What does the term "artifacts" refer to in the context of business analysis?

In the context of business analysis, the term "artifacts" primarily refers to the constructs developed during analysis efforts. These artifacts can take many forms, including models, diagrams, documents, and requirements specifications that are created throughout the business analysis process. They serve to represent the information gathered from stakeholders, provide clarity on business needs, and aid in communication among project teams and stakeholders. Artifacts are essential as they encapsulate the outcomes of the analysis, helping to ensure alignment and understanding as the project progresses.

The other options do not accurately capture the broader definition of artifacts in business analysis. Physical documents are just one type of artifact but do not encompass the full range of constructs, which may also include visual models or conceptual frameworks. Tools and methodologies are methods and processes employed in analysis but are not themselves artifacts created during that analysis. Frameworks for evaluation refer to specific approaches used for assessing certain outcomes or structures in projects, rather than the tangible outputs of the analysis process. Thus, artifacts are best understood as the various constructs that emerge from business analysis efforts.