Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 6.20. A report sample with attached note suggesting a new field
You'll conduct the final interview with Mike. Keep the following points in mind as you
speak with him.
• Identify the reports he currently receives; you need to know what kind of informa-
tion he uses to make business decisions. If he receives reports that are not repres-
ented in your group of report samples, obtain a sample of each report and add it to
the group, updating the subject and characteristic lists as needed.
• Review the group of report samples with him and determine whether he can identi-
fy subjects or characteristics that have been overlooked by his staff. Use the appro-
priate techniques to identify these items and then add them to the appropriate list.
• Determine whether there is any additional information Mike needs to supplement
the information he currently receives.
• Determine what types of information Mike will need as the business evolves.
As you and Mike discuss his future information needs, he indicates that there is some new
information he'd like to receive once the business really gets rolling: He'd like to see total
bike sales by manufacturer. He believes this information would help him determine which
bikes he should consistently keep in stock. Such a report does not currently exist, so have
Mike sketch it out on a sheet of paper. Next, identify the subjects and characteristics rep-
resented within the report and add them to the appropriate list. Then add the new report to
your group of report samples.
Figure 6.21
shows the sketch of Mike's new report.
