Activity 4.2:GatheringInformation
In this activity you will use the concepts and skills learned in Modules 2–4 to
summarize the information in the Ferguson and Bardell, Inc. case study.
In this activity, you will develop a strategy to gather information on the
business challenge and vision statement. You will also summarize the
information available in the case study. Finally, you will have an opportunity to
interview a long-term employee of Ferguson and Bardell, Inc.
Objectives
After completing this activity, you will be able to:
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Develop a strategy for gathering information.
Before You Begin
This activity consists of small group tasks and class discussion.
Materials
To complete this activity, you will need:
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The Ferguson and Bardell, Inc. case study in Appendix 1.
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Flip-chart paper and markers.
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Results from Activities 2.3, 3.3, and 4.1.
Time to complete this activity: 35 minutes followed by a 15-minute class
discussion
24 Activity4.2:GatheringInformation
Exercise 1: Developing a Strategy
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Develop an information-gathering strategy (10 minutes)
1. Work in small groups as assigned by the instructor.
2. Review the case study, as well as the business challenge and vision
statement that the class agreed on in Activity 2.3.
3. Develop a written information-gathering strategy that is specific to Ferguson
and Bardell, Inc.
What do you need to collect? What techniques will you use to collect it?
How will you record the information you collect? How will you address
business and user perspectives? What time frame will you use to collect the
information? Look at the results of Activities 3.3 and 4.1 for ideas for some
of these questions.
4. Develop a plan as if it was a proposal that you need to present to the project
stakeholders. What would be the best method to present the plan to the
stakeholders? Write your plan in the space provided.
5. Summarize your plan on a flip chart. Provide enough detail to allow other
groups to implement your process.
Activity4.2:GatheringInformation 25
Use this page to write down your process for gathering information.
26 Activity4.2:GatheringInformation
Exercise 2: Summarizing Information
In this activity, you will summarize the information that you have obtained
from the Ferguson and Bardell, Inc. case study.
After reviewing your summary, you will develop three questions that you want
to ask a long-term employee of Ferguson and Bardell, Inc. The instructor will
portray the long-term employee. Each group will have an opportunity to ask the
employee questions.
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Summarize information for the case study (25 minutes)
1. Use the space provided on the following page to summarize the information
that the group determines is pertinent to the business challenge and vision
statement.
2. Determine what additional information you might need that is not present in
the case study.
3. Develop three questions for the Ferguson and Bardell, Inc. employee.
4. After 15 minutes, the instructor will ask each group to ask one of their
questions.
5. Add the results of the interview to the information that you have already
summarized on the following page.
Finally, identify a spokesperson to present the group’s results to the class. Be
ready to explain how you determined what was the most pertinent information.
Activity4.2:GatheringInformation 27
Category (business,
application, information,
technology)
Perspective Summary information
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
.
Activity 4. 2: Gathering Information 25
Use this page to write down your process for gathering information.
26 Activity 4. 2: Gathering Information. Activities 2.3, 3.3, and 4. 1.
Time to complete this activity: 35 minutes followed by a 15-minute class
discussion
24 Activity 4. 2: Gathering Information