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Fact Finding Techniques

The document outlines various fact-finding techniques used in software engineering, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior when handling sensitive information. It details seven methods including sampling, observation, questionnaires, and interviews, each with their respective advantages and disadvantages. The document also provides guidelines for conducting effective interviews and preparing appropriate questions.

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2 views19 pages

Fact Finding Techniques

The document outlines various fact-finding techniques used in software engineering, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior when handling sensitive information. It details seven methods including sampling, observation, questionnaires, and interviews, each with their respective advantages and disadvantages. The document also provides guidelines for conducting effective interviews and preparing appropriate questions.

Uploaded by

chriskamaumbugua
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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APT 2080: INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE

ENGINEERING

Fact Finding Techniques

Instructor– Jennifer Gachukia (jwgachukia@usiu.ac.ke)


Fact-Finding Ethics
Fact-Finding often brings systems analysts into contact
with sensitive information.
 Company plans
 Employee salaries or medical history
 Customer credit card, social security, or other information

Ethical behaviour
 Systems analysts must not misuse information.
 Systems analysts must protect information from people
who would misuse it.
Seven Fact-Finding Methods
Sampling of existing documentation,
forms, and databases.
Research and site visits.
Observation of the work environment.
Questionnaires.
Interviews.
Prototyping.
Joint requirements planning (JRP).
Sampling Existing Documentation, Forms, &
Files
Sampling –process of collecting a representative
sample of documents, forms, and records.
 Organization chart
 Memos and other documents that describe the
problem
 Standard operating procedures for current system
 Completed forms
 Manual and computerized screens and reports
 Samples of databases
 Flowcharts and other system documentation
Sampling Techniques
Randomization – a sampling technique
characterized by having no predetermined
pattern or plan for selecting sample data.

Stratification – a systematic sampling
technique that attempts to reduce the variance
of the estimates by spreading out the sampling
—for example, choosing documents or records
by formula—and by avoiding very high or low
estimates.
Observation of work environment

Observation – a fact-finding technique wherein


the systems analyst either participates in or
watches a person perform activities to learn
about the system.
Advantages?
Disadvantages?

Work sampling - a fact-finding technique that


involves a large number of observations taken
at random intervals.
Advantages

• Allows the validity of facts and data to be


checked
• Observer can see exactly what is being
done
• Observer can also obtain data describing
the
physical environment of the task
• Relatively inexpensive
• Observer can do work measurements
Disadvantages

•People may knowingly or unknowingly


perform differently when being observed
•May miss observing certain tasks
•Some tasks may not always be performed
•May be impractical
Research and site visits
A useful fact-finding technique is to research the
application and problem.

Advantages
•Can save time if solution already exists
•Researcher can see how others have solved similar
problems or met similar requirements
•Keeps researcher up to date with current developments

Disadvantages
•Requires access to appropriate sources of information
•May ultimately not help in solving problem because
problem is not documented elsewhere
Questionnaires
Questionnaire – a special-purpose document that
allows the analyst to collect information and opinions
from respondents.

Free-format questionnaire – a questionnaire


designed to offer the respondent greater latitude in the
answer. A question is asked, and the respondent
records the answer in the space provided after the
question.

Fixed-format questionnaire – a questionnaire


containing questions that require selecting an answer
from predefined available responses.
Types of Fixed-Format Questions
Multiple-choice questions
Rating questions
Ranking questions

Rank the following transactions according to the amount of time you


spend processing them.
___ % new customer orders
___ % order cancellations The implementation of quality discounts would
___ % order modifications cause an increase in customer orders.
___ % payments ___ Strongly agree
___ Agree
___ No opinion Is the current accounts receivable
___ Disagree report that you receive useful?
___ Strongly disagree ___ Yes
___ No
Advantages
•People can complete and return
questionnaires at their convenience
•Relatively inexpensive way to gather data
from a large number of people
•People more likely to provide the real facts
as responses can be kept confidential
•Responses can be tabulated and analysed
quickly
Disadvantages

•Number of respondents can be low,


possibly only 5% to 10%
•Questionnaires may be returned incomplete
•May not provide an opportunity to adapt or
re-word questions that have been
misinterpreted
•Cannot observe and analyse the
respondent’s body language
Interviews
Interview - a fact-finding technique whereby the
systems analysts collect information from individuals
through face-to-face interaction.
 Find facts
 Verify facts
 Clarify facts
 Generate enthusiasm
 Get the end-user involved
 Identify requirements
 Solicit ideas and opinions
Types of Interviews and Questions

Unstructured interview –conducted with only a general goal or subject in


mind and with few, if any, specific questions. The interviewer counts on the
interviewee to provide a framework and direct the conversation.

Structured interview –interviewer has a specific set of questions to ask of


the interviewee.

Open-ended question – question that allows the interviewee to respond


in any way.

Closed-ended question – a question that restricts answers to either


specific choices or short, direct responses.
Advantages

•Allows interviewee to respond freely and openly to


questions
•Allows interviewee to feel part of project
•Allows interviewer to follow up on interesting
comments made by interviewee
•Allows interviewer to adapt or re-word questions
during interview
•Allows interviewer to observe interviewee’s body
language
Disadvantages
•Very time-consuming and costly, and therefore may
be impractical
•Success is dependent on communication skills of
interviewer
•Success can be dependent on willingness of
interviewees to participate in interviews
Prepare for the Interview

 Types of Questions to Avoid


 Loaded questions
 Leading questions
 Biased questions
 Interview Question Guidelines
 Use clear and concise language.
 Don’t include your opinion as part of the
question.
 Avoid long or complex questions.
 Avoid threatening questions.
 Don’t use “you” when you mean a group of
people.

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