Business situation analysis BUSA

(unchanged)

Investigating business situations to define recommendations for improvement action.

SFIA 9 is in development

SFIA 9 beta due in early July 2024
SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024

Moving to SFIA 9

New level 2 added to support entry-level roles
SFIA 8 skill descriptions will remain available for you to use
Previous SFIA assessments are not impacted by this change

Guidance notes

(new)

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

planning for business situation analysis
establishing the investigative approach
engaging with relevant stakeholders
reviewing the strategic context, including the organisation’s vision, mission, objectives, strategy and tactics and external business environment
defining problems and analysing root causes
identifying potential changes to address problems or to take advantage of opportunities
gaining agreement to conclusions and recommendations.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...

Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.

Where higher levels are not defined...

Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and reponsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
Supporting others with tasks (generic examples are provided by the essence statements for each level)

Where higher levels are not defined...

You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Levels

Defined at these levels:

Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Business situation analysis: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

(new)

Assists in the investigation of business situations to support the identification and analysis of problems and opportunities under routine supervision.

Helps collect and organise data and information to support recommendations.

Business situation analysis: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

(new)

Investigates straightforward business situations to identify and analyse problems and opportunities.

Contributes to the recommendation of improvements.

Follows agreed standards and techniques to investigate, analyse and document business situations.

Engages with stakeholders under direction.

Business situation analysis: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and supervises others, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

(new)

Investigates business situations where there is some complexity and ambiguity.

Adopts holistic view to identify and analyse problems and opportunities.

Contributes to the selection of the approach and techniques to be used for business situation analysis.

Conducts root cause analysis and identifies recommendations for improvements. Engages and collaborates with operational stakeholders.

Business situation analysis: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for achieving workgroup objectives and managing work from analysis to execution and evaluation.

(new)

Plans, manages and investigates business situation analysis where there is significant ambiguity and complexity.

Advises on the approach and techniques to be used for business situation analysis. Ensures holistic view adopted to identify and analyse wide-ranging problems and opportunities.

Engages and collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including those at the management level. Gains agreement from stakeholders to conclusions and recommendations.

Contributes to definition of organisational standards and guidelines for business situation analysis.

Business situation analysis: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, fosters organizational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

(new)

Initiates and leads business situation analysis where there is extensive ambiguity, complexity and potentially significant organisational impacts.

Establishes and promotes the need for holistic business situation analysis prior to change programme initiation.

Engages with stakeholders at executive level and advises on recommended change initiatives.

Defines organisational policies, standards and techniques for business situation analysis.

Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.

New level