Analysis is used to get a clear idea of what the existing system does. This is corresponds to dossier criterion A. Many students make the mistake of writing about the solution at this stage of their dossiers.
With projects of any size, the analysis stage of gathering data is essential because you can gain clear insight into data input, processing and output without thinking about the computer system that may eventually be used.
Data collection
This process is sometimes referred to (or sometimes taken to include) fact finding. The classic fact-finding methods are: * Conduct interviews * Carry out questionnaires * Study existing documents * Search the literature for other solutions to the same problem. * Observe people working with the existing system
Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages which can be summarised as follows: Method | Advantages and disadvantages | interviews | Detailed data, can change questions during process (not like questionnaire). Time-consuming, problems classifying/quantifying data | questionnaires | Can reach a lot of people, quickly (comp to interview/observation); Numerical analysis possible. Questions may be mis-interpreted; people may not respond at all or may do only some questions. | document search | The data required for the system can be identified accurately. Documents may be lacking, out-of-date etc (interview could discover this) | literature search | Can find descriptions/problems of previous implementations (saves work). Problem may not be described (or in detail). Again, working without experienced users. | observation | Observations are independent of user bias (unlike interview/questionnaire). Time consuming and observer can affect process "Hawthorne Effect". |
As implied by the above table, a mixture of methods is often a very effective way to research