Page 175 -

142 Part 2 • InformatIon requIrements analysIs

Figure 5.8
Observable Element Questions an Analyst Might Investigate
Seven concrete observable
elements of STROBE and Who has the corner office? Are the key
examples of questions an analyst Office location decision makers dispersed over separate
may want to ask. floors?

Does the placement of the desk encourage
Desk placement communication? Does the placement
demonstrate power?

Does the decision maker prefer to gather
Stationary equipment and store information personally? Is the
storage area large or small?
Is there evidence that the decision maker
Props uses a PC, smartphone, or tablet computer
in the office?

Does the decision maker get much
External information sources information from external sources such as
trade journals or the Web?

Is the lighting set up to do detailed work or
Office lighting and color more appropriate for casual communication?
Are the colors warm and inviting?
Does the decision maker show authority by
Clothing worn by decision makers wearing conservative suits? Are employees
required to wear uniforms?

Through the use of STROBE, a systems analyst can gain a better understanding of how man-
agers gather, process, store, and use information. A summary of the characteristics exhibited by
decision makers and the corresponding observable elements is shown in Figure 5.9.
Applying STROBE
One way to implement STROBE is through the use of an anecdotal checklist with meaning-
ful shorthand symbols. This approach to STROBE was useful in ascertaining the information
requirements for four key decision makers in a franchise clothing store.
In Figure 5.10, the system analysts used five shorthand symbols to evaluate how observation
of the STROBE elements compared with the organizational narrative generated through inter-
views. The five symbols are as follows:

Figure 5.9
Corresponding Elements
A summary of decision-maker Characteristics of Decision Makers in the Physical Environment
characteristics that correspond
to observable elements in the Gathers information informally Warm, incandescent lighting and colors
physical environment.
Seeks extraorganizational information Trade journals present in office
Processes data personally PCs, or tablet computers present in office

Stores information personally Equipment/files present in office
Exercises power in decision making Desk placed for power

Exhibits credibility in decision making Wears authoritative clothing
Shares information with others Office easily accessible