What does “elicitation” mean in the context of business analysis?

Elicitation in the context of business analysis refers to the process of gathering information and requirements from stakeholders. This is a critical step for business analysts, as it involves engaging with various stakeholders, including customers, project team members, and subject matter experts, to identify their needs, expectations, and any constraints related to the project. Through effective elicitation techniques such as interviews, surveys, workshops, or observation, business analysts can collect valuable insights that inform the project’s goals and objectives.

The success of a project greatly depends on the quality and thoroughness of the elicitation process, as it lays the foundation for properly defining requirements and ensuring that the final deliverables align with stakeholder expectations. By obtaining a comprehensive understanding of stakeholders’ perspectives, business analysts facilitate clearer communication and enhanced collaboration among all parties involved, ultimately increasing the chances of project success.