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Fact Finding Techniques - Coggle Diagram
Fact Finding Techniques
Overview
although software can help gather and analyze facts, no program can actually performs fact-finding for you
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Software Tools
- CASE tools
- Word processing
- Spreadsheets
- Databases
- Presentation graphics
- Personal information managers
Document Review
- can help you understand how the current system is supposed to work
- you should obtain copies of actual forms and operating documents currently in used
- type of documents - forms, company policy, invoices etc.
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Interviews
systems analysts spend a great deal of time talking with people. much of that time is spent conducting interviews
Step 1: Determine the people to interview
Step 2: Establish Objectives
- determine the general areas to be discussed
- list the facts you want to gather
Step 3: Develop Interview Questions
- creating a standard list of interview questions helps to keep you on track and avoid unnecessary tangents
- avoid leading questions
- type of questions:
- open-ended
- closed-ended
- range-of-response
Step 4: Prepare for the interview
- careful preparation is essential because an important meeting and not just a casual chat
- limit the interview to no more than one hour
- send a list of topics
- ask the interviewee to have samples available
Step 5: Conduct the interview
- develop a specific plan for the meeting
- begin with good introduction
- use engaged listening
- allow the person enough time to think about the question
- summarize main points
- after interview, summarize the session and seek a confirmation
Step 6: Document the interview
- during the interview, note taking should be kept to a minimum
- after the interview, record the information quickly
- send memo expressing appreciation, including the main points discussed so the interviewee has a written summary and can offer additions or corrections
Step 7: Evaluate the interview
- in addition to recording the facts obtained in an interview, try to identify any possible biases
Unsuccessful Interviews
- no matter how well you prepare for it, some are not successful
Sampling
- systematic sample
- stratified sample
- random sample
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Observation
- gives you additional perspective a better understanding of the system procedures
- plan it in advance
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