As part of your systems analysis project to update the automated accounting functions for Xanadu Corporation, a maker of digital cameras, you will interview Leo Blum, the chief accountant. Write four to six interview objectives covering his use of information sources, information formats, decision-making frequency, desired qualities of information, and decision-making style.

a. In a paragraph, write down how you will approach Leo to set up an interview.
b. State which structure you will choose for this interview. Why?
c. Leo has four subordinates who also use the system. Would you interview them also? Why or why not?
d. Write three open-ended questions that you will email to Leo prior to your interview. Write a sentence explaining why it is preferable to conduct an interview in person rather than via email.

Objectives:

More efficient information retrieval system
Standardized inputs and outputs
Efficient decision making with decision support
Reliability and speed of information
Flexibility to accommodate decision style

a. To set up an interview, call ahead to allow for Leo to think about the interview. Arrange a time for the interview at his convenience. Inform him of the objectives of the interview and give him a general idea of what to expect. Reconfirm place and time of the interview on the day before the interview.

b. The diamond-shaped structure is a good structure for this interview. It combines the strengths of pyramid and funnel structures; it entails beginning the interview in a very specific way, then examining the objectives, and finally coming to a very specific conclusion about each objective.

c. All four subordinates will also be used. Users at all levels of management are equally important to the success of system development. Generally, only a representation of lower-level management users is interviewed. Because there are only four in this case, they should all participate to make the understanding of information requirements as complete as possible. Depending on each of the four subordinates’ responsibilities in the department, each user may only use specific automated accounting functions. Some users may use specific functions more than others do. This could help capture more detailed information.
d. It might be hard to do interviews with customers that are visitors to the website because they may be located all over the world. It might be possible to find the customers that live in the local area and interview them. A better way would be to do an email questionnaire or set up a forum for customers to post their comments. These methods would allow customers to freely express their opinions (although there is a risk to setting up a forum that the public may be able to view posts that might not be favorable).

The questions will vary from student to student. Some suggestions are:

What kind of information would you like to receive to help you make decisions?
What are some of the problems with the information you are currently receiving?
How can we improve the quality of the information you are receiving?

It is preferable to conduct an interview in person rather than an email interview because the answers provided by the interviewee may lead to additional probing questions that were not initially on the interview plan. An interview in person is much more dynamic than an email interview.