What technique can help in understanding the challenges faced by different stakeholders?

Interviews and surveys are powerful techniques for understanding the challenges faced by different stakeholders because they allow for direct interaction and feedback from those impacted by a project or initiative. By conducting interviews, a business analyst can engage in one-on-one discussions, enabling them to probe deeper into the concerns, needs, and experiences of stakeholders, thereby uncovering nuanced information that may not be readily apparent.

Surveys complement this by reaching a broader audience, capturing quantitative data that can reveal trends and common challenges across different groups of stakeholders. This combination of qualitative and quantitative insights creates a holistic understanding of stakeholder perspectives, leading to more informed decision-making and prioritization of issues.

While data analytics can certainly provide insight into trends and patterns, it often lacks the context that comes from personal interactions. Benchmarking focuses on comparing processes or performance against industry standards, which may not directly illuminate individual stakeholder challenges. SWOT analysis assesses strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to a situation or organization but does not involve gathering direct stakeholder experiences. Therefore, interviews and surveys stand out as the most effective techniques for gaining a comprehensive understanding of stakeholder challenges.