1500+ Business Analyst Interview Questions and Answers

The probability of getting at least one six after throwing 2 unbiased dice is 11/36.

• The total number of outcomes when throwing 2 dice is 36 (6 sides on each die)

• The number of outcomes where at least one die shows a six is 11 (6 outcomes where one die shows a six, plus 1 outcome where both dice show sixes)

To convince people to open a demat account, I would highlight the benefits of having one and provide clear and concise information on the account opening process.

• Explain the benefits of having a demat account, such as easy and secure trading, lower transaction costs, and paperless transactions

• Provide clear and concise information on the account opening process, including the required documents and any fees involved

• Address any concerns or questions the person may have, such as...read more

Develop a strategy for a new company to enter the e-commerce sector.

• Conduct market research to identify target audience and competitors

• Create a user-friendly and visually appealing e-commerce website

• Implement effective digital marketing strategies to drive traffic and increase brand visibility

• Offer competitive pricing and attractive discounts to attract customers

• Provide excellent customer service and ensure smooth order fulfillment and delivery

• Leverage social media platforms ...read more

Random Forest is an ensemble learning method that builds multiple decision trees and combines their predictions, while XGBoost is a gradient boosting algorithm that builds trees sequentially.

• Random Forest builds multiple decision trees independently and combines their predictions through averaging or voting.

• XGBoost builds trees sequentially, with each tree correcting errors made by the previous ones.

• Random Forest is less prone to overfitting compared to XGBoost.

• XGBoost is com...read more

Zero rated supplies are goods or services that are subject to a 0% value-added tax (VAT) rate.

• Zero rated supplies are still subject to VAT, but at a 0% rate.

• Unlike exempt supplies, zero rated supplies are eligible for VAT input tax recovery.

• Examples of zero rated supplies include basic food items, prescription drugs, and exports of goods and services.

As a Business Analyst, I use various tools to analyze data, facilitate communication, and streamline processes.

• Microsoft Excel: For data analysis and creating reports.

• Tableau: For data visualization and creating interactive dashboards.

• JIRA: For project management and tracking tasks.

• Lucidchart: For creating process flowcharts and diagrams.

• SQL: For querying databases and extracting relevant data.

• Confluence: For documentation and collaboration.

• PowerPoint: For creating presentati...read more

Answering questions related to gap analysis, breakdown chart, stakeholder absence, budget and timeline calculation, sprint retrospective, FRD and BRD.

• Gap analysis is a process of identifying the difference between current state and desired state. It helps in identifying areas of improvement.

• To improve the breakdown chart, ensure that it is detailed and covers all the tasks required for the project. Use tools like Gantt chart to visualize the breakdown.

• To eliminate stakeholder...read more

Critical KPIs to monitor after creating a new website include traffic, conversion rate, bounce rate, and user engagement.

• Traffic: Monitor the number of visitors to the website to gauge its reach and popularity.

• Conversion Rate: Track the percentage of visitors who take a desired action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter.

• Bounce Rate: Measure the percentage of visitors who leave the website after viewing only one page, indicating the effectiveness of the l...read more

A mall's daily revenue depends on various factors such as location, size, footfall, and tenant mix.

• The location of the mall plays a crucial role in determining its daily revenue.

• The size of the mall also affects the revenue as larger malls tend to have more tenants and footfall.

• The footfall in the mall is directly proportional to the revenue generated.

• The tenant mix is another important factor as high-end stores tend to generate more revenue.

• On average, a mall can earn anywhe...read more

To find the count of visitors and new visitors that came today in a database management system (DBMS).

• Use a query to filter the visitors based on the current date.

• Count the total number of visitors using the COUNT function.

• To find new visitors, compare the current date with the date of their first visit.

• Use the DISTINCT keyword to count only unique new visitors.

A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated circuit that contains a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals.

• Microcontrollers are used in various electronic devices and appliances.

• They are designed to perform specific tasks and are often embedded in systems.

• Examples include microcontrollers used in smartphones, home automation systems, and automotive applications.

Machine learning is a subset of AI that uses statistical techniques to enable machines to learn from data and improve performance.

• Artificial Intelligence is the broader concept of machines being able to carry out tasks in a way that we would consider smart.

• Statistics is the study of the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and organization of data.

• Machine learning is a subset of AI that uses statistical techniques to enable machines to learn from data and impro...read more

Data analysis is affected by various factors that can influence the accuracy and reliability of the results.

• Data quality: The accuracy, completeness, and consistency of the data can impact the analysis.

• Data sources: The reliability and relevance of the data sources used for analysis can affect the outcomes.

• Data preprocessing: The way data is cleaned, transformed, and prepared for analysis can impact the results.

• Data interpretation: The biases, assumptions, and subjectivity in...read more

Key aspects of product discovery involve understanding user needs, market research, prototyping, and testing.

• Conduct user research to understand the needs and preferences of social media app users.

• Analyze market trends and competitor offerings to identify gaps and opportunities.

• Create prototypes to visualize the app's features and gather feedback from stakeholders.

• Test the prototypes with target users to validate assumptions and iterate on the design.

• Iterate based on feedback...read more

There are three types of incidents - High, Medium, and Low. Priority is assigned based on the impact and urgency of the incident.

• High priority incidents are critical and require immediate attention, such as system downtime or security breaches.

• Medium priority incidents are important but not critical, such as performance issues or minor bugs.

• Low priority incidents are minor issues that can be addressed later, such as cosmetic defects or feature requests.

• Priority is determined ...read more

Different types of joins are used in database queries to combine data from multiple tables.

• Inner join: Returns only the matching records from both tables.

• Left join: Returns all records from the left table and the matching records from the right table.

• Right join: Returns all records from the right table and the matching records from the left table.

• Full outer join: Returns all records when there is a match in either the left or right table.

• Cross join: Returns the Cartesian prod...read more

During requirement elicitation, I have faced challenges related to understanding client needs, managing conflicting requirements, and dealing with changing priorities.

• Understanding client needs: Sometimes clients may have difficulty articulating their requirements clearly, requiring additional probing and clarification.

• Managing conflicting requirements: Different stakeholders may have conflicting needs and priorities, requiring negotiation and compromise.

• Dealing with changing...read more

I approach conflicts by actively listening, understanding perspectives, and finding common ground for resolution.

• I listen to all parties involved to understand their perspectives

• I try to find common ground and areas of agreement

• I propose solutions that address the concerns of all parties

• I remain calm and professional throughout the conflict resolution process

• I follow up to ensure that the resolution is effective and sustainable

Compare cosmetic products by considering ingredients, brand reputation, price, and reviews.

• Check the ingredients list for any potential allergens or irritants

• Research the brand's reputation for quality and ethical practices

• Compare prices across different retailers or online stores

• Read reviews from other customers to gauge effectiveness and satisfaction

• Consider any specific needs or preferences, such as vegan or cruelty-free options

Inner joins, outer joins, and left join are types of SQL joins used to combine data from multiple tables.

• Inner join returns only the matching records from both tables.

• Outer join returns all records from both tables, including non-matching records.

• Left join returns all records from the left table and the matching records from the right table.

• Example: INNER JOIN customers ON orders.customer_id = customers.customer_id

• Example: LEFT JOIN customers ON orders.customer_id = customers...read more

This question is asking for an analysis of the effectiveness and drawbacks of a certain approach or solution.

• The question is asking for an evaluation of why a particular approach or solution is effective.

• The answer should also include an analysis of the drawbacks or limitations of the approach.

• Examples and evidence should be provided to support the analysis.

• The response should demonstrate critical thinking and the ability to assess the pros and cons of a given solution.

User story sizing is based on complexity, effort, and risk involved in completing the story.

• Consider the amount of work required to complete the story

• Evaluate the complexity of the story

• Assess the level of risk involved in completing the story

• Use a scale such as Fibonacci or T-shirt sizes to assign story points

• Involve the development team in the sizing process

• Story points are relative and not absolute measures of effort

I would assess the impact of the change, communicate with the team and stakeholders, and update the project plan accordingly.

• Listen to the customer's request and clarify the changes

• Assess the impact of the change on the project timeline, budget, and resources

• Communicate the changes to the project team and stakeholders

• Update the project plan and document the changes

• Ensure that the changes align with the project goals and objectives

Inorganic results are paid ads in search engines while organic results are the natural listings.

• Inorganic results are paid advertisements that appear at the top or bottom of search engine results pages (SERPs).

• Organic results are the natural listings that appear in SERPs based on relevance to the search query.

• Inorganic results are marked as 'Ad' while organic results are not.

• Examples of inorganic results include Google Ads, Bing Ads, and social media ads.

• Examples of organic r...read more

Underfitting and overfitting are common problems in machine learning where the model is either too simple or too complex.

• Underfitting occurs when the model is too simple to capture the underlying patterns in the data.

• Overfitting occurs when the model is too complex and learns noise in the training data as if it were a pattern.

• Underfitting can be addressed by increasing the model complexity or adding more features.

• Overfitting can be addressed by simplifying the model, using re...read more

SQL query to find mean waiting period for delivery partner given driver ID, ordered time and delivered time.

• Use AVG function to calculate mean waiting period

• Subtract ordered time from delivered time to get waiting period

• Filter data by driver ID and delivery partner

• Group by delivery partner

KPIs are interrelated in a tree-like structure, with higher-level KPIs being influenced by lower-level ones.

• KPIs are Key Performance Indicators that measure the success of a business or project.

• KPIs can be organized in a tree-like structure, with higher-level KPIs being influenced by lower-level ones.

• For example, a company's overall revenue might be a high-level KPI, with lower-level KPIs such as sales revenue and customer retention influencing it.

• A KPI tree can help business...read more

OPPS concepts refer to Object-Oriented Programming Principles that guide the design and development of software systems.

• OPPS emphasizes encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.

• Encapsulation ensures that data and methods are bundled together in a class.

• Inheritance allows classes to inherit properties and behaviors from other classes.

• Polymorphism enables objects to take on different forms and respond differently based on their class.

• OPPS promotes code reusability, modulari...read more

Agile methodology is an iterative approach to project management and software development that emphasizes flexibility and customer satisfaction.

• Agile focuses on delivering working software in short iterations

• It values individuals and interactions over processes and tools

• It emphasizes collaboration between the development team and the customer

• It welcomes changes in requirements throughout the project

• Examples of Agile methodologies include Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming...read more

IPhone is still a niche product in India due to its high price and availability of cheaper alternatives.

• IPhone is considered a luxury item in India due to its high price.

• There are many cheaper alternatives available in the Indian market.

• The Indian market is dominated by budget and mid-range smartphones.

• IPhone's market share in India is only around 2%.

• IPhone's high price also makes it less attractive to price-sensitive Indian consumers.

Yes, I am familiar with statistical concepts and tools.

• I have experience with statistical analysis, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis.

• I am proficient in using tools like Excel, SPSS, and R for data analysis.

• I understand concepts such as mean, median, standard deviation, and correlation.

• I have applied statistical methods in previous projects to derive insights and make data-driven decisions.

Spring Boot provides rapid application development and easy deployment with minimal configuration.

• Simplifies the development process by providing a pre-configured environment

• Reduces boilerplate code and increases productivity

• Supports a wide range of databases and web servers

• Enables easy integration with other Spring projects

• Provides built-in security features

• Example: A Spring Boot application can be deployed as a standalone JAR file

• Example: Spring Boot can automatically confi...read more

Union combines results from two tables, while Outer join combines matching rows and includes non-matching rows.

• Union combines all rows from both tables, removing duplicates

• Outer join combines matching rows and includes non-matching rows with NULL values

• Syntax for Union: SELECT * FROM table1 UNION SELECT * FROM table2

• Syntax for Outer join: SELECT * FROM table1 LEFT OUTER JOIN table2 ON table1.id = table2.id

To build a sourcing strategy, I followed these steps:

• Identified the business needs and goals

• Conducted market research to identify potential suppliers

• Evaluated supplier capabilities and performance

• Negotiated contracts and pricing

• Developed a supplier relationship management plan

• Monitored supplier performance and made adjustments as needed

I am proficient in using ETL tools, logical thinking and SQL for database management.

• I have experience in using ETL tools such as Talend and Informatica for data integration and transformation.

• I possess strong logical thinking skills which enable me to analyze complex business problems and provide effective solutions.

• I am proficient in SQL and have experience in database management, including creating and optimizing queries, designing and implementing database schemas, and pe...read more

Marketing strategies are plans and tactics implemented by businesses to promote their products or services and reach their target audience.

• Identifying target audience and market segmentation

• Creating a unique value proposition

• Developing a marketing mix (product, price, place, promotion)

• Utilizing digital marketing channels (social media, email marketing, SEO)

• Implementing content marketing and storytelling

• Building brand awareness through advertising and PR

• Engaging in influencer ...read more

The business analyst plays a crucial role in sprint planning by facilitating communication between stakeholders and the development team.

• The business analyst helps to define the scope of the sprint by gathering requirements from stakeholders

• They work with the development team to ensure that the requirements are feasible and can be implemented within the sprint timeframe

• The business analyst helps to prioritize the requirements based on business value and urgency

• They also help ...read more

To create a go-to-market strategy for an app in Dubai, analyze the local market, competition, cultural differences, and adjust marketing tactics accordingly.

• Conduct market research in Dubai to understand the target audience, competition, and market trends.

• Adapt the app to cater to the preferences and needs of the Dubai market.

• Localize the app content, language, and features to resonate with the Dubai audience.

• Identify key marketing channels in Dubai such as social media platf...read more

I play badminton twice a week as a hobby.

• I enjoy playing badminton as a way to stay active and relieve stress.

• I usually play with friends or family members at a local community center.

• I have been playing badminton for several years and have improved my skills over time.

I would rate your stand in customer and market capture as strong.

• Your company has a strong presence in the market with a loyal customer base.

• Your sales figures and market share indicate a successful capture of the market.

• Your customer feedback and reviews are positive, indicating a satisfied customer base.

• Your marketing strategies and campaigns have been effective in reaching and attracting customers.

• Your competitors are not posing a significant threat to your market capture....read more

Underfitting and overfitting are common problems in machine learning models.

• Underfitting occurs when a model is too simple and fails to capture the underlying patterns in the data.

• Overfitting happens when a model is too complex and learns the noise or random fluctuations in the training data.

• Underfitting leads to high bias and low variance, while overfitting leads to low bias and high variance.

• To address underfitting, we can increase model complexity, gather more data, or use...read more

Cost accounting focuses on internal costs and helps in decision-making, while financial accounting focuses on external reporting and compliance.

• Cost accounting is used for internal purposes, such as determining the cost of producing a product or service.

• Financial accounting is used for external reporting to stakeholders, such as investors, creditors, and regulatory authorities.

• Cost accounting helps in decision-making by providing information on costs, profitability, and perfo...read more

UL and VUL are both types of life insurance policies, but VUL offers investment options while UL does not.

• UL stands for Universal Life Insurance, which offers a fixed premium and death benefit but no investment options

• VUL stands for Variable Universal Life Insurance, which offers investment options in addition to a flexible premium and death benefit

• VUL policyholders can choose to invest in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, while UL policyholders cannot

• VUL policies have the pot...read more

Campaign data is stored in a centralized database, which can be integrated with customer data for analysis.

• Campaign data is typically stored in a centralized database or CRM system.

• Customer data can also be stored in a separate database or CRM system.

• By integrating the two datasets, business analysts can perform comprehensive analysis to understand the impact of campaigns on customer behavior.

• For example, combining campaign data with customer purchase history can help identif...read more

Yes, SQL queries can be written in Python using libraries like SQLAlchemy or Pandas.

• Python provides libraries like SQLAlchemy and Pandas for executing SQL queries.

• SQLAlchemy allows writing SQL queries in Python syntax and provides an Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) layer.

• Pandas provides a SQL-like interface called 'pandasql' to query DataFrames using SQL syntax.

• Both libraries offer flexibility and convenience in executing SQL queries within Python scripts.

Phone calls are more effective for Capital One's marketing strategy.

• Phone calls allow for immediate feedback and personalized communication.

• Letters may be ignored or lost in the mail.

• Capital One can track phone call success rates and adjust their strategy accordingly.

• Phone calls can also be used to cross-sell and upsell products.

• Letters may be more appropriate for certain types of communication, such as legal notices or account statements.

Probability of a girl child when one of the two children is boy

• Use Bayes' theorem to calculate the conditional probability

• Assume equal probability of having a boy or girl child

• Answer is 1/2 or 50%