An analyst's first step before starting a project should be business analysis. There are typically multiple steps, each involving tasks, principles, and documents to be produced. The business analysis process length depends on the type of project, and it includes the following steps, Background information gathering Identification of stakeholders and prioritization of the roles they perform. Identifying the business objectives to help the team stay focused on the vision. Evaluate the options to achieve the objectives by brainstorming Develop the Scope of the project to develop the goals in detail Plan a detailed timeline for delivering the requirements Define functional and non-functional requirements A constant evaluation of value added by the project