TECHNIQUES

1. Research the functional areas to be studied and the information topics to be investigated. In particular, a tentative list of the following items is developed for research:

   • Functional Entities (FE) - specifying pertinent business functions associated with the project.

   • Organizational Entities (OE) - implementing the functions.

   • Existing Information Requirements (IR) that were uncovered during the Current System Analysis.

2. Prepare an interview outline and schedule to survey user information requirements. The interview outline should be used to determine the following:

   • The business purpose of the information.

   • The Objects being managed or operated.

   • The actions and/or business decisions supported.

   • When and how often the information is needed.

   • The benefits derived from the information.

   • The data required to support the information (particularly generated data elements).

3. Conduct the interviews accordingly. Be concise and to the point. Control the interview. Some guidelines:

   • Avoid discussions related to how the information should be created and transmitted (physical media and equipment). Concentrate on the business rationale for the information. Constantly ask, "Why?"

   • Look for hidden meanings in the use of information. This may lead to additional people to be interviewed and uncover additional requirements.

   • Be diplomatic and observe protocol. You are there to solicit support from the users, not to alienate them.

4. Gather and organize your notes. The "PRIDE" Information Requirement Worksheet and Matrix Worksheet is particularly useful for this purpose. Use the "PRIDE" Matrix Worksheet to establish relationships between time frames and objects. The information levels (P/C/O) can be expressed in the cell coordinates; for example:

For worksheets, consult the following section: "PRIDE" Forms

TOOLS

During this activity, use the following types of tools:

• Documentation Aid to record notes and to develop matrices.

• Repository to catalog and reference resources.