Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/@punttim
In this week’s newsletter, we take a look at the fourth product ownership model – one that includes a product manager, product owner and business analyst. As I mentioned in the post that described it, this is a variation on a couple of other product ownership models that separate the responsibility for product ownership to multiple people.
I also chose this newsletter to share some other discussions on where business analysts fit into the agile picture. As you get into these discussions, note the angle the authors take on the discussion depending on their backgrounds and current situation.
I offer up these different perspectives for your consideration. It’s still very important that you make up your own mind based on what’s best for your context. Enjoy.
Kent J. McDonald
KBP.Media
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Product Ownership Model 4: Product Manager, Product Owner, and Business Analyst
In this model, product responsibilities are split between three or more roles: a product manager and a product owner in the business and one or more business analysts who report up through IT. This model seems to have some inefficiencies in it, however it is quite common, especially in internal product settings.
The Business Analyst and Product Owner
Mike Griffiths explores how the roles of business analyst and product owner vary and overlap and includes a series of different models (similar to the ones I’ve explored over the past couple of weeks) as to how these two roles may interact. Note that Mike does not necessarily mention product managers in this post.
Back to the Role of Product Owner vs Business Analyst
In a classic example of how an author’s background and experience influences their perspective, Robert Galen compared the business analyst and product owner roles and referenced a post by Jacqueline Sanders-Blackman on the B2T Training blog. He mentions her business analysis skew on things, but then wraps up by saying that Jacqueline did bring it back to the importance of skills over role titles.
Where Do Business Analysts Play on an Enterprise Agile Field?
Tony Higgins wrote a post on agilealliance.org recently about the place of business analysts in an enterprise setting. He reinforces the idea that skills are more relevant than titles and roles. He suggests the larger the product, the less successful a single product owner is going to be and he also indicates that tools are important.
Product Ownership is a Team Sport
In this video from AgileIndia2016, Shane Hastie gives his take on the idea that a single product owner isn’t sufficient to be successful. His perspective is not necessarily based on the size of the product as much as the amount of information you need from product people and how unlikely that is to be available all from one person.