3/5/2009Computer systems1 Information Gathering Information Data Gathering: Interactive Methods Unobtrusive Methods

3/5/2009Computer systems2 Interactive Methods n Interviewing n Joint Application Design (JAD) n Questionnaires

3/5/2009Computer systems3 5 Interviewing Steps 1. Read Background Material 2. Establish Interviewing objectives 3. Decide Whom to Interview 4. Prepare the Interviewee 5. Decide on Question types and structure

3/5/2009Computer systems4 Types n Open-Ended questions n Closed questions

3/5/2009Computer systems5 Open-Ended questions n interviewee at ease n interviewee’s own words n richness of detail n revealing further questions n too much irrelevant detail n lost of control of interview n impression of unprepared interview

3/5/2009Computer systems6 Closed Questions n Saving time n Easily comparing interviews n getting to the point n Keeping the interview under control n Getting to relevant data n Boring n Failing to obtain detail

3/5/2009Computer systems7Attributes Attributes of open-ended and closed questions Reliability of data High Low Efficient Use of Time High Low Precision of Data High Low Breadth and Depth Much Little Interviewer Skill Required Much Little Ease of Analysis Difficult Easy

3/5/2009Computer systems8 Structures n Pyramid n Funnel n Diamond

3/5/2009Computer systems9 Pyramid Structure … End with more general questions Start with a specific question

3/5/2009Computer systems10 Funnel Structure … Begin with general question End with specific question

3/5/2009Computer systems11 Diamond Structure … Begin with specific question End with specific question Move toward general question

3/5/2009Computer systems12 JAD n Joint Application Design

3/5/2009Computer systems13 Who Who should be involved: n Analysts n Users n Executives

3/5/2009Computer systems14Where Where to hold JAD meetings n two-to-four-day offsite n minimize the distractions n comfortably to hold the attendees n provide networked PCs n projection system n JAD software tool to facilitate interaction

3/5/2009Computer systems15 Potential Benefits n Time savings n possible rapid development via JAD n improved ownership n creative development of design

3/5/2009Computer systems16 Potential Drawbacks n large block of time – two-to-four-day commitment n inadequate preparation – less satisfactory designs n not sufficient skills or organization culture – lack concerted effort to be productive

3/5/2009Computer systems17Trade-offs Trade-offs between the open-ended and closed questions Speed of Completion Fast Slow Exploratory Nature HighLow Breadth and Depth High Low Ease of Preparation Difficult Easy Ease of Analysis Difficult Easy