The collection of information is if a fundamental step of system analysis, as the quality of the information collected determines the effectiveness of the system analysis. For the information collection method to be effective, the information collected needs to be accurate, reliable, and the data should be collected within the shortest time possible. One of the methods that that analysis can collect information they need for the system analysis and save time would be the Joint Application Design (JAD) method. As opposed to some of the traditional data collection methods like the observation, this method helps in reviewing the system requirements at each step of development, hence helping to save time and ensuring continuous effectiveness in the development. The method enables the team to reach a consensus in the requirements of the system much faster, and any necessary change is made at each step in development (Saarinen, 2018). This indicates that the data can be collected in a timely manner; the system requirements are swiftly determined and documented, which helps to speed up the development process. Another method is the use of interviews. The system analyst can conduct interviews on various parties who interact with the system and can be able to collect data in a fast way, helping to save time. In addition, a well-prepared system analyst can help improve the response rate, save time, and uncover rich, deep insight, and learn information that would be crucial for system development. This method can thus collect much information within a short period, saving time (Robey & Farrow, 2012).
References
Robey, D., & Farrow, D., 2012). User involvement in information system development: A conflict model and empirical test. Management Science, 28(1), 73-85.
Saarinen, T. (2018). System development methodology and project success: An assessment of situational approaches. Information & Management, 19(3), 183-193.