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IS8080Dr. Mario Guimaraes

Fact Finding Techniques

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Fact Finding

Formal process of using techniques such as

interviews and questionnaires to collectfacts about systems, requirements, andpreferences.

This is the first step we must do beforedesigning a Database, Database Applicationor any Software Application

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Fact-Finding Techniques

Database developer normally uses several fact-

finding techniques during a single database projectincluding:

examining documentation,

interviewing,

Group interview, JAD observing organization in operation,

research,

questionnaires.

Which method above is the most commonly used ?

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Documents

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Interview: Advantage/Disadvantage

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Types of Interviews

StructuredClose ended questions

UnstructuredOpen ended questions

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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

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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

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Conducting an Interview

Appear professional and unbiased

Record all information Check on organizational policy regarding taperecording

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: Dont Worry, Be Happy, Pay Attention, Summarize Key Points,

Be Succinct, Be Honest, Watch Body Language

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Post Interview

Prepare Interview Notes

Prepare Interview Report Look for Gaps and New Questions

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Observation

Effective technique for understanding

system.

Possible to participate in, or watch, a personperform activities to learn about system.

Useful when validity of data collected is inquestion or when complexity of certainaspects of system prevents clear

explanation by end-users.Example: studying how a student learns through

VERBAL PROTOCOLS.

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Adv./Dis. Of Observation

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Research

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Questionnaires

Conduct surveys through questionnaires

special-purpose documents that allow factsto be gathered from a large number ofpeople while maintaining some control overtheir responses.

Two types of questions, namely free-formatand fixed-format.

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Questionnaires

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JAD or Group Interview

ADVANTAGES

one user may get idea from other user.

Avoids redundancy in interview

Saves interviewers time

DISADVANTAGE

one user hogs conversation

hierarchical structure of organization

may not allow some users to speak freely.

d f

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End of Lecture

End

Of

TodaysLecture.