Information Gathering for Systems Analysis

Understanding Information Gathering Techniques

Interviews: A Core Data Collection Method

An interview is a structured meeting between two or more individuals, primarily for gathering information. Various types of interviews exist, each serving a distinct purpose:

• Journalistic Interview: For news and reporting.
• TV Interview: Broadcast discussions.
• Clinical Interview: Used in healthcare for diagnosis and assessment.
• Job Interview: For evaluating candidates for employment.

Observation: Verifying and Deepening Insights

Observation is a crucial method for gathering information, often employed after an initial technique to obtain more detailed insights about system participants and to verify previously collected data.

Observing Organizational Decision-Makers

This method is particularly applicable to decision-makers within an organization. The systems analyst seeks to understand what is actually done, not merely what is documented or explained. It also helps in identifying the relationships between decision-makers and other organizational members. Observation allows the analyst to see how decision-makers gather, process, share, and utilize information to accomplish their tasks.

STROBE Elements for Systems Analysis

There are seven specific elements readily observable by a systems analyst. These elements can reveal significant insights into how a decision-maker collects, processes, stores, and shares information:

• Office Location

  The placement of the decision-maker's office relative to others can indicate their role and influence within the organization.

• Decision-Maker's Desk Location

  The arrangement of the decision-maker's desk provides clues about their exercise of power and preferred communication style.

• Fixed Office Equipment

  This category includes items like file cabinets, bookcases, and other furniture used for storage, reflecting organizational structure and information management practices.

• Props

  Refers to small equipment used for information processing, such as calculators, pens, pencils, and rulers, which can indicate daily workflows.

• Business Magazines & Newspapers

  Observing the types of business magazines and newspapers present reveals the information sources and interests of the decision-maker.

• Office Lighting & Color

  An office lit by warm incandescent light, for instance, might suggest a preference for more personal communication, influencing the work environment.

• Decision-Maker's Attire

  Formal attire, such as a three-piece suit for a man or a business suit for a woman, can represent a higher level of authority, according to researchers who have studied the perception of executive appearance.