Which phase of project management does business analysis typically occur?

Business analysis primarily occurs during the planning phase of project management because this phase focuses on defining project objectives, scope, and deliverables. It is essential to understand the business needs and requirements before the project can be effectively planned. This involves gathering, analyzing, and documenting requirements, which lays the foundation for project success.

In the planning phase, business analysts interact with stakeholders to elicit needs and expectations, ensuring that the project aligns with business objectives. By defining these requirements early on, the project team can then create a project plan that addresses how these requirements will be met, including resource allocation, risk assessment, and scheduling.

While business analysis can play a role in other phases, such as initiating (where initial requirements may be identified) or during executing (where adjustments might be made based on insights garnered during execution), its most comprehensive application is in the planning phase. This is where thorough analysis ensures all functional and non-functional requirements are captured, analyzed, and prioritized to steer the project effectively.