H₂O of Business Analysis
H₂O of Business Analysis is a metaphor for all BAs in the world. When we think of water, we instantly recognize its chemical formula: H₂O — two hydrogens and one oxygen. It’s essential, universal, and foundational to life.
Now, imagine if business analysis had its own “chemical formula.”
It does. And it’s C₂S₂NV — the six core elements of the Business Analysis Core Concept Model™ (BACCM™):
- Change
- Context
- Solution
- Stakeholder
- Need
- Value
These six “elements” aren’t just conceptual — they’re the atomic building blocks of analysis. Like elements in chemistry, when combined in different ways, they form the structure of business understanding.
🧩 The Real Power Lies in Their Relationships
While the BABOK® Guide introduces these six core concepts, it doesn’t provide a practical, structured approach to apply them.
That’s why we recommend going a step further.
💡 These six elements should be analyzed in pairs, using a matrix, to capture a snapshot of the organization or business domain.
Each cell in the matrix represents the interaction between two elements, articulated using a verb that defines their relationship — for example:
- How does change satisfy a need?
- How is a solution delivered to create value?
- What is the role of a stakeholder in implementing a solution?
In the attached matrix, we’ve outlined these paired relationships using precise verbs that bring clarity and action to the BACCM structure.
🏢 A Real-World Example: Insurance Industry
To bring this to life, we’ve applied this matrix model to a real-world business problem in the insurance industry:
👉 High customer dissatisfaction.
By completing the BACCM matrix, we were able to:
- Identify key needs (e.g., faster claims, better communication),
- Align stakeholders (customers, agents, service teams),
- Map relevant changes (digitization, process improvement),
- Define value in concrete terms (retention, trust, satisfaction),
- Understand the context (competitive pressure, industry trends),
- And propose a suitable solution (automation + training).
This method gives BAs and stakeholders a clear, shared mental model of the business environment.
🧠 Be Obsessive. Be Precise. Be First.
This matrix isn’t just a tool — it should be the first document a Business Analyst creates when joining a new organization or project.
It becomes the foundation for:
- Requirements gathering
- Prioritization
- Strategy alignment
- Solution design
And yes, it evolves — this document is progressively elaborated as new information emerges and the solution matures.
📌 Final Thought
Think of C₂S₂NV the way scientists think of H₂O — foundational, essential, and universally applicable.
Understand these six core elements.
Map their relationships.
Use the matrix.
And give yourself — and your organization — the clarity it deserves.
📎 Check out the attached matrix with our insurance industry example.
💬 How are you applying BACCM in your work? Have you tried visualizing it this way? Let’s talk in the comments.
#BusinessAnalysis #BACCM #BABOK #C2S2NV #BusinessAnalyst #LinkedInArticles #InsuranceIndustry #Stakeholders #ChangeManagement #ValueCreation #ProgressiveElaboration
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