Tasks and Duties
Objective: To develop hands-on skills in data analysis by gathering public data, cleansing it, and identifying key trends relevant to a business scenario. This task will build the foundation for your role as a Junior Business Analyst by emphasizing practical data handling and exploratory analysis.
Deliverables: A comprehensive report file (in PDF or Excel) containing the dataset you selected, data cleansing steps, visualizations (charts/graphs), and a summary of identified trends along with actionable insights.
Key Steps: 1. Identify and download a publicly available dataset related to a business domain (e.g., retail, finance, etc.). 2. Cleanse and prepare the data using basic data wrangling techniques. 3. Perform exploratory data analysis to identify significant trends. 4. Create visual representations to support your findings. 5. Document your findings and insights in a detailed report.
Evaluation Criteria: Your submission will be evaluated based on the clarity and depth of your data cleansing process, the relevance of the trends identified, the quality of visualizations, and the coherence of insights that support business decision-making. Your report should also clearly document your methodologies and thought processes.
Objective: To simulate the process of gathering, analyzing, and documenting stakeholder requirements for a business project. This task aims to enhance your ability to translate qualitative inputs into structured data that can inform strategic decisions.
Deliverables: A detailed requirements document (Word or PDF) that captures stakeholder interviews, meeting notes, and a summarized list of key requirements with justification.
Key Steps: 1. Draft a scenario where multiple stakeholders (internal or external) have varying requirements for a business process improvement project. 2. Create mock interview questions and simulate stakeholder responses. 3. Analyze the responses to extract actionable requirements. 4. Organize your findings into a structured document that includes a section for business needs, technical requirements, and strategic implications. 5. Include a reflection on any challenges encountered and how they were resolved.
Evaluation Criteria: Submissions will be judged on the clarity and organization of your requirements document, the logical flow of your analysis, and the extent to which the document addresses diverse stakeholder needs. Detailed explanations and a coherent summary will be key to a high-quality submission.
Objective: To practice mapping business processes and identifying areas for improvement. This task will require you to visualize and critique a common business workflow in order to propose strategies that optimize efficiency and productivity.
Deliverables: A file containing a detailed process map (in Excel, Visio, or similar formats) and a report (Word or PDF) that outlines the identified inefficiencies, potential risks, and recommended optimizations.
Key Steps: 1. Select a common business process (such as order fulfillment, customer service, or supply chain management) observable in public domains. 2. Develop a detailed flowchart mapping each step of the process. 3. Identify bottlenecks, redundant steps, and areas where errors could occur. 4. Propose feasible strategies to improve the process efficiency and reduce risks. 5. Document your analysis, including justifications for each recommendation.
Evaluation Criteria: Your submission will be evaluated based on the clarity of the process map, the thoroughness of your analysis, and the innovativeness and practicality of your optimization recommendations. Supporting visuals that complement your written analysis are essential for a complete submission.
Objective: To enhance your analytical skills by performing a competitor analysis that examines market trends and competitive positioning. This task simulates the required research and analytical tasks that a Junior Business Analyst must perform to support strategic decision-making.
Deliverables: A comprehensive competitor analysis report (delivered as a PDF or Word document) including market trend analysis, competitor profile summaries, and strategic recommendations.
Key Steps: 1. Identify a business sector and select a few key competitors using publicly available resources and market reports. 2. Analyze aspects such as market share, customer perceptions, product offerings, and pricing strategies. 3. Evaluate current market trends impacting the industry. 4. Create comparative analysis tables and visual aids that succinctly represent your findings. 5. Generate strategic recommendations that could help a business improve its position in the market.
Evaluation Criteria: Your submission will be reviewed based on the completeness of the analysis, the logical structure of your report, the depth of your research, and the clarity of your strategic recommendations. Demonstrating an ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights will be crucial.
Objective: To exercise your strategic thinking skills by developing a business strategy based on an analysis of available market data. This task combines data-driven insights with strategic planning to propose actionable business recommendations.
Deliverables: A strategy development report (in PDF or Word) that includes an overview of the current situation, SWOT analysis, strategy formulation, and actionable recommendations, supported by data visualizations.
Key Steps: 1. Begin with a situational analysis using publicly available data sources. 2. Perform a SWOT analysis on the chosen business case. 3. Develop and articulate a clear business strategy aimed at addressing identified challenges and leveraging market opportunities. 4. Support your recommendations with data insights, charts, and trend analyses. 5. Include a discussion on potential risks and mitigation strategies.
Evaluation Criteria: Evaluators will assess your ability to integrate quantitative data with strategic insights, the clarity of your document structure, and the feasibility of your proposed strategies. A well-rounded report that demonstrates thoughtful analysis, clear communication, and practical application of business concepts will score highly.
Objective: To synthesize and present your analytical findings and recommendations in a professional format suitable for stakeholder presentations. This task focuses on the final articulation of your business insights, emphasizing clarity, professionalism, and persuasive communication.
Deliverables: A final presentation file (PowerPoint or PDF format) that includes slides detailing your analytical processes, findings, and business recommendations, accompanied by a supplementary written report summarizing key points.
Key Steps: 1. Review and consolidate all previous analyses and findings from prior tasks. 2. Develop a structured slide deck that covers the problem statement, methodology, analysis, key insights, and recommended strategies. 3. Focus on the design elements to ensure clarity and visual appeal. 4. Prepare a supplementary report that elucidates the content of each slide, ensuring that all information is clearly communicated. 5. Finalize the deliverables with clear formatting and logical sequence to mimic a real-world business presentation.
Evaluation Criteria: Your submission will be evaluated based on the clarity and professionalism of your presentation, the coherence between your slides and the supplementary report, the quality of business insights, and the overall structure. Demonstrate your ability to communicate complex information effectively and ensure that your presentation is targeted toward a business audience.