IIBA.org 3 Key Takeaways From IIBA's Latest Benchmark Report

3 Key Takeaways From IIBA's Latest Benchmark Report

IIBA digital certification and Member badges let your network, peers, and employers know about your ongoing professional development and highlight your commitment to your business analysis career.

It’s probably a cliché by now, but that doesn’t make it any less true: staying ahead in today’s competitive market requires constant adaptation and growth.

Based on survey responses from 39 program partners, IIBA’s latest Benchmark Report sheds light on the key strategies and practices that organizations are using to boost their business analysis capabilities. The report focuses on the importance of continuous learning, professional development, and strong leadership support, all of which help teams stay equipped to meet future challenges.

In this article, I’ll explore three critical takeaways from the report. Each can help drive success for your business analysis team and, ultimately, your organization. Let’s get into it.

1. The Right Environment Is Key

For a business to thrive, it needs to keep up with changing market demands. This means having employees with the right skills. Encouraging ongoing learning and setting up a solid training program are key to preparing business analysis professionals for future challenges. So is executive support and strong advocacy for business analysis.

Effective business analysis starts with skilled professionals, and many companies are investing in their growth. From covering training costs to encouraging participation in industry events and webinars, these efforts help employees stay sharp. Companies that tie career growth to performance reviews and keep pace with industry advancements create an environment where professional development thrives.

2. Professional Development Leads to Better Outcomes

You can almost draw a straight line from investing in the development of business analysis professionals to improvements in the use of new methodologies or tools. These improvements, in turn, give organizations a much-needed edge in today’s market and lead to better business outcomes.

Yet, they don’t happen by themselves. Improvements in the use of new tools, techniques, or practices by business analysis professionals depend on strong executive sponsorship and support and a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

3. There Are Many Ways to Improve

Unlocking the potential of business analysis within an organization isn’t about a single professional development activity—it’s as diverse as the organizations themselves!

While the list of professional development activities is broad and largely dependent on an organization’s unique needs, here are the top three most impactful ones (in order of importance):

Online community and communications tools
Regularly scheduled workshops, team training meetings, and internal coaching
Formal training and education from an external provider

In companies where professional development has encouraged business analysis professionals to embrace new methods, a whopping 95% offer mentoring or coaching. These same companies also create spaces for professionals to share ideas and advice with one another.

Continuous Learning Powers Success

IIBA's Benchmark Report highlights the importance of keeping business analysis professionals on their toes with ongoing learning and development. To stay ahead of the game, organizations need to invest in their teams, ensuring they’re equipped with the skills and tools to tackle whatever challenges come their way.

With strong leadership support and a culture that values growth, businesses can create an environment where learning is encouraged and even celebrated.

The report shows that when companies invest in training, workshops, and connecting with industry experts, the benefits are clear: better tools, better outcomes, and a team that’s always ready to adapt. After all, the best teams aren’t just prepared for the future—they help shape it.

Download Now: Professional Development Summary Report

Beyond the Benchmark: Resources to Help Advance Business Analysis Capability

To support organizations on their journey toward business analysis excellence, the newly enhanced IIBA Partner Program has a variety of resources.

IIBA offers the tools, learning opportunities, and a global network of business analysis professionals who are tackling similar challenges and finding creative solutions. Building a high-performing organization is a journey, and IIBA is there to support business analysis professionals every step of the way.

The path to success for any business starts with a focus on training, improving processes, engaging stakeholders, adopting best practices, and staying current in an ever-changing world. By embracing these principles, businesses can not only boost the skills of their teams but also enhance the overall strength and resilience of the organization.

IIBA’s Partner Program is designed to drive results through industry-leading resources, helping your organization sense and respond to change effectively. It offers the tools, support, network connections, and professional development resources to build a skilled and proficient business analysis team.

Learn more about IIBA’s Partner Program.

About the Author

Jared Gorai, Director, Chapters & Membership Engagement, International Institute of Business Analysis™, IIBA®

Blake Heggestad is the Director of Business Development and Growth at IIBA. He is committed to fulfilling IIBA’s mission to promote business analysis around the world. Prior to joining IIBA, Blake was Vice President of North American Sales for Learning Tree International, a global training company for technical and key business skills. He was responsible for driving growth in key areas such as e-learning and industry certifications.