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Fact Finding Techniques. IS8080 Dr. Mario Guimaraes. Fact Finding. Formal process of using techniques such as interviews and questionnaires to collect facts about systems, requirements, and preferences .
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Fact Finding Techniques IS8080 Dr. Mario Guimaraes
Fact Finding • Formal process of using techniques such as interviews and questionnaires to collect facts about systems, requirements, and preferences. • This is the first step we must do before designing a Database, Database Application or any Software Application
Fact-Finding Techniques • Database developer normally uses several fact-finding techniques during a single database project including: • examining documentation, • interviewing, • Group interview, JAD • observing organization in operation, • research, • questionnaires. Which method above is the most commonly used ?
Interviews • Most commonly used, and normally most useful, fact-finding technique. • Enables collection of information from individuals face-to-face. • Objectives include finding out facts, verifying facts, clarifying facts, generating enthusiasm, getting end-user involved, identifying requirements, and gathering ideas and opinions.
Types of Interviews • Structured – Close ended questions • Unstructured – Open ended questions
Phases in an Interview • Selecting Interviewees: who to interview • Designing Interview Questions: open ended, closed ended questions, etc. • Preparing for the Interview • Conducting the Interview • Post-Interview Follow-up
Preparing for an Interview • Prepare General Interview Plan • List of Question • Anticipated Answers and Follow-Ups • Confirm Areas of Knowledge • Set Priorities in Case of Time Shortage • Prepare the Interviewee • Schedule • Inform of Reason for Interview • Inform of Areas of Discussion
Conducting an Interview • Appear professional and unbiased • Record all information • Check on organizational policy regarding tape recording • Be sure you understand all issues and terms • Separate facts from opinions • Give interviewee time to ask questions • Be sure to thank the interviewee • End on time • Tips: Don’t Worry, Be Happy, Pay Attention, Summarize Key Points, Be Succinct, Be Honest, Watch Body Language
Post Interview • Prepare Interview Notes • Prepare Interview Report • Look for Gaps and New Questions
Observation • Effective technique for understanding system. • Possible to participate in, or watch, a person perform activities to learn about system. • Useful when validity of data collected is in question or when complexity of certain aspects of system prevents clear explanation by end-users. Example: studying how a student learns through VERBAL PROTOCOLS.
Questionnaires • Conduct surveys through questionnaires – special-purpose documents that allow facts to be gathered from a large number of people while maintaining some control over their responses. • Two types of questions, namely free-format and fixed-format.
JAD or Group Interview ADVANTAGES • one user may get idea from other user. • Avoids redundancy in interview • Saves interviewer’s time DISADVANTAGE one user hogs conversation hierarchical structure of organization may not allow some users to speak freely.
End of Lecture End Of Today’s Lecture.