Question for Discussion:Identify Req

[Sud]

It was found that there were a large number of hidden requirements to be uncovered in the Collect Requirements phase. Which of the following tools should a project manager use to identify them?

A. Participant observer

B. Questionnaires

C. Surveys

D. Interviewing

Scordo- Discussion: There seem to be two key points in this question: large number and hidden requirement. On what basis should we choose one over the other? Here hidden requirement choosen and A suggested as right answer.

--Sud

[namita]

Here you need to know what all the T&T are

B. Questionnaires - this is helpful when quick turnaround of big audience is required. So focus is to get requirements quickly not to get hidden requirements

C. Surveys - this is helpful when quick turnaround of big audience is required. So focus is to get requirements quickly not to get hidden requirements

D. Interviewing - this is helpful but this is an open forum. where multiple people can be there. Hidden requirements are the ones which people are not willing to share openly. This may help in collecting requirements which are required and can be shared freely but hidden not possible

A. Participant observer - in this technique, we just observe the person in its own comfortable environment where he naturally works. This helps in getting inside of stakeholders and also helps in understanding what they might be looking in the product..what feature in product can ease their life etc

[Sud]

Hi Namita,

Seems to be some disagreement. PMBOK says about Interviews-

"Interviews are also useful for obtaining confidential information"

Observations- "It is particularly helpful for detailed processes when the people that use the product have difficulty or are reluctant to articulate their requirements"

So based on above can't right answer be "Interviews" ?

--Sud

[sunku65]

Correct Answer is A. Participant Observer

[namita]

"Interviews are also useful for obtaining confidential information" - there is a difference between confidential and hidden. Confidential is something SH can share orally but not in writing i.e. can share informally but not formally but hidden is something they are not willing to share at all... it like you need to see how they behave, act, do things to get what they actually want

Observations- "It is particularly helpful for detailed processes when the people that use the product have difficulty or are reluctant to articulate their requirements" - I agree to this.. this is what is participant observer

[Mohammed]

What does "hidden requirements" mean ?

and WHY hidden req. part " participant observer ?

[signor_rk]

While collecting requirements, some SMEs might not be willing to share some data or informations.Thus it becomes a hidden requirements which need to be exploited/collected by way of observation , what/how the SMEs are doing.

[kniraj]

You can also refer to the Pg 116 Section 5.2.2.7 where 'participant observer' and how it helps to get the hidden requirements out is mentioned.