Fact Finding Techniques or Information Gathering Techniques
Techniques used for collecting data related to the existing system to learn the function of the existing system. Various fact-finding techniques are:
- Interview – This important fact-finding technique, where the system analysts gather information from individuals through face-to-face interaction.
- Group Discussions – A group of staff members are invited by system analysts from different wings for discussion.
- Site Visits – The system analysts visit sites to get information on the working of the system.
- Presentations – The customer makes a presentation of the existing system or about the organisation.
- Questionnaires – Special purpose documents that allow the analyst to collect information and opinions.
Interviews
The steps involved in the interview are Introduction, Asking Questions, Recording the interview, and Doing a final check. There are two types of interviews:
- Structured – There is a specific set of questions to be asked to an interviewee.
- Unstructured – No specific set of questions only a general goal or subject in mind.
Advantages of Interviews
- Get individual’s views
- Better clarity of the problem
- The interviewee responds freely and openly
Disadvantages of Interviews
- Very time consuming
- Depends on the system analyst’s interpersonal skills
- May be impractical due to the location
Feasibility Study
Consists of activities which determine the existence of the scope of developing an information system for the organisation. There are different feasibility study like
- Technical Feasibility – Concerned with hardware, software and expertise required for the development of the system.
- Operational Feasibility – All about problems that may arise during operations like useful information, response time, Accuracy, Security, and Efficiency.
- Economical Feasibility – Judging whether the possible benefits of solving the problem is worthwhile or not.
- Legal Feasibility – Consideration of copyright law, labour law, antitrust legislation, regulation, etc.
Cost Benefit Analysis
It involves analysing the costs associated with implementing and operating a system against the expected benefits it will bring. Different costs are
- Cost of human resources – Salaries of system analysts, software engineers, programmers, data entry operators, and clerical staff.
- Cost of Infrastructure – Includes computers, cables, software, etc.
- Cost of training – The developing and operating staff need to be trained for new technologies and systems.
System Analysis and Design Interview Topics for Freshers
System Analysis is the “what” before the “how” in system design. It provides the essential roadmap for crafting a system that is both effective and efficient in solving the intended problem. “Imagine you’re building a dream house. You wouldn’t start hammering nails without a detailed blueprint, right?”The same goes for software development.”
System analysis is the blueprint, while system design translates it into the actual system.
Important Topics for System Analysis and Design Guide
- Information System(IS)
- Characteristics(Properties) of a System Analysis
- Classification of System Analysis
- Distributed Systems
- System Analysis and Design
- System Analyst
- System Development Life Cycle(SDLC)
- Documentation of Systems
- System Requirements Specification(SRS)
- Fact Finding Techniques or Information Gathering Techniques
- Modular and Structured Design
- Form Design
- Report Design
- Process Modeling or Data Flow Diagram (DFD)
- CASE Tools – Computer-Aided Software Engineering Tools
- Implementation of Systems
- Maintenance of Systems
- Audit of Computer Systems
- Viruses
- Concurrent Audit
- Different Kinds of Information Systems