Information gathering, strategies, methods

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Information gathering, strategies, methods

INFORMATION GATHERING STRATEGIES

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A strategy should be evolved by the analyst to gather information. The strategy consists of identifying information sources, evolving a method of obtaining information from the identified sources and using an information flow model of organization

INFORMATION SOURCES

The main sources of information are users of the system, forms and documents used in the organization, procedure manuals, rule books etc, reports used by the organization and existing computer programs(If Any).

INFORMATION GATHERING METHODS

Searching for information

Information can be gathered by interviewing top-level management, middle level management and operational staff. Besides Interviews group discussions also help the analyst to gather information. It is not possible to obtain all information in a single interview, more than one interview is thus required.

PLANNING AN INTERVIEW

Before starting the interview the analyst must make a list of people to be interviewed and in what order, plan and note down a list of questions to be asked, plan several interviews with same person-mainly to clarify doubts and interview groups as appropriate.

INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUE

There are some guidelines to ensure a successful interview:

Make an prior appointment with the person to be interviewed and meet him at the allotted time. Read background material and go prepared with the checklist. State purpose of interview. Be punctual and pay attention to what user says. Do not use computer jargon. Obtain both quantitative and qualitative Information. Discriminate between essential and desirable requirements. State what you understand and get it confirmed. Do not prolong interview and summarize the information gathered by you during the interview and verify this with the user

USE OF QUESTIONNAIRES

Questionnaires are useful for collecting statistical data. Sometimes the questionnaires are not promptly replied and several follow-ups/personal interviews may be required to get questionnaires back from respondents But if the questionnaires are short the probability of getting the reply is high When data has to be collected form large number of people questionnaires are useful.

OTHER METHODS OF INFORMATION GATHERING

Other methods of information search are:

• Systems used in other similar organization

• Observe workflow in workplace

• Repository of systems developed for similar organizations available.

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