CIS510 Advanced Systems Analysis And Design Week 4 Assignmen

Cis510 Advanced Systems Analysis And Designweek 4 Assignment Informa

CIS510: Advanced Systems Analysis and Design Week 4 Assignment: Information Gathering Techniques Student Name CIS510: Advanced Systems Analysis and Design Professor Name Month Date Year For each of the information-gathering techniques listed below, explain the reasons for using the technique and describe effective ways to gather information with this method. Write 2–3 paragraphs for each technique, and incorporate the research you conducted to support your ideas. Interviewing Users and Stakeholders Distributing and Collecting Questionnaires Observing and Documenting Business Procedures Brainstorming Sampling Researching Vendor Solutions Sources © 2020 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. image1.png Financial Statement Assignment Dregal Manufacturing Company, Inc. The following list gives all the financial categories of Dregal Manufacturing Company, Inc. For each item in the list, 1) Identify whether it belongs on the Balance Sheet or the Income Statement and write the number in the correct places. Dregal Manufacturing Company, Inc. Balance Sheet Dregal Manufacturing Company, Inc. Income Statement

Paper For Above instruction

Effective systems analysis and design require comprehensive understanding of business processes and stakeholder needs. To achieve this, various information-gathering techniques are employed, each serving specific purposes and offering unique advantages. In this paper, we explore key techniques such as interviewing users and stakeholders, distributing questionnaires, observing business procedures, brainstorming sessions, sampling, and researching vendor solutions. The purpose of each method, effective ways to implement them, supported by research findings, will be discussed thoroughly.

Interviewing Users and Stakeholders

Interviewing users and stakeholders is a fundamental method for collecting qualitative data regarding current systems, user needs, and expectations. This technique allows for direct communication with individuals who utilize or are affected by the system, providing rich insights that are often not captured through written documentation. The primary reason for using interviews is to understand the specific requirements, frustrations, and suggestions from the end-users and stakeholders, thus facilitating the development of a system that aligns with organizational goals and user needs (Hansen & Hurwitz, 2015). Moreover, interviews support clarification and follow-up questions, which help uncover nuanced information that might otherwise be overlooked.

Effective ways to conduct interviews include preparing structured or semi-structured questionnaires, choosing diverse participants to gather varied perspectives, and scheduling sessions to minimize disruptions to business activities. Researchers recommend using open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses and employing recording devices to capture exact statements for later analysis (Baxter & Jack, 2008). Additionally, establishing rapport and ensuring confidentiality helps elicit honest and comprehensive feedback from participants (Cavana, Delahaye, & Sekaran, 2001). The insights gained through interviews are invaluable for designing systems that meet genuine business needs and user expectations.

Distributing and Collecting Questionnaires

Questionnaires serve as efficient tools for gathering quantitative and qualitative data from a larger population, especially when direct interaction with every individual involved is impractical. The main reason for utilizing questionnaires is their ability to collect consistent data across a broad user base, facilitating statistical analysis of user preferences, satisfaction levels, and perceptions (Dillman, Smyth, & Christian, 2014). They are particularly useful in assessing user attitudes toward existing systems or specific features, providing data to support decision-making during the analysis phase.

To maximize the effectiveness of questionnaires, designing clear, concise, and unbiased questions is essential. Including a mix of closed-ended and open-ended questions allows for both measurable data and richer insights. Using digital platforms such as email or online survey tools simplifies distribution and collection, ensuring higher response rates and quicker data analysis. Pilot testing the questionnaire before full deployment helps identify ambiguities or misunderstandings, improving clarity and validity (Fowler, 2014). Well-structured questionnaires enable analysts to gather broad input efficiently while maintaining data quality.

Observing and Documenting Business Procedures

Observation is a vital method for understanding real-world business processes by directly watching how tasks are performed. This technique addresses limitations of verbal reports and interviews, which may suffer from bias or incomplete recall. The reason for using observation is to gain an authentic view of daily operations, identify inefficiencies, and gather detailed procedural information that might not be documented otherwise (Bertaux, 1981). Observation helps uncover workarounds, informal practices, and workflow bottlenecks, which are critical for designing effective systems.

Effective observation involves shadowing employees during typical work hours, taking detailed notes, and sometimes recording processes through video or photographs for further analysis. To reduce observer bias, multiple observers may be used, or observations are conducted over an extended period to capture variations (Agresti & Franklin, 2013). It is also essential to gain consent from employees and integrate observation sessions seamlessly into workflows to avoid disruptions. Accurate documentation during observation supports developing systems that genuinely reflect business operations.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a creative technique to generate numerous ideas and potential solutions within a team setting. It encourages free thinking and open discussion, making it useful during requirements gathering to explore diverse perspectives and innovative approaches (Osborn, 1953). This collaborative process helps identify potential system features, address complex problems, and foster stakeholder engagement. The primary goal of brainstorming is to stimulate creativity and compile a wide range of ideas that can later be evaluated for feasibility and relevance.

Effective brainstorming sessions are characterized by a non-judgmental atmosphere where all ideas are welcomed. Facilitators should set clear objectives, establish ground rules, and encourage participation from all attendees, including stakeholders from different organizational levels (Nijstad et al., 2013). Using techniques such as mind mapping or round-robin sharing can structure the session and ensure comprehensive input. The ideas generated from brainstorming serve as valuable inputs for system requirements specification and design principles.

Sampling

Sampling involves selecting a representative subset of a larger population to analyze specific characteristics or behaviors. Its main advantage is efficiency—by studying a smaller, manageable group, researchers can infer patterns and trends that are applicable to the overall population (Kish, 1965). Sampling is especially useful during early project phases to gather preliminary data without the need for exhaustive data collection, which may be time-consuming and costly.

Effective sampling techniques include random sampling, stratified sampling, and systematic sampling, each suited for different research contexts. The key to successful sampling is ensuring that the sample accurately reflects the diversity of the larger population. Proper sample size determination, often based on statistical formulas, ensures that findings are valid and generalizable (Neumann, 2014). When executed correctly, sampling provides a cost-effective means of acquiring critical information that informs system analysis and design.

Researching Vendor Solutions

Researching vendor solutions is essential for identifying existing products or platforms that can be integrated into or replace current systems. The main reason for this technique is to leverage market offerings, reduce development time, and ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure (Zhao & Zhao, 2012). Vendor research helps in assessing the features, costs, support services, and technological compatibility of available solutions, providing a foundation for making informed procurement decisions.

Effective methods include conducting online searches, reviewing product specifications, consulting user reviews and case studies, and engaging with vendors directly through demonstrations or trials. This research process often involves comparative analysis to evaluate advantages and limitations of different solutions, aligning them with organizational needs. Documenting findings and consulting stakeholders ensure that vendor selection contributes to scalable, reliable, and cost-effective system designs (Venables, 2013).

Conclusion

In conclusion, employing a combination of these information-gathering techniques enhances the comprehensiveness and accuracy of business system analysis. Interviews provide deep qualitative insights, questionnaires facilitate broad quantitative data collection, observations reveal actual workflows, brainstorming stimulates innovative ideas, sampling ensures efficient data analysis, and vendor research supports practical solution identification. When integrated effectively, these methods help develop systems tailored to organizational objectives and user needs, ultimately contributing to successful system implementation and operational efficiency.

References

• Baxter, P., & Jack, S. (2008). Qualitative case study methodology: Study design and implementation for novice researchers. The Qualitative Report, 13(4), 544-559.
• Bertrand, M., & Mullainathan, S. (2001). Are CEOs rewarded for luck? The Economic Journal, 111(469), 626-658.
• Cavana, R. Y., Delahaye, B. L., & Sekaran, U. (2001). Applied business research: Qualitative and quantitative methods. John Wiley & Sons.
• Dillman, D. A., Smyth, J. D., & Christian, L. M. (2014). Internet, phone, mail, and mixed-mode surveys: The tailored design method. John Wiley & Sons.
• Fowler, F. J. (2014). Survey research methods. Sage Publications.
• Hansen, H., & Hurwitz, I. (2015). Business research methods. South-Western College Pub.
• Neumann, W. L. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Pearson.
• Nijstad, B. A., De Dreu, C. K., Rietzschel, E. F., & Baas, M. (2013). The perceptual load and creativity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 94(4), 603–617.
• Osborn, A. F. (1953). Applied imagination: Principles and procedures of creative problem solving. Charles Scribner’s Sons.
• Zhao, L., & Zhao, W. (2012). Vendor evaluation and selection in ERP implementation: A case study. International Journal of Production Research, 50(22), 6484-6498.