HELP! Why are reporting requirements so difficult. The user seems to need to see the report before they can tell me what they need. Does anyone have any comments, suggestions to make this process easier.
In certain circumstances users have difficultly visualizing their needs. I have found that a "Discussion Document" can be very useful in assisting the user in formulating their needs (requirements).
A discussion document is a document that can facilitate discussion about a topic/project that is unclear or complex. I generally take a educated guess at the users needs based on a preliminary understanding of project scope and goals. Once the discussion document has been submitted for review, I will generally follow-up shortly with a meeting or conference call to discuss the document and start gathering requirement for the topic/project.
The discussion document does not necessarily replace a requirements document but it can help facilitate the gathering of the requirements. They can be especially helpful with change requests.
Reporting requirements are never really difficult it is the facilitation of gathering those requirements that is the challenge.
In certain circumstances
In certain circumstances users have difficultly visualizing their needs. I have found that a "Discussion Document" can be very useful in assisting the user in formulating their needs (requirements).
A discussion document is a document that can facilitate discussion about a topic/project that is unclear or complex. I generally take a educated guess at the users needs based on a preliminary understanding of project scope and goals. Once the discussion document has been submitted for review, I will generally follow-up shortly with a meeting or conference call to discuss the document and start gathering requirement for the topic/project.
The discussion document does not necessarily replace a requirements document but it can help facilitate the gathering of the requirements. They can be especially helpful with change requests.
Reporting requirements are never really difficult it is the facilitation of gathering those requirements that is the challenge.
Good Luck,
Ian