Course 115:
Advanced Requirements Elicitation Techniques

(2 days)

 

Course Description

Gathering information is not an easy task; gathering complete and accurate information is even more difficult, especially when the respondent may be unwilling or unable to provide the information. This course examines methods of acquiring the information necessary to fully define the business problem and define the correct business solution.

Learning Objectives

  • Establish a structure and process for gathering information through interviews and group sessions
  • Conduct a successful information gathering session
  • Identify and deal with interview and meeting problems
  • Catch and clarify assumptions and misinformation
  • Facilitate and mediate among the participants

Prerequisites

Course 103: Roles, Responsibilities, and Processes of the Business Analyst.

Course Outline

Unit 1: The Information Gathering Session

  • Information Gathering Plan
    • What Is It You Want to Know?
    • Where Is the Information
    • Which Type of Information Gathering Method to Use
    • Workshop: Information Gathering Plan
  • Components of an Information Gathering Session
    • Preparation
    • Introduction
    • Information Gathering
    • Close
    • Follow-Up
  • Structured Requirements Gathering
    • The Structured Approach
    • Iterative Information Gathering

Unit 2: Interviewing

  • Interview Approaches
    • Interview Levels
      • Upper-Level Management
      • Mid-Management
      • User
    • Interview Demographics
  • Listening
    • Why It’s So Hard
    • Miller’s Law
    • Empathy
    • Rapport
    • Active Listening Techniques
  • The Interview
    • Preparation
    • Workshop: Preparing for the Session
    • Introduction
    • Inquire Skillfully
    • Workshop: Interview Do’s and Don’ts
    • SPIN Questions
    • Watching What You Say
    • Body Language and Eye Contact
    • Hidden Agendas
    • Closure and Follow-Up
    • Final Three Questions
  • Interview Gathering Tips and Techniques
    • Checkpoints
    • Considerations
    • Recording the Information
    • Workshop: Interviewing

Unit 3: Group Sessions

  • Meetings
    • Why Have Them?
    • Types of Meetings
    • Value of Meetings
    • Objectives
    • Change of Perspective
    • Preparation
    • Participants
    • Issue of Agendas
    • Workshop: Preparing for the Session
    • Setting Expectations—The Introduction
    • Information Gathering
    • Dealing with Participants—Good and Bad
    • Converting Confrontation to Communication
    • Workshop: Identifying and Resolving Meeting Problems
    • Close
    • Follow-Up
  • Facilitation Techniques
    • Meeting Mechanics
    • Maintaining Communication
    • Facilitation Issues
      • Information Gathering Session
      • Confirmation Session
      • Problem Solving Session
    • Workshop: Facilitating the Session
  • Mediation Techniques
    • When to Mediate
    • How to Create Effective Win-Win Resolutions
    • Workshop: Mediating
  • Virtual Information Gathering Sessions
    • Workshop: Virtual Meetings
    • Handling Long-Distance Meetings
    • Getting Everyone Involved
    • Recording and Following Up

Unit 4: The Bottom Line

  • Information Gathering Checklist
  • Ten Essentials of Effective Communication
  • Where to Go for More Information

Please Contact Your ROI Representative to Discuss Course Tailoring!