There are many different approaches that can be used to gather
information about a business. They include the following:
- Review business plans, existing business models and other
documentation
- Interview subject area experts
- Conduct fact-finding meetings
- Analyze application systems, forms, artifacts, reports, etc.
The business analyst should use one-on-one interviews early in the business analysis project to gage
the strengths and weaknesses of potential project participants and to obtain
basic information about the business. Large meetings are not a
good use of time for data
gathering.
Facilitated
work sessions are a good mechanism for validating and refining “draft” requirements
and also to prioritize final business requirements. Group
dynamics can generate even better ideas.
