The word "gather" does not truly communicate the nature of the Business Analyst's (BA) job. You do not gather requirements-they are not just lying around on the ground waiting to be picked up.

The word "elicit" more closely matches the job, because it connotes a more active role for both the BA and for those with whom the BA works. The dictionary defines elicit as:

1. To draw forth or bring out (something latent or potential)
2. To call forth or draw out (as information or a response)
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How Business Requirements Impact the Success of Technology Projects

The Business Analysis Benchmark report, conducted by IAG Consulting in late 2008, presents the findings from surveys of over 100 companies and definitive statistics on the importance and impact of business requirements on enterprise success with technology projects. The survey focused on larger companies and looked at development projects in excess of $250,000 where significant new functionality was delivered to the organization. The average project size was $3 million.