The traditional method for gathering information as part of a packaged software implementation was to take an exploratory approach. This method relied on open-ended questions that resulted in generating the maximum amount of information. The project team would analyze this data in order to identify what information would be useful. There are challenges associated with an exploratory approach:
1. Additional effort is required by the project team to review and analyze a larger volume of information in order to determine the relevance to the implementation.
2. Waste of effort in gathering non-value-added information.
3. May create confusion or inappropriate expectations by gathering information pertaining to a business area considered out of scope for the implementation.
An exploratory method of information gathering is useful early in the implementation where the project objectives and scope have not been defined. However, once the project charter has...