What is 'elicitation' in business analysis?

Elicitation in business analysis is fundamentally about the systematic process of gathering information and requirements from stakeholders. This involves engaging with individuals or groups who have a vested interest in the project to uncover their needs, expectations, and insights regarding the project or initiative at hand. The purpose of elicitation is to ensure that the business analyst fully understands what is required for successful project outcomes, as well as to identify any potential issues or gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed.

By focusing on stakeholder collaboration and communication during the elicitation process, a business analyst can capture a comprehensive view of project objectives, constraints, and desired results. This information is critical because it directly informs the development of solutions that meet business needs.

The other options do not accurately define elicitation. While analyzing business data and stakeholder feedback is important, it is a separate process that generally comes after the information gathering. Implementation of project requirements pertains to the execution phase, while evaluating project success is related to post-implementation activities, all of which are distinct from the initial phase of gathering information. By understanding that elicitation is primarily about gathering requirements, it becomes clear why option B is the most accurate description of the concept in business analysis.