MIS350 Discussion Post 4

The methods of data collection take a lot of time. What are some ways in which analysts can still collect the information they need for systems analysis but also save time?

This week’s Discussion Question asks you to select only one of the following questions and offer a good, substantive reply to it. Please include the question number in your initial post, so we all can better understand your post, such as “#1”, “#2”, etc.:

The methods of data collection take a lot of time. What are some ways analysts can still collect the information they need for systems analysis but also save time? What methods can you think of that would improve upon both traditional and newer techniques?
Work shadowing, or observing workers at their tasks, is a classic approach to understanding what workers do, as opposed to recording what they say they do. When interviews and observations conflict, a systems analyst must use people skills to understand the variances. Discuss the challenges of conflicting reports and observations. How do you get the real requirements without alienating your interview and observation subjects?
Some of the key problems with information systems that show up later in the systems development life cycle can be traced back to inadequate work during requirements determination. How might this issue be avoided or at least mitigated?
Survey the literature on JAD in the academic and popular press and determine the “state of the art.” How is JAD being used to help determine system requirements? Is using JAD for this process beneficial? Why or why not?
Is business process reengineering a business fad, or is there more to it? Explain and justify your answer.

Solution Preview

Question 1

The importance of having an ideal data collection method lies in facilitating effectiveness of a particular research. As long as the data collection method is dependable enough based on the study in question, then the information gathered would be effective in drawing conclusions on the study in question.

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