Interview Techniques and Objectives

Questions and Answers

Which technique involves direct interaction with users to gather information about their needs?

Document review

Questionnaire

Observation

Interview (correct)

What is a common pitfall when evaluating the quality of information gathered during interviews?

Assuming all participants are equally knowledgeable

Relying solely on the interviewer's insights

Using standardized questions for every interview

Conducting interviews without a clear objective (correct)

What is the primary purpose of observation as a fact-finding technique?

To understand user behavior in a natural setting (correct)

To collect numerical data only

To gather subjective opinions from users

To assess technical documentation

What should be a key consideration when designing questionnaires?

Avoiding complex language and jargon Signup and view all the answers

When utilizing sampling techniques, what is the primary goal?

To randomly select a diverse group of participants Signup and view all the answers

What consequence can arise from fixing requirement issues too late in a project?

Design flaws that are difficult to rectify Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of documenting an interview?

To ensure information is recorded quickly and accurately Signup and view all the answers

What should be assessed when evaluating an interview?

The biases presented during the interview Signup and view all the answers

What does observation as a fact-finding technique provide?

A broader understanding of system procedures Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important aspect of designing a questionnaire?

Collecting the right data in a usable format Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of sampling in research?

To represent the overall population accurately Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes closed-ended questions?

They limit responses to predefined answers. Signup and view all the answers

In a systematic sample, how are participants chosen?

Using a pre-established system or rule Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of conducting interviews compared to using questionnaires?

Interviews allow for more in-depth interaction and clarification. Signup and view all the answers

What characterization describes open-ended questions?

They allow respondents to elaborate freely. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after completing an interview?

Send a follow-up memo expressing appreciation. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key benefits of user involvement in an information system?

Users can provide valuable insights that lead to better system requirements. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is notably utilized for effective user involvement during systems development?

Joint Application Development (JAD) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of employing Joint Application Development?

It may be cumbersome if the group size is too large. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of Rapid Application Development (RAD)?

To cut development time and expenses through user involvement. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the characteristics of Agile methods in system development?

They encourage frequent deliverables to validate projects. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key concern regarding the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in system development?

TCO only considers initial purchase costs. Signup and view all the answers

Which performance metric is important in system requirements?

Response time that must not exceed a specified duration. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding system controls is accurate?

Logon security is required at multiple system levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common limitation of Rapid Application Development?

It may sacrifice design consistency due to speed. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Interviews

Distinguish between current actions and potential improvements during discussions.
Step 1: Identify interview subjects; choose individuals relevant to the project.
Step 2: Set clear objectives for interviews, including defining key discussion areas and necessary facts.
Step 3: Formulate a standardized list of interview questions to maintain focus and avoid tangents. Utilize open-ended, closed-ended, and range-of-response questions.
Step 4: Prepare thoroughly for interviews, keeping them concise (around one hour), and share topics with interviewees in advance.
Step 5: Conduct interviews with a structured plan; introduce yourself and clarify objectives. Engage in active listening and allow adequate response time.
Step 6: Limit note-taking during interviews; quickly document key points post-interview. Send a thank-you memo, including essential details and a summary for further verification.
Step 7: Evaluate the interview's effectiveness by analyzing biases and the quality of gathered information. Recognize that not all interviews yield fruitful results.

Other Fact-Finding Techniques

Document Review: Leverage existing documentation for insights and information.
Observation: Observing the system in action enhances understanding. Plan observations ahead and be aware of the Hawthorne Effect, where behavior changes due to observation.
Surveys and Questionnaires: Design questionnaires that accurately gather relevant data for fact-finding; ensure questions are clear and targeted.
Sampling: Different sampling techniques (systematic, stratified, random) are used to ensure representativeness of the overall population.
Research: Utilize various sources (Internet, publications) to gain background knowledge and stay informed about industry trends.

Interviews vs. Questionnaires

Interviews create personal connections, while questionnaires allow broader input from many individuals.
Brainstorming sessions can be structured or unstructured for idea generation.

Requirement Importance

Successful projects hinge on clear, well-understood requirements; poor requirements often lead to failures, delays, and budget overruns.

Joint Application Development (JAD)

User involvement is crucial for system success; JAD teams enhance user participation and project alignment.
While potentially costly, JAD can produce accurate system requirements and foster a joint commitment to project goals.

Rapid Application Development (RAD)

RAD aims to shorten development time and cut costs by active user involvement throughout the process.
Rapid development can compromise quality and design standards, focusing more on mechanics than strategic business needs.

Agile Methods

Agile methodologies emphasize incremental system development, requiring team members skilled in technical and interpersonal areas.
They allow flexibility in accommodating changes while producing frequent deliverables to validate progress.

System Requirements Checklist

Determine specific outputs, inputs, processes, performance criteria, and control measures essential for the system.
Key requirements may include reporting capabilities, security protocols, and user interaction methods.

Future Considerations

Scalability of systems is vital; assess future volume projections for all operational aspects to ensure return on investment.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is a critical consideration; cost estimates often overlook indirect costs affecting financial decisions.

Fact-Finding Strategy

Develop a comprehensive fact-finding plan, employing questions like Who, What, Where, When, How, and Why to capture necessary details effectively.

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Description

This quiz covers essential strategies for conducting interviews, focusing on understanding the difference between actions taken and potential improvements. It outlines steps for determining interview subjects and establishing clear objectives for discussion. Get ready to enhance your interviewing skills!