User:Sunny tailor

Fact-Finding Techniques(by Sunny Tailor)
The method used by analysts for collecting data about requirement are call requirement gathering technique or fact-finding technique.

These include

1.Interview

2.Questionnaires

3.Record inspection

4.Observation

Interview:-

Analyst Interviews :-

Analysts use interviews to collect information from individuals or from groups. Respondents are users of existing system or proposed system Some analyst prefer interview technique rather than other. It is not always best source of application data. Interviewing required lots of time so other methods must also be used to gather information needed to conduct an investigation

Interview:- - Converse and not interrogate - Respondent and analyst converse don’t interrogate - Interview technique is the best source of qualitative information (opinions, policies, and - - --- subjective descriptions of activities and problems). - Other fact finding methods for collecting quantitative data Numbers, frequencies and quantities

Advantages:-

This method is helpful for gathering information from individuals who do not communicate effectively in writing or who may not have the time to complete questionnaires. Interviews allow analysts to discover areas of misunderstanding, unrealistic expectations, and even indications of resistance to the proposed system.

Interview can be structured of unstructured

1.Unstructured Interview:

Using Question and answer format are appropriate when analysts want to acquire general information about a system. Respond to share their feelings,ideas,and beliefs. Allows respondents to answer in their own words.

2.Structured Interview: time to collect essential facts.

Record Review:-

Analysts examine information that has been recorded about the System and user.Record Inspection can be performed at the beginning of the study, as an introduction,or later in the study,as a basis for comparing actual operations with the records indicate should be happening.

Records include 1. Written Policy manuals 2. Regulations 3. Standard Operating procedure

Records are used by most organizations as a guide for manager and employees. They can help analysts to understand the system by familiarizing them with what operations must be supported.

Observation:-

Analysts can obtain firsthand information about how activities are carried out. This method is most useful when analysts need to actually observe - how documents are handled - how processes are carried out - whether specified steps are actually followed.

Experienced observers play an important role.Because observers know what to look for and how to assess the significance of what they observe. More careful attention to this technique might have helped prevent the problems.