Information Analyst

Job Name

Information Analyst
 

Brief description

An Information Analyst's duty will involve extracting, manipulating and analysing data and information. An Analyst will need an appetite for new ideas and thinking, problem solving skills of the highest standard, strong communication, leadership, interpersonal and relationship management skills. Information Analyst is responsible for the release and dissemination of data and information.(Seek.com.au, 03 Aug 2007).

An Information Analyst is human or user oriented and one of his major objectives is to secure information from and to communicate with users of an MIS (Management Information System).  (Academic Source Premier, 16th August 2007)

An Information Analyst's main role is using information management techniques within an organisation. He may also be responsible for developing new information policies and practices (Seek, 11 Aug 2007).

Information management involves the "organising, structuring, storing, indexing, finding information, adding value to information, packaging and providing information in an organisational/social context, and using IT in order to generate and utilise knowledge". Many information analysts can be expected to be efficient in the area of knowledge management, which is "enhancing the use of organisational knowledge through sound practices of information management and organisational learning" (RMIT, 2007). In a sense, knowledge management combines the collective experiences/skills/ideas from every employee to enhance the quality of work produced by the organisation.

Following text dump from:
http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?job_did=J3G74L6Q46620NBSNN8;
INFORMATION ANALYST:
Under general direction, conceptualizes, designs, constructs, tests, and implements portions of business and technical information technology solutions through application of appropriate software development life cycle methodology.
defines scope, plans and deliverables for assigned projects. collects, identifies, defines, and organizes detailed user and information technology requirements.
Coordinates and collaborates with others in analysing collected requirements to ensure plans and identified solutions meet Customer needs and expectations. confirms and prioritizes project plans and deliverables with the customer.
Participates in business and technical information technology solution implementations, upgrades, enhancements, and conversions.

Understands and uses appropriate tools to analyse, identify and resolve business and/or technical problems. Applies metrics to monitor performance and measure key project criteria.
Prepares system documentation. establishes and maintains security, integrity and business continuity controls and documents.

Participates in special studies, marketing efforts and formal proposals. stays current on emerging tools, techniques, and technologies

Information Technology analysts define software requirements and specifications and guide program design and development.

The analyst's role sits between the initial business analysis stage and the detailed system design, building and programming stages of the systems development process. 

A Knowledge and Information Analyst is expected to use knowledge and information management technologies to ensure the efficiency/effectiveness of business records processes/practices. They are also heavily involved in the development of policies and practices regarding information management. Training new appointees to the organisation in the use of knowledge management tools is also an aspect of this position (Seek, 11 August, 2007).

Duties & responsibilities of this role

The main focus of this role will be on providing specialised analytical and statistical support to highly prioritised projects. The primary responsibilities include:      

• Planning, scoping and managing analytical business projects;
• Identifying appropriate data sources, extracting and analysing data sets;
• Reviewing and developing computer systems, computer languages, data communication processes and user interface devices -(http://jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au/jobdetails.cfm?jobid=266)
• Researching how IT systems are used and look at ways to improve usage and efficiency-(http://jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au/jobdetails.cfm?jobid=266)
• Utilising existing data analysis tools; or designing and developing of data analysis tools/models to support business objectives;
• Interpretation of the analysis and presenting the findings/recommendations to senior management across the organization
• Consulting on alternative data and reporting solutions
• Business liaison and interaction with customers in order to understand the business environment, technical context and organisational strategic direction.
• Analytical Report writing
• programming skills in a variety of languages
• Test new IT system designs and fix design problems found -(http://jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au/jobdetails.cfm?jobid=266)
• Test new system components -(http://jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au/jobdetails.cfm?jobid=266)
• Researching, selecting and implementing knowledge and information management systems  (Seek, 11 August, 2007).
• Working with groups to design knowledge and information management processes  (Seek, 11 August, 2007).
• Assisting with the implementation and integration of knowledge and information management systems into business processes (Seek, 11 August, 2007).
• Assisting with auditing and monitoring the effectiveness of knowledge and information management systems and processes (Seek, 11 August, 2007).
• Training and mentoring throughout the organisation in knowledge and information management best practice (Seek, 11 August, 2007).

from: http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?job_did=J3G74L6Q46620NBSNN8
An Information Analyst should also have the ability to -

• Design, code, test, implement and validate both business, and technical IT related programs.
• Identify, analyse and devise solutions to business and technical IT related problems. 
• Participate in implementations, upgrades and conversion projects.
• Work effectively in a group.
• Manage projects within scope of responsibility.
  

Reporting to the HR Analyst Leader, you will be responsible for the reporting and analysis of HR related data, as well as maintaining the HR Information Systems and supporting the HR team from a technical perspective. (CareerOne.com.au, 11th August 2007)
 

Job requirements

Applicants will be required to meet the following essential criteria:
1.     At least three years experience in analytical and problem solving skills (Seek.com.au, 06 August 07);
2.     Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, preferably Economics, Statistics or Mathematics (Seek.com.au, 06   August 07);(MyCareer.com, 17th August 07)
3.     Experience in using Excel to an advanced level, standard word processing packages, and intermediate skills in PowerPoint (Seek.com.au, 06 August 07);
4.     Capable of undertaking and analysing complex statistical research (Seek.com.au, 06 August 07);
5.     Experience in developing tools /models to undertake data analysis (Seek.com.au, 06 August 07);
6.     Well-developed written and oral communication skills, including high level report writing skills (Seek.com.au, 06 August 07);(MyCareer.com, 17th August 07)
7.     Experience in prioritising and managing a complex and changing workload (Seek.com.au, 06 August 07);(MyCareer.com, 17th August 07)
8.     Demonstrate interpersonal and relationship management experience with strong organisational skills (Seek.com.au, 06 August 07)
9.     Strong technical skills with analytical and data mining software essential (i.e.) SAS Enterprise Miner (MyCareer.com, 9th August 2007)
10.  Knowledge of BPI / BPM tools like Hyperion 9, Enterprise reporting / Essbase (MyCareer.com, 9th August 2007)
11.  A library qualification/degree with strong knowledge management components (Seek, 11 August, 2007).

Please note that short-listed applicants will be required to provide a National Police Clearance at the interview (Seek.com.au,06 August 07).
HR-information Analyst requirements: 
Demonstrate strong analytical and reporting skills(CareerOne.com.au, 11 August 2007)
Basic programming skills in Structured Query Language (SQL) and Visual Basic (VB) (CareerOne.com.au, 11 August 2007)

• ability to think logically and analytically in a problem-solving environment
• imaginative and creative reasoning
• ability to work as part of a team
• self-reliance
• good oral and written communication skills
• ability to accept responsibility
• capacity to gain a thorough knowledge of the relevant speciality area
• willingness to continuously update personal IT skills and knowledge.
  

Salary

Senior Data Analysts - APS Level 6, $62,586 - $68,844 (Australia Bureau of Statistics, 26 July 2007)

Knowledge/Information Analyst - $50,000 - $55,000 (Seek, 11 August, 2007).
 

Industry/Organisation

Information Analyst - Ministry of Health 
Information Technology - Computing
HR Information Analyst - Human Resources
Libraries
 

Job listings

Australian Bureau of Statistics, (26 July 2007). Careers within the ABS - Senior Data Analysts, Retrieved on 06 August 2007 from, http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/A3120101.NSF/8704eb6c220328f3ca256997001c9049/150532235fe1ca16ca2573230011747d!OpenDocument&nbsp
Australia Recruit.com (15th August 2007) Information Analyst, Retrieved on 17th August 2007
http://australia.recruit.net/search.html?query=Marketing+Analyst&location=Canberra%2C+Australia&noredir=true
MyCareer.com; (17th July 2007) Information Systems Analyst. Retrieved on 9th August 2007 from, http://mycareer.com.au/jobs/chatswood-2067-nsw/accounting/analysis-planning/5248040+information+systems+analyst.aspx?style=enhanced
Seek (2007). Knowledge and Information Analyst. Retrieved on 11 August 2007 from Seek Website:
http://it.seek.com.au/showjob.asp?jobid=10168704
Seek.com.au (03 August 2007). Senior Information Analyst - Analytical Services. Retrieved on 06 August 2007 from, http://www.seek.com.au/users/apply/index.ascx?Sequence=79&PageNumber=1&JobID=10105325
Seek.com.au (06 August 2007). Senior Information Analyst .Retrieved on 06 August 2007 from http://www.seek.com.au/users/apply/index.ascx?Sequence=84&PageNumber=1&JobID=10119627
CareerOne.com.au(11 August 2007). HR information Analyst .Retrieved on 11 August 2007 from
http://jobs.careerone.com.au/texis/jobsearch/details.html?id=4697513948d9c0&lookid=careerone
Careerbuilder.com(Date Unknown). Retrived on 11 August 2007 from
http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?job_did=J3G74L6Q46620NBSNN8

Differences observed

Most information analyst jobs are in a particular field of expertise. eg: HR information analyst, Data analyst etc. The information analyst isn't  a job role on its own; it is often related to a  particular field. 
Some of the fields that IT analysts may choose to specialize in are :-
 

Applications Systems Analysts

• build IT systems once the requirements have been defined by a business (systems) analyst
• use data modelling to generate different possible solutions as a means of finding the best result for the client
• analyse system components and monitor data flow to improve efficiency
• talk to the business (systems) analyst for clarification of client requirements
• produce definitions, process flow documentation, rules and instructions as a basis for the work of designers and programmers
• draw up detailed design documents for the system, using charts and diagrams that indicate the various steps involved and describe the system in ways that the client can understand
• prepare other detailed documentation, including hardware specifications and tender specifications
• help with client-site installation activities.

Computer Testers

• They may have several different roles, including initial testing of a newly built system. This could be undertaken together with experts in the subject area and other IT professionals such as programmers.
• May also be involved with clients at the application testing stage.

Data Modeller

• Undertakes data modelling as part of the development of options for the client.

Network Analyst

• is involved in the analysis of data flow and technical requirements to define a network strategy, and the equipment required to meet projected data traffic
• investigates the physical space requirements for network equipment
• plans the network size, capacity and configuration
• talks with network system management to ensure client needs are met
• works with network designers and programmers to build and implement network solutions.

Operations Systems Analyst

• analyses the components of operational systems to optimise performance in things such as response time and down time.
  

An Information Analyst shows basic similarities to other job titles such as a Business Analyst. Some of these similarities are:
1.     Analytical and organisational skills
2.     Strong leadership and communication skills, 
3.     Ability to work as part of a team,
4.     Ability to work under challenging deadlines,
5.     Flexible approach to managing changing priorities. 
 

Other References used

Academic Source Premier, accessed 16th August 2007 (Database from UC Library)
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=9&hid=6&sid=585c0759-4564-441f-9688-d7402a204499%40sessionmgr2 
My future website for analysts (information Technology)
http://www.myfuture.edu.au/services/default.asp?FunctionID=5050&ASCO=223113B
Job guide website for analyst -IT 
http://jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au/jobdetails.cfm?jobid=266 
RMIT (2007). BBIKM Orientation (Lecture Slides). Melbourne, RMIT University.

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