Data Gathering

There are many different approaches that can be used to gather information about a business.  They include the following:

1. Review business plans, existing models and other documentation
2. Interview subject area experts
3. Conduct fact-finding meetings
4. 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.  They are also useful to prioritize final business requirements.  Group dynamics can often generate even better ideas.