A conceptual model and prototype for a case-based adaptive analyst support system

Few researchers have addressed the question of how information system requirements should be derived. The rapidly changing needs of increasingly complex organizations are pressuring the analyst to rapidly produce information requirements This means the analyst needs the capability to rapidly acquire, organize and analyze organizational facts from which information requirements are derived.

This research concerns the development of an adaptive analyst support system to assist the analyst with the gathering and managing of organizational facts. A check-list for analyst fact gathering activities is suggested. The knowledge needs, conceptual model, and architecture for a case-based adaptive analyst support system are developed and a prototype support system is implemented. This tool provides a means for an analyst to recall facts and information requirements from previously analyzed organizations rapidly and adapt the recalled information to current organizational needs.

The prototype demonstrates the feasibility of a case-based approach to an adaptive support system. The implemented prototype's adaptability is demonstrated by the growth of its case-base with repeated use.

The primary contribution of this research is to provide the MIS community with a new analysis tool concept. The research describes the tools ability to gather, organize store, recall, and adapt organizational facts to a current situation rapidly and efficiently This enhances the analyst's ability to rapidly produce information requirements