Who is considered a stakeholder in the context of business analysis?

In the context of business analysis, a stakeholder is defined as any individual, group, or organization that has an interest in the outcome of the project. This definition encompasses a broad range of participants, including those who will be affected by the project, those who will benefit from it, and those who may have any level of influence or authority over it.

Identifying stakeholders is crucial because their needs, expectations, and inputs can significantly impact the project's success and scope. Effective engagement with stakeholders ensures that the analysis aligns with their requirements, which ultimately contributes to delivering value and achieving business objectives.

The other options are limited in their scope. For instance, stating that only project managers are stakeholders excludes many essential contributors and influences to the project's success. Similarly, focusing exclusively on external consultants, or clients using the product, ignores internal team members, sponsors, or other parties who may have critical insights or vested interests. In business analysis, it is essential to recognize the diverse range of stakeholders to facilitate comprehensive analysis and successful project outcomes.