What five questions are typically used in fact-finding? What additional question does the Zachman Framework include? Is this extra question important?
Computers and Technology · College · Thu Feb 04 2021
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When conducting fact-finding in various fields such as business analysis, system development, or research, five typical questions are often used. These are:
1. Who - This question is about the people involved in the process or situation. It identifies the stakeholders, users, customers, or anyone who affects or is affected by the subject under investigation.
2. What - This question aims to determine the facts, data, or items of interest. It asks about the nature of the issue, the elements involved, and any specific information that is relevant to the subject.
3. Where - This queries the location or environment of the subject. It helps to establish the physical or virtual context in which the processes or events take place.
4. When - The focus here is on time. This might include the timeline, schedule, frequency, or any temporal aspects related to the matter at hand.
5. Why - Investigating the reasons or motivations behind a subject provides insight into underlying causes and justifications. It aims to uncover the rationale or objectives behind the current state or proposed changes.
The Zachman Framework, a schema for organizing architectural artifacts, includes an additional question:
6. How - This question examines the methods and means by which the 'What' is achieved. In the context of the Zachman Framework, it seeks to understand the processes, tools, and techniques used to accomplish the tasks or functions.
Is this extra question important?
Yes, the "How" question is extremely important as it reveals the mechanisms and methodologies used in a process. Understanding how things are done is crucial for developing an effective analysis for improvement, for system design, and for ensuring that operations are efficient and effective. In the Zachman Framework, this is particularly important as it relates to the actual implementation and realization of the architectural vision.