Business Analysis Blueprint
Emerson Ramkaran
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As tech change moves at a dizzying pace, business analyst and technology consultant Emerson Ramkaran needs to move even faster. Now working with the Cayman Islands Government, he relies on a blend of conferences, certifications, community engagement, and hands-on experience.
With a passion for problem-solving and deep technical expertise, Emerson has navigated a dynamic career focused on value creation and efficient communication. From leading transformation projects at EY to earning certifications like CBAP and Prosci, his journey underscores a strong commitment to continuous learning, effective change management, and stakeholder engagement.
We recently spoke to Emerson to discuss his impactful work on digital transformation projects, the role of Agile practices, and how technologies like AI and advanced analytics are reshaping the industry.
Your career in technology consulting and business analysis sounds fascinating! Can you walk us through your experiences and share the pivotal moments and inspirations that led you down this path?
My journey into technology consulting began with a genuine passion for solving problems and improving business processes. Early on, as a Business Analyst at Guardian Group, I got some great advice. I was told to tackle the pain points in processes first, and then use technology to enhance those improvements.
Working on digital transformation projects as a business analysis professional was a real eye-opener for me. I explored various technologies, including RPA, APIs, low-code platforms, and big data. I saw first-hand how they could improve operations and simplify things for our clients.
The highlight of my job is getting feedback from stakeholders about how the solutions have positively impacted them. Mentors, both technical and non-technical, have truly inspired me. They have shown me how technology can drive strategic growth and create value for everyone, inside and outside the organization.
During your time at EY, what were some of the challenges of leading technology transformation projects?
When leading transformation projects, managing resistance to change is crucial. Change management often gets overlooked in favour of focusing on project scope, timelines, and budgets.
Yet I have found that effective change management can make or break a project. Resistance typically stems from fears about the unknown, preference for the status quo, misunderstandings about the change, poor communication, or past negative experiences. To address these issues, it’s essential to communicate clearly, involve stakeholders, and provide comprehensive training to resolve knowledge gaps.
I became a certified Prosci change management professional, recognizing the need for structured change management. It equipped me to handle resistance effectively, guide people through transitions, and ensure new technologies are embraced throughout the product lifecycle. At EY, change management is a fundamental component of every transformation engagement, designed to address challenges effectively with the appropriate strategies.
How do your multiple professional certifications help you add value to your clients' digital transformation initiatives? How has the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), in particular, changed your career?
Throughout my career, I have found that real-life challenges often lead to the certifications I pursue. For instance, I got my Prosci certification while working on an automation project that was meant to streamline tasks and offer strategic insights. However, despite the potential benefits for many employees, they were hesitant about the changes. That experience made me realize how critical effective change management is, leading me to pursue the certification to equip myself with the necessary skills.
Similarly, my agile certifications were a game-changer. They helped me pinpoint some common issues slowing down our development cycles. As a result, we were able to add more value to our sprints with effective product backlog management.
Getting the CBAP certification as a business analysis professional was another big step for me. It boosted my credibility and allowed me to contribute more strategically to projects. It has sharpened my analytical skills, given me useful tools and frameworks, and improved my ability to tackle complex business problems. On top of that, the CBAP designation has helped me stand out in the Caribbean market and significantly benefited my career.
In your experience, how does Agile methodology differ when applied to different geographic regions?
Agile practices are consistent, but they truly shine when working with geographically dispersed teams. Agile is all about flexibility, making steady progress through iterations and keeping communication strong. It promotes constant collaboration and quick adjustments through daily stand-ups and sprint reviews, no matter where team members are.
Focusing on clear, frequent updates and cross-functional interactions helps everyone stay aligned and tackle issues swiftly. This approach leads to better project outcomes and helps maintain cohesive teamwork, even if the team is dispersed geographically.
Can you elaborate on your role in mentoring and coaching scrum teams on complex programs and projects? What are some of the common hurdles you help them overcome?
I focus on helping teams set up an effective Scrum framework so they can grow into self-organizing teams. As a Professional Scrum Master (PSM II) and Product Owner (PSPO II), I have learned that spotting and tackling Scrum antipatterns is crucial but often overlooked. It’s easy to say, “Let’s skip this daily scrum,” or forgo a sprint review to spend more time “working.”
Antipatterns, such as a lack of transparency, can hinder a team's ability to adapt, affecting project success and client satisfaction. I help teams refine their processes, boost collaboration, and achieve better results by identifying and addressing these issues. This ensures the long-term success of both the team and the project.
How do you stay current with so much change happening in the tech world?
I rely on a mix of strategies to keep up with the rapid pace of change in the tech world. Continuous learning is key, so I regularly take courses and earn certifications to stay sharp. I also make it a point to attend webinars (especially IIBA webinars) and conferences. They’re great for gaining insights into the latest trends and networking with industry experts.
Engaging with professional communities is another important part of my approach. Being active in forums and discussion groups helps me connect with other professionals and share knowledge. I also follow key publications and technology thought leaders to stay informed about emerging technologies and industry shifts.
Additionally, I like to experiment with new tools and technologies myself. Even without mastering it, hands-on experience often provides the best understanding of how new developments will impact the industry. Combining these methods helps me stay current and adapt to changes effectively.
Can you discuss a successful project where you applied Agile and hybrid project management practices to deliver significant value?
A standout project was building a customer portal in the financial services sector, integrating it with several legacy systems. We used Agile methods to develop features iteratively, allowing us to adapt quickly based on user feedback and changing requirements.
At the same time, we combined this with a hybrid approach, applying waterfall techniques for the critical integration phases. This gave us the structured and predictable timelines we needed for system integration and deployment.
By blending these approaches, we stayed flexible and responsive to user needs while ensuring the complex integrations were handled smoothly. The result was a highly effective solution that greatly improved customer engagement and streamlined our backend operations.
What prompted you to become a certified mediator, and how has this skill influenced your approach to change management and stakeholder engagement?
Recognizing the crucial role of conflict resolution in managing change and engaging stakeholders, I became certified as a mediator in Trinidad & Tobago. In complex projects, differing stakeholder interests often lead to disagreements, which can delay or derail progress. With certification, I have the skills to lead productive conversations, handle conflicts fairly, and find solutions everyone can agree on.
This certification has boosted my ability to manage tough interactions, encourage teamwork, and build stakeholder consensus. It has greatly improved my communication with stakeholders, easing project transitions, managing resistance, and maintaining positive relationships throughout the project.
Which emerging developments or technologies will have the biggest impact on business analysis and technology consulting?
Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics will be game-changers in business analysis and technology consulting. AI is transforming data processing and decision-making by enabling predictive analytics, natural language processing, and the automation of routine tasks. Meanwhile, advanced analytics, like machine learning and data mining, provide deeper insights into customer behaviour and operational efficiency.
These tools foster more accurate forecasting, better-optimized processes, and innovative solutions, which are reshaping how businesses operate and stay competitive. In-the-know technology consultants use the latest tools and methods, drive strategic projects, and bring even more value to clients.
If you could instantly master any new skill or technology, what would it be and why?
If I could instantly master any new skill, I would go for telepathy. Just think about it—being able to read everyone’s thoughts during meetings would be revolutionary.
No more guessing what a stakeholder is really thinking or trying to decode vague feedback. It would eliminate the need to schedule another meeting. Plus, it would make for an amazing party trick!
In 2024 and beyond, Analysis Everywhere will spotlight the versatility, value, and far-reaching impact of talented business analysis professionals like Emerson. If you need some inspiration for sharing your own story, visit our website for more information on Analysis Everywhere.
Know someone who's making an impact as a business analysis professional? Reach out to brand@iiba.org to have them featured in our next Business Analysis Blueprint.
About the Author
Robert McClements is the Communications and Media Relations Specialist at IIBA. With over seven years of communications experience at non-governmental organizations, he contributes to IIBA’s marketing and communications efforts in support of the business analysis profession and community. Residing in his hometown of Montreal, Robert enjoys spending time with his family, listening to music, and reading.
