Information Gathering Techniques      

Code:

 IS130-032

Series:

 Information Management

Duration:

 2 days

Overview of Information Gathering Techniques
The Layered Systems Model & Information Gathering
Techniques for Information Gathering
Interviewing
Workshops (JAD)
Prototyping
Questionnaires
Storyboarding
Role plays
Data Sampling
Direct Observation
The Information Gathering Life Cycle
Planning
Conducting
Analysing Information
Providing Feedback

Interviewing
Strengths & Weaknesses
Stages of an Interview
Preparation
Opening stage
Productive stage
Closing stage
Providing feedback
Types of Question
Open, Closed, Mirror Questions
Hypothetical, Porbing, Leading Questions
Listening Skills
Hear, Empathise, Analyse, Respond
Interview Planner
Interview Log

Workshops
Strengths & Weaknesses
When, Where, Who
Sponsor
Facilitator, Scribe, Participants, Experts/Observers
Workshop Planner
Aspects of Groups
Group purpose & management
Goals & outcomes
Number of sessions
Agenda, time & place
Group dynamics
Anatomy of a workshop
Importance of a "warm up"
Roles of the Facilitator
Facilitation skills
Running the workshop
Ground rules for workshops
Closing the workshop

Prototyping
Strengths & Weaknesses
High vs. Low-fidelity Prototypes
The prototytping life Cycle

Questionnaires
Strengths & Weaknesses
Questionnaire Design

Practical Exercises

Information Gathering Techniques


After completing this course, participants will be able to:

  • understand and describe a theoretical framework for planning conducting interviews & workshops
  • apply the framework for conducting interviews and workshops
  • select and use an alternative technique when interviews or workshops are not appropriate
  • apply alternative techniques for information gathering.

Prerequisites:


Participants should have some understanding of the development cycle for information systems and, preferably, some working experience with business / systems analysis.