approaches to identify problems with existing systems, including:

interviewing/surveying users of the information system

analysing the existing system by determining:

how it works

what it does

who uses it

requirements reports

A requirements report is a document produced in the early stages of a project which seeks to clarify the purpose of the system. Usually, the purpose is detailed in terms of what the users/ participants' needs are. The data inputs should be clearly identified, information processes performed on the data must be documented, and the information outputs from the systems need to be detailed. The requirements report provides documentary evidence of the scope of the project.

Requirements reports should:

• detail the time frame

• detail the sub-projects and the time frame for them

• identify participants

• identify relevant information technology

• identify data/information

• identify the needs of users

requirements prototype

a working model of an information system, built in order to understand the requirements of the system

used when the problem is not easily understood

repetitive process of prototype modification and participants’ feedback until the problem is understood

can be the basis for further system development