JAD Participants and Roles
A JAD team usually meets over a period of days or weeks in a special conference room
or at an off-site location. Either way, JAD participants should be insulated from the distraction of day-to-day operations. The objective is to analyze the existing system, obtain
user input and expectations, and document user requirements for the new system.
The JAD group usually has a project leader, who needs strong interpersonal and
organizational skills, and one or more members who document and record the results
and decisions. Figure 4-3 describes typical JAD participants and their roles. IT staff
members often serve as JAD project leaders, but that is not always the case. Systems
analysts on the JAD team participate in discussions, ask questions, take notes, and provide support to the team. If CASE tools are available, analysts can develop models and
enter documentation from the JAD session directly into the CASE tool.
A typical JAD session agenda is shown in Figure 4-4. The JAD process involves
intensive effort by all team members. Because of the wide range of input and constant
interaction among the participants, many companies believe that a JAD group produces
the best possible definition of the new system.