PARTICIPATORY SYSTEMS ANALYSIS Development In Business Simulation & Experiential Exercises, Volume 21, 1994 166 PARTICIPATORY SYSTEMS ANALYSIS Frank G. Duserick, Ernest L. Enke, and Amy Rummel, Alfred University Randall Rummel, Pacific Mountain Farms ABSTRACT For analysts in the discipline of Management Information Systems intent on increasing the level of understanding by users of critical information system concepts, utilization of the traditional structured systems analysis approech is the norm. A preliminary investigation followed by a feasibility analysis, identification of alternative solutions and general systems design are the normal activities that take place. Frequent interactions by analysts with the end-user and/or system requestor take place primarily on a scheduled basis with the analysts’ presenting their findings and recommendations. Interviews, documentation, observation and questionnaires are the primary vehicles for data collection by the analyst. However, analysts and their clients are often In an adversarial relationship because of the mystery of technology, because of the feeling that the analyst does not really understand the issues the end-user is facing or because the client does not know what he/she wants want he/she knows they want something better. This paper presents a research framework to compare traditional and participatory approaches to systems analysis using a process oriented analytical procedure. INTRODUCTION For the purpose of this study, systems analysis is a mental process--a way of thinking about a problem, analyzing its components and structuring a solution. It is a systematic approach to the analysis of informetion processing needs. It does not include the design and development of computer based solutions to these problems. It is the “study of a specific domain of interacting objects for the purpose of understanding and documenting their essential characteristics” (Embley 1992). The focus of this research is on the analysis phase of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC). The critical outcome of the analysis phase is for the analyst to have a clear understanding of user requirements so that proper focus is directed at subsequent life cycle activities. In the 1970’s, Teichroew (1977) and Ross (1977) developed structured techniques for performing analysis of information systems. DeMarco (1979) and Cane and Sarson (1979) formalized the structured analysis process, concepts and techniques in their books. In the early 1980’s, detailed development methods (Jackson 1983; Orr 1982; Warnier 1981) that focused on data structure and that utilized process analysis activities became (and still are) dominant as methods to investigate and express findings in the analysis phase of the Systems Development Ufe Cycle (SDLC). This study will utilize the process approach presented by DeMarco (1979). RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The purpose of this research is to compare user performance between the participatory and traditional approaches to the functional decomposition of existing systems in the Systems Development Life Cycle. The research model for the study utilizes method (traditional or participatory), task and human as the control or independent variables to measure performance. The independent variable (model) is the presentation methodology (traditional or participatoryl utilized to provide the research subjects a basis for developing or modifying an information system to meet managerial and user requirements. The main performance variable, modeling correctness, is the degree to which a particular analytical approach provides the correct solution not only in terms of semantic richness, but also in terms of solutionrepresentation. Semantic richness or understandability is considered as more important than solution representation. Research Hypotheses The focus of this proposed research can be broadly stated as follows: “The use of participatory approach will provide better results than traditional methods when conducting an analysis of an existing system.” This above statement implies a comparative analysis of products generated by the two methodologies. The Experiment A laboratory study was utilized to address the research question in order to control internal validity (Stone 1978), definition and manipulation of independent variables (Fronkin 1976), extraneous variables (McGrath 1979) and resistance to innovation (Zaltman 1973). The traditional class-oriented test sublects were presented with a similar project to address but with few formal lectures and one examination. However, the participatory oriented classes had their client available for at least seventy five percent (70%) of class contact hours. In addition, the client was available on an as needed basis. Moreover, the client was willing to develop e fundamental working knowledge of DeMarco’s process oriented systems analysis technique as the course progressed. The syllabi in both groups was the same as they relate to assigned readings and required texts. Preliminary Findings The traditional instructional portion of this research was completed in December 1989 and December 1990. The participatory component was completed in December 1991 and December 1992. An elective systems analysis class was utilized for the experiment. A Mann-Whitney test was conducted to compare the two populations for each of the hypotheses. Preliminary analysis indicates that the null hypotheses that the two populations are identical cannot not rejected for the primary hypotheses. While no discernable difference was detected in objective measurements, subjective analysis of student (group and individual) performance by the instructor indicates a higher level of personal satisfaction that students will more clearly remember the analytical techniques because they worked in a participatory client-analyst relationship where the student’s performance was consistently being measured by an outsider. The client and the instructor collaborated on assigning final grades to groups and to individuals. Moreover, client satisfaction appeared to be appreciably higher with the participatory groups’ performance than with the traditional analytical approach that had infrequent client-analyst contact. CONTRIBUTIONS The premise for this research was based upon the growing interest in participatory approaches with limited empirical evidence that it is a more viable approach than the traditional structured methodology for systems analysis. The objectives of this research were to develop a model for comparing participatory and traditional methodologies for systems analysis, to utilize the model to test performance of the subjects and to identify and apply appropriate measures for assessing performance. The primary contribution of this research effort is the development of a framework to compare the efficacy of utilizing a participatory pedagogical approach for systems analysis. Table of Contents Volume 21, 1994 ABSEL: The Way We Were and Need to Be The Intellectual Structure of ABSEL: A Bibliometeic Study of Author Cocitatons Over Time Activity-Driven Time in Computerized Gaming Simulations An Assessment Framework for Determing the Effectiveness of Total Enterprise Simulations Attributes of Learning Organizations: Simulating the Relationships Business Policy/Strategy Case Extension using Pro-Forma Planning: A Computer Based Model Complexity: Is it really that Simple? A Random-Strategy Criterion for Validity of Simulation Game Participation Enhancing a Computer Simulation with a Structured Reporting Environment Experiencing a Foreign Culture: A Cross-Cultural Simulation Group Cognitive Style and Computerphobia in Functional Business Simulations Human Issues in Technology Implementation Management Simulator Incorporating Advertising Strategy into Computer-Based Business Simulations: A Validation Study Increasing the Effectiveness of Performance Evaluation Through the Design and Development of Realistic Finance Algorithms The Packer-Feeder Game: A Commodity Market Simulator Relationships Between R&D and Profitability: An Exploratory Comparison of Two Business Simulations with Two Real-World, Technology Intensive Industries Simulation of the Predictive Value of Mammography Simulation Performance and Learning Revisited Strange Bedfellows: Competency Models and ACBSP Accreditation Standards Using a Business Simulation to Study the Determinants of Ethical Behavior What Simulation Users Think Players Should be Learning from the Simulations ADA and its Implications for Experiential Training Boss/ Subordinate Perceptions of Instrumental and Supportive Leadership Behaviors in Relation to Myers-Briggs Thinking Type Cluster Analyses of American Universities' Business Core Curricula Structures Utilized to Satisfy Fifteen Curriculum Areas Cooperative Learning or Learning to Cooperate Experiential Learning: Constraining Students with Time Budgets How Different Workplace Experiences Affect Different Worker Values Implications of the Trend Toward Relationship Marketing for Experiential Learning The Increasing Cultural Diversity of the American Workforce: Management's Challenge of the 21st Century Information and Uncertainty as Strange Bedfellows: A Model and Experiential Exercises Leadership as a Medium: It's Emergence and Effect on Performance in Small Leaderless Groups Speed, Depth, and Breadth: Assessing Learning in Learning Organizations Teaching Strategic Planning, Problem Solving, and Decision Making with Envisionary Experiential Exercises Validating an Instrument for Student Evaluation of Teachers: Some Noteworthy By-Products Don't Teach Ethics to Business Students Emotional Reactions Toward a Simulated Layoff: Before and After the Manipulation Enhancing Communication Using a Presentation Package Implementing Marketing Policies through a Business Management Simulation Integrating Action-Based Learning into Executive Development Programs On the validity of using the Microsegmentation Principle in Media Simulationsm Participatory Systems Analysis Some Relationships between Cultural, Organizational, and Educational Experience and Perceptions of Influence The Use of Decision Support Systems with a Marketing Simulation: The Future is Now Astute Business Policy: A Simulation of the Automobile Industry The Business Policy Game CEO II: A Gaming Simulation for Assessment Computer Paced Project Management Simulation Computerized Tutor Support Systems DEAL & GEO: Progressively Integrating Gaming Simulations for Entrepreneurship and International Business An Interactive Simulation Game for Competitive Decision-Making International Operations Simulation/Mark 2000 (INTOPIA) Multimedia Simulation Cuts Training Costs for Anderson Consulting Concepts of Total Quality Management: An Active Learning Exercise Cooperative Learning: The Extended Jigsaw Managing Diversity--Values and Attitudes: An Experiential Exercise in Awareness Navigating the Shoals of International Management Development Evaluating Student Performance in the Use of Computer Simulation Entrepreneurial Simulation Program