Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
2.6.3 Conduct Personal Interviews
In-depth interviews with key business owners who understand and use the ex-
isting system can represent the best source of information for the existing func-
tional requirements. Many but not all of these same business process owners
will also be an excellent source of information for the new functional require-
ments. Others like marketing or research executives who may have been the
source of the new functional requirement requests also need to be included in
the interview schedule.
2.6.4 ConductSurveys
When information sources cannot be interviewed personally (perhaps there are too
many or they are spread over a wide geographic area), surveys can be designed to
gather the information in the form of mail or telephone questionnaires.
2.6.5 Conduct JAD Sessions
Another round of JAD sessions can be conducted, this time for the purpose of en-
abling groups to address and defi ne the functional requirements.
2.6.6 Observe the Existing System
The developers should spend time in the user area, observing the existing system in
operation and the use of on-line help or printed user guides.
2.6.7 Document Functional Requirements
Any number of documentation tools can be used to document the functional
requirements, but an excellent one is the functions components matrix, illustrated
in Table 2.2.
The matrix lists the functions that the system must perform (input, pro-
cessing, output, storage, and control) across the top as column headings and
lists the components of the system (its resources) as row headings down the
left-hand side. The resource rows include people, data, information, software,
and hardware. The matrix shows what resources will be used to perform what
functions and is prepared for each subsystem. The sample in Table 2.2 consists
of only a sampling of entries. On the People row you specify the titles of the
people and the functions that they perform. Data specifications can be in the
form of data tables, files, records, or elements. Information usually needs to
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