesn't care about the technical details. They have the authority to push projects forward and are only focused on outcomes, KPIs, and the bottom line. 🚀
Speak their language. Frame your arguments using terms like ROI, strategic alignment, and business value. Present facts and compelling data to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of your proposed solution in a way that directly links to their business objectives.

4. The Technophobe
This user is overwhelmed by technology and may struggle with basic functions. They are your most frequent callers for simple questions and may be hesitant to embrace new systems, which can lead to friction during a rollout. 😕
Be patient and non-judgmental. Understand that their discomfort is a real barrier to adoption. Simplify processes, create clear and basic training materials, and use this as an opportunity to identify where your solution needs to be more user-friendly.

5. The Hesitant Contributor
Quiet and reserved, this user is often afraid to speak up, even if they have valuable input. They may agree to things in a group setting without fully understanding them, which can lead to issues later in the project. 🤫
Create a safe space for them. Make an extra effort to check in with them one-on-one after meetings to ensure they truly understood the discussion. Their silence doesn't mean they have no ideas; it means they need a more comfortable environment to share them.

#BusinessAnalysis #UserExperience #ITProjects #BusinessAnalysts #UserAdoption