Mr X, head of the accounting department, conducted a meeting with a system professional, Miss Tiffany, to develop a new accounting information system. During this meeting, Miss Tiffany suggested that the best way to start is first to examine the old system, such as reviewing key documents and observing the workers perform their tasks. Then, it can be determined which aspects are working well and which should be preserved. Mr X disagrees with this suggestion. He argues that they have been through these types of projects before and what always ends up happening is that they do not get the new system they are promised; instead they get a modified version of the old system. Miss Tiffany assures him that it will not happen this time. Tiffany is of the view that she just wants a thorough understanding of what is working well and what is not. However, Mr X does not agree with this opinion. His stance is as follows: “I would feel more comfortable if we first started with a list of our requirements. We should spend some time up-front determining exactly what we want the system to do for my department. Then your systems people can come in and determine what portions to salvage if you wish. Just do not constrain us to the old system!” The above discussion reveals that these two executives have different views on how the systems analysis phase should be conducted. Required: comment on whose position you sympathise with the most. What method would you propose they take and why?
Mr X, head of the accounting department, conducted a meeting with a system professional, Miss Tiffany, to develop a new
Mr X disagrees with this suggestion. He argues that they have been through these types of projects before and what always ends up happening is that they do not get the new system they are promised; instead they get a modified version of the old system.
Miss Tiffany assures him that it will not happen this time. Tiffany is of the view that she just wants a thorough understanding of what is working well and what is not.
However, Mr X does not agree with this opinion. His stance is as follows:
“I would feel more comfortable if we first started with a list of our requirements. We should spend some time up-front determining exactly what we want the system to do for my department. Then your systems people can come in and determine what portions to salvage if you wish. Just do not constrain us to the old system!”
The above discussion reveals that these two executives have different views on how the systems analysis phase should be conducted.
Required:
comment on whose position you sympathise with the most. What method would you propose they take and why?
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