What is the primary focus of impact analysis in business analysis?

The primary focus of impact analysis in business analysis is to assess how changes affect existing systems and stakeholders. This process involves understanding the potential consequences of a proposed change within an organization, which can include alterations in processes, technology, and stakeholder roles. By examining these impacts, business analysts can provide insights that help stakeholders make informed decisions, manage risks, and develop appropriate strategies for implementation. This understanding is crucial for ensuring that changes align with organizational goals and minimize disruptions to ongoing operations.

Evaluating stakeholder opinions, determining project costs and timelines, and creating new project proposals are important aspects of project management and stakeholder engagement, but they do not encapsulate the primary intent of impact analysis. The essence of impact analysis lies in understanding the breadth and depth of effects that a change may bring about, making it a critical step in the business analysis process.