IS8080Dr. Mario Guimaraes

Fact Finding Techniques

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 ?

Documents

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.

Interview: Advantage/Disadvantage

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.

Adv./Dis. Of Observation

Research

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.

Questionnaires

JAD or Group Interview

ADVANTAGES

• one user may get idea from other user. • Avoids redundancy in interview• Saves interviewer’s time

DISADVANTAGEone user hogs conversationhierarchical structure of organization

may not allow some users to speak freely.

End of Lecture

End Of

Today’s

Lecture.