Before most technology or business process changes can be implemented, business analysis is essential. Business analysis helps an organization to improve how it conducts its functions and activities in order to better support customers. Business analysis focuses on identifying requirements in the context of helping organizations to achieve strategic goals. This quick start guide was developed as an introduction to business analysis. Written by a business analyst with over 20 years of industry experience, this guide will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of business analysis fundamentals and the value of a business analyst within an organization. You will learn how to define the business needs and apply the most effective tools and techniques to elicit, analyze and communicate requirements to business stakeholders and project teams. In this guide I use a variety of graphical examples, templates and artifacts based on real world work experience to provide step-by-step guide to conducting business analysis.