Business Analysis in Information Systems Curriculum: Implications of Business Analysis Professionalization

Within the Information Systems Discipline, business analysis has traditionally been considered a part of system development, and is usually taught as a part of systems analysis and design courses. Recent years however, have seen professionalization of business analysis which has culminated in the establishment of the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). Since its incorporation in 2006, IIBA released a Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BA BOK) and now offers a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certification. This paper examines the implications of such professionalization of the field of business analysis for IS education, identifies the gaps between the BA BOK and the traditional core IS curriculum and suggests directions for closing such gaps. Broader implications of BA professionalization for the IS discipline identity are also discussed.