What role does a Business Analyst commonly play in elicitation activities?

A Business Analyst plays a crucial role in elicitation activities by facilitating communication and gathering requirements. This involves actively engaging with stakeholders, including customers, users, and project team members, to understand their needs, expectations, and any constraints they may face. The Business Analyst uses various techniques such as interviews, workshops, surveys, and observations to extract valuable information that will form the basis of the requirements for a project.

By effectively facilitating discussions and encouraging open dialogue, the Business Analyst ensures that all relevant perspectives are considered, thereby resulting in a more comprehensive and accurate set of requirements. This collaborative approach not only helps in identifying what needs to be built but also fosters stakeholder buy-in and understanding throughout the project lifecycle.

In contrast, roles like implementing technical solutions or overseeing market research teams do not directly align with the key responsibilities of a Business Analyst during the requirements elicitation phase. Similarly, documenting the project plan, while important, is typically not the primary focus during the initial stages of gathering requirements. Thus, the correct answer reflects the essential function of a Business Analyst in engaging stakeholders and capturing their needs effectively.