Business analysis determines the organizational goals, product vision, and user preference data needed to ensure proper business decisions can be made. In this 13-video course, learners will explore how a project analyst implements fundamental business analysis practices into software project management during the project initiation and planning stages. To begin, take a look at the definition of business analysis, and activities of a typical business analyst. Then move into analyzing business needs, and how a project business case can align the project to an organization's goals. Learn to recognize the need to identify and gather requirements from key stakeholders; the importance of assessing competition; and commonly used methods for generating ideas. Next, explore the cost-benefit analysis method, followed by the feasibility study tool, and how it helps determine whether a solution is practically achievable. Study key components of a business case document and effectiveness of the empathy map for communicating user preferences to the project team. Finally, learn to recognize the effectiveness of using product vision board to define product features.