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Setting Expectations with the Project Manager: A Business Analyst's Approach to Deliverables

  • Oct 20, 2024
  • 3 min read

After onboarding a project, a Business Analyst (BA) must establish clear expectations with the Project Manager (PM) regarding deliverables. This collaboration ensures both parties understand their roles, timelines, and key outcomes for the project’s success.


Steps for Setting Expectations with the Project Manager


  1. Clarifying Deliverables:

    • Purpose: The BA outlines specific deliverables like the Business Requirements Document (BRD), process flows, and data models, ensuring that both parties are aligned on what will be produced during each phase.

    • Example: In a Banking project, the BA discusses the BRD, outlining its scope, and sets clear expectations about the timeframe and level of detail required for approval.

  2. Defining Timelines:

    • Purpose: The BA works with the PM to set realistic deadlines for each deliverable. The timelines should be synchronized with the project’s overall schedule to ensure timely completion.

    • Example: In a Supply Chain Management project, the BA and PM agree on a timeline for process documentation and requirement validation, keeping the development schedule on track.

  3. Managing Dependencies:

    • Purpose: The BA identifies dependencies between their deliverables and other project activities. This ensures that any tasks requiring input from developers or stakeholders are factored into the schedule.

    • Example: In a Fintech project, the BA ensures that key stakeholder feedback on financial workflows is collected before the final design is submitted to the development team.

  4. Communicating Changes:

    • Purpose: The BA and PM agree on how to handle changes or adjustments to deliverables. This allows both to manage scope changes effectively and avoid project delays.

    • Example: In a US Healthcare Domain project, the BA sets expectations with the PM on how to approach requirement changes due to regulatory updates, ensuring both sides stay aligned.

  5. Status Reporting and Reviews:

    • Purpose: Regular check-ins between the BA and PM are essential for tracking the progress of deliverables and addressing any roadblocks. A clear status reporting structure ensures smooth communication.

    • Example: In a Capital Markets project, the BA agrees with the PM to provide weekly status reports on deliverables like use cases and data flow diagrams to maintain transparency.


Case Study: Aligning Expectations in an Investment Banking Project

In a high-stakes Investment Banking project, the BA needed to align with the PM on tight deadlines for developing a new risk management system. By setting clear expectations regarding deliverables such as use case diagrams and business process flows, the BA ensured that the project stayed on track. Regular reviews and close coordination allowed the team to navigate changing requirements and deliver a solution on time.


Conclusion:

For Business Analysts, setting expectations with the Project Manager early in the project lifecycle is critical for success. Clear communication about deliverables, timelines, and dependencies ensures that the project runs smoothly and meets its objectives.


Explore Our Courses at JVMH Infotech At JVMH Infotech, we prepare BAs to work seamlessly with Project Managers and other stakeholders to deliver successful projects. Our programs cover essential skills like communication, project management alignment, and more:

  • 🎓 Business Analyst Job Mentorship Program

  • 🎓 Scrum Product Owner Job Mentorship Program

  • 🎓 Project Manager Job Mentorship Program

  • 🎓 Scrum Master Job Mentorship Program

  • 🎓 EPMO Course Job Mentorship Program

  • 🎓 Banking and Financial Markets Domain Training

  • 🎓 US Healthcare Domain Training

  • 🎓 Supply Chain Management Domain Training

  • 🎓 Scrum Developer Certification

  • 🎓 Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification


 
 
 

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