Register for IIBA Philadelphia Nov 2026: Beyond Functional Reqs: The Human Side of Analysis

Beyond Functional Requirements: The Human Side of Business Analysis As business analysts, we are focused on understanding the business problem, eliciting and defining requirements, and delivering solutions that meet the organization’s needs. But what happens when the people who must adopt the solution are not ready—or willing—to change? This presentation explores the often-overlooked human element of business analysis: organizational change and resistance to change. Resistance can do more than create challenges during implementation; it can begin much earlier by influencing what stakeholders are willing to share, how they describe their needs, and whether they are open to exploring new ways of working. We will examine how a business analyst can recognize and address resistance during requirements elicitation, distinguish between legitimate concerns and resistance to change, and create an environment where stakeholders feel safe to challenge assumptions and identify what they really need. The presentation will provide practical techniques that business analysts can use to incorporate the human side of change into their work—from stakeholder engagement and facilitation through requirements discovery, solution implementation, and adoption.