¤ Perform problem analysis
~ Break the problem down into its root causes
Very often, the problem as perceived by the user and as reported to the analyst is merely a symptom of one or more fundamental problems. It may be necessary to break these perceived problems down through several levels of decomposition to arrive at the root cause or causes. This involves researching the area of the problem by:
* Reviewing available documentation and statistics
* Conducting short fact-finding interviews with associated management and staff
~ Determine the impact of the problem
How is the performance of dependent procedures affected? Estimate the cost to the organization of any adverse effect. Check your assumptions with the management of the affected area.
~ Use cause/effect diagrams
Use cause/effect diagrams to help you find the root causes and eventual effects.
¤ Prepare current systems problem analysis report
To prepare the current systems problem analysis report follow the steps below:
~ Classify the problem
Classify the problem as one of the following:
* Information Problem: This should relate to the usefulness of the information provided by existing systems.
* System Problem: This should relate to the speed, accuracy, completeness or timeliness of work performed by current systems.
* Technical Problem: This should relate to inadequate technical facilities that serve the system.
* Organizational Problem: This should be an organization weakness within the enterprise that directly affects the business area being studied.
~ Organize the problem analysis report
Organize the problem analysis report according to the classifications given to the problems.
Prioritize the problems by order of significance of the estimated cost to the organization. However, lower-estimated cost items should be given high priority if a worsening situation is causing urgency.
Record identified solutions.
~ Review the problem analysis
Review the problem analysis with business managers responsible for overseeing the BAA project. This is a good time to elicit management's views on alternative solutions to the problems. Take care to record acceptable solutions in detail, together with the name of the manager proposing the solution.
» Creates deliverable D3.8.2 Problem Report
» Creates deliverable D3.8.7 Problem Analysis Report
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Activity Overview : A3.12
Stage Overview : Analysis Stage
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