Questions Case

1. What are the five questions typically used in fact-finding? What additional question can be asked during this process?

The five questions are who, what, where, why, how.

* Who? Who performs each of the procedures within the system?

* What? What is being done? What procedures are being followed?

* Where? Where are operations being performed?

* Why? Why is it being performed at this time? Is this the best time?

* How? How is a procedure performed?

2. What is a systems requirement, and how are systems requirements classified?

A System Requirement is characteristic or feature that must be included in an information system to satisfy business requirements and be acceptable to users. System requirements serve as benchmarks to measure the overall acceptability of the finished system.

3. What are JAD and RAD, and how do they differ from traditional fact-finding methods? What are their pros and cons?

Joint application development (JAD), which is a user- oriented technique for fact-finding and requirements modeling. Because it is not linked to a specific development methodology, system developers use JAD whenever group input and interaction are desired.

Rapid application development (RAD). While JAD typically focuses only on fact-finding and requirements determination, RAD provides a fast-track approach to a full spectrum of system development tasks, including planning, design, construction, and implementation.

Pros Cons

JAD

* More expensive

* Cumbersome * Allows Effective User Participation

* More accurate system requirements

RAD

* Excessive Risk Exposure * Focuses on the mechanics of a system

* Consistency in design standards

4. What is total cost of ownership (TCO), and why is it important?

Total Cost Ownership (TCO) is especially important if the development team is assessing several alternatives. After considering the indirect (and sometimes hidden) costs, a system that seems inexpensive initially might turn out to be the most costly choice.

5. Provide examples of closed-ended, open-ended, and range-of-response questions.

Open-ended questions encourage spontaneous and unstructured responses. What are users saying about the new system?