A presentation and comparison of four information system development methodologies
ACM SIGSOFT Software Engineering Notes
ACM SIGSOFT Software Engineering Notes
Software engineering concepts
Formal requirements specification of process control systems
ACM SIGSOFT Software Engineering Notes
Cost/benefit analysis for incorporating human factors in the software lifecycle
Communications of the ACM
Toward friendly user MIS implementation
Communications of the ACM
Contemporary software development environments
Communications of the ACM
Human Factor: Designing Computer Systems for People
Human Factor: Designing Computer Systems for People
Structured Systems Analysis: Tools and Techniques
Structured Systems Analysis: Tools and Techniques
Dealing with an increasing user/consultant ratio
SIGUCCS '83 Proceedings of the 11th annual ACM SIGUCCS conference on User services
Software psychology: Human factors in computer and information systems (Winthrop computer systems series)
| Hi-index | 0.00 |
This paper will address the task of applying Software Engineering techniques of requirements analysis to one aspect of the User Services Consultant's job: analyzing a problem situation and recommending some course of action, often computer-related. While User Services consultants do not typically develop systems for users, they are frequently approached by individuals who suspect that a problem they are experiencing might be solved through the use of a computer. Consultants then attempt to help the user articulate the problem, identify data and equipment needs, and recognize personnel constraints. Various recommendations might be made, including discouraging automation, encouraging user self-implementation (i.e., user learns a package and implements on his or her own), or referring the project to M.I.S. for further analysis. The quality of this process is not carefully monitored and users receive various levels of assistance based on the particular expertise of the consultant.As a case study, I have selected a project in the Psychology Department to analyze. The result has been the development of a Requirements Specification Form which can be used in User Services. Its primary function is to force the consultant to ask the relevant questions such that an appropriate recommendation will be arrived at. It is expected that this methodology will markedly improve User Services' ability to deliver quality service in this important area.