Systems analysis: A decision approach

This work presents a meta-theory for deciding which system analysis method should be used in a given circumstance. The decisions are to be based upon three criteria: (a) scope, (b) structure, and (c) nature of the process to be supported by information systems. Four development strategies are based on: (a) end-user development, (b) inquiring systems, (c) decision analysis, and (d) data analysis. The paper summarizes the decision and data analysis methods, and discusses the inquiring systems method in more detail.