Using cognitive mapping to achieve shared understanding in information requirements determination

This paper discusses some of the major issues in information requirements determination, and argues that failure to remedy or attend to these issues may ultimately contribute to failures in information systems development projects. A key to improving the practice of information requirements determination is suggested to be in ensuring that a shared understanding between analyst(s) and key participants. Yet this concept of shared understanding is itself shown to be problematic. An action research study which demonstrated the helpfulness of cognitive mapping in achieving shared understanding is described and discussed.