What is the BI Spectrum of Skills?

This continuum was created to help define the competencies (knowledge, skills and abilities) required of BI professionals. The scale moves from technical skills on the left to leadership skills on the right. Empirical evidence at U-M and research by the Gartner group indicates that successful BI Practitioners bring together analytical, technical, leadership, and broad domain (business knowledge) experience.

The spectrum illustrates the competencies that are most important to being a successful practitioner of BI at U-M. Know that to some extent there is overlap of knowledge and skills across colors. However, for the purpose of illustration, the competencies have been neatly grouped in one color/position on the spectrum for simpler professional development planning purposes.

Reporting

Definition of BI Skill: Data modeling, knowledge, querying, and reporting.

A sampling of UM classifications where the REPORTING skill set tends to be the most emphasized:

• Data Architect (Intermediate, Senior, etc.)
• Applications Programmer/Analyst (Intermediate, Senior, etc.)
• Database Reporting Writing Analyst
• ERP Business Systems Analyst (Intermediate, Senior, etc.)

Those positions more focused towards REPORTING might have profiles that look like this:

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Analytical Skills

Definition of BI Skill: Modeling, forecasting, domain knowledge, systems thinking, data visualization.

A sampling of UM classifications where the ANALYTICAL SKILLS skill set tends to be the most emphasized:

• Financial or Business Analyst (Intermediate, Senior, etc.)
• ERP Business Systems Analyst (Intermediate, Senior, etc.)
• Database Administrator (Intermediate, Senior, etc.)
• Business Intelligence Analyst Intermediate

Those positions more focused towards ANALYTICAL SKILLS might have profiles that look like this:

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Project Management

Definition of BI Skill: Requirement definitions, customer relationship management, work planning, resource management.

A sampling of UM classifications where the PROJECT MANAGEMENT skill set tends to be the most emphasized:

• Information Technology Project Manager (Intermediate, Senior, etc.)
• Systems Analysis Manager
• Business Process Consultant
• ERP Project Manager
• Business Intelligence Analyst Senior or Business Intelligence Project Manager

Those positions more focused towards PROJECT MANAGEMENT might have profiles that look like this:

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Change Management

Definition of BI Skill: Situational/cultural awareness, communication design and planning, business process management.

A sampling of UM classifications where the CHANGE MANAGEMENT skill set tends to be the most emphasized:

• ERP Project Manager
• Financial Manager (Intermediate, Senior, etc.)
• Applications Programming Manager
• Associate Director
• Business Intelligence Project Manager

Those positions more focused towards CHANGE MANAGEMENT might have profiles that look like this:

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Strategic Thinking

Definition of BI Skill: Strategy Mapping-Linking goals to process, consensus building, visioning, motivating, mentoring, scenario planning, leadership.

UM classifications that are likely found within the STRATEGIC THINKING skill set:

• Information Systems Director
• Associate Director or Director
• Administrative Director
• Business Intelligence Director

Those strong in the STRATEGIC THINKING skill set have self-assessment profiles that most likely look like this:

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