Business analysis reading list

A business analyst (BA) acts as a bridge between business needs and technological solutions,  working closely with stakeholders to understand business processes, identify problems or opportunities for improvement and define requirements for new systems or enhancements.

Business analysts gather and analyse data and document workflows to translate business needs into clear, actionable insights for developers, project managers and other team members.

They aim to ensure solutions align with business objectives, improve efficiency and deliver value.

Business analysts need diverse skills to be effective in their role. To help you develop these skills, BCS’ network of business analysts have created this business analysis reading list of the BA books and resources that they use and refer to as they work.

Books every business analyst should read

Agile and Business Analysis: Practical guidance for IT professionals

Lynda Girvan, Debra Paul

Adopting an agile approach can transform business analysis by emphasising iterative development and early delivery focused on customer needs. This updated edition thoroughly introduces agile methods and their application in business analysis and broader business change. Written by industry experts, it’s ideal for analysts working in agile environments or preparing for the BCS Professional Certificate in Agile Business Analysis, offering practical guidance for applying agile techniques effectively.

Making Workshops Work: Creative collaboration for our time

Penny Pullan

A must-read for anyone facilitating workshops — virtual, in-person, or hybrid. Practical, thoughtful and full of real-life case studies, it offers tips on managing energy, handling conflict and focusing on group needs. The structure is user-friendly, and the advice is grounded in experience. Even seasoned facilitators will learn something new.

Project Myopia: Why projects damage software #NoProjects

Allan Kelly

An excellent book which thoughtfully critiques the project construct that we have all been conditioned to accept as normal. This book is thought-provoking, explaining Allan's views and experiences on how and why projects harm software development. This book links into Allan's other book Continuous Digital which builds on the critique and rationale Project Myopia provides.. If you work on change projects that involve, or are driven by, software then this book will be for you. It challenges current thinking and provokes further thought.

How To Be An Agile Business Analyst

Kent J McDonald

The book How To Be An Agile Business Analyst offers practical advice for BAs in agile environments, whether you're new to agile or experienced. It includes real-world examples, helpful blog links, and emphasises adapting methods to fit the context. It also tackles complex topics like collaboration between product owners, managers, and BAs, especially in product vs. project delivery settings. A valuable read for all experience levels — highly recommended.

Who Does What By How Much? A Practical Guide to Customer-Centric OKRs 

Jeff Gothelf & Josh Seiden

This book is a great pick if you're after a practical, actionable guide to OKRs (objectives and key results). OKRs help teams focus on outcomes — specifically, the changes in customer behaviour you want — rather than tasks or solutions. The authors highlight key points: OKRs aren't just for tech teams, alignment across teams is crucial, and success comes from clarity and coherence. Whether you're new to OKRs or refining your approach, there's valuable insight here.

Delivering Business Analysis: The BA Service handbook

Debra Paul & Christina Lovelock

This practical and insightful guide provides concrete steps to avoid role ambiguity, and will help senior BAs and leaders to clearly set-up, manage and measure the success of their business analysis service.

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The book discusses tricky but crucial areas such as value co-creation and the BA value proposition, and many other useful topics besides. The addition of inspirational case studies shows the types of concrete results that can be achieved.

BA Digest - PDF Magazine  

BA Digest is a free, quarterly PDF magazine covering a wide range of business analysis topics. Its full archive is available online with no registration required.

Featuring contributors from diverse backgrounds and regions, BA Digest offers a platform for sharing insights and experiences across the BA community.

Rules: Shaping Behaviour and Knowledge

Ronald Ross

This practical, accessible book is essential for anyone involved in business change — especially business analysts and architects. It clearly explains why understanding business rules is key to achieving agility: you can’t change what you don’t understand. I reviewed a pre-release copy and still bought the Kindle version on release — it's that good. Packed with insights, it’s valuable even for experienced practitioners. If you define or deliver change, this book belongs on your reading list. Highly recommended.

Business Analysis (Fourth Edition)

Debra Paul, James Cadle, Malcolm Eva, Craig Rollason, Jonathan Hunsley

The updated fourth edition of the Business Analysis book is a comprehensive and practical guide for professionals driving business change. It explores key analysis techniques, lifecycles and services, offering valuable insights into successful transformation. Supporting the BCS certification, it’s essential reading for business analysts and change leaders alike, helping them build critical skills and deliver informed, effective outcomes in today’s evolving business landscape.

Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek’s book builds impressively on his TED Talk, offering greater depth, clarity and a broader range of examples. It explores how starting with ‘why’ can influence both professional and personal life. While some examples, like Apple, are repeated, they help reinforce key concepts. New case studies keep the content fresh. This book is ideal for teams seeking alignment and purpose. Highly recommended for anyone aiming to lead with intention and inspire meaningful action.