Information Architecture Analysis

Research was conducted using a case study, the method recommended in order to understand phenomena and their contexts in the stages of development. This strategy is generally applied in studies investigating a contemporary phenomenon within its actual social context and in what ways boundaries between the phenomenon and social context are not clearly defined. In addition, a set of systematic and rational activities was used to achieve objectives, evaluating and correcting errors. Data were collected from multiple sources, primarily via in-person semi-structured interviews (the questionnaire applied is presented in Annex I), analysis of information needs, a variety of documents, and comparison with information systems.

The case study was based on the relationship between the following factors: the research question, extent of control of researchers, and time of the phenomena studied. The study was developed based on the relationship between Business Intelligence (BI) technology and the information architecture capable of satisfying information needs for decision making by executives. Research was conducted in three stages. The first phase, Research preparation, was conceptual in nature. This involved defining the theoretical foundation to be used, the theme (information architecture and Business Intelligence), and objective of the study. The definition of the subject was related to the choice of theoretical approaches for the investigation: determining a basic area for the bibliographic review, defining the research problem, and justifying the study.

The second stage was that of Research Planning and included conceptual and practical elements, aimed at establishing conceptual relationships in relation to theoretical aspects and methodology. A schedule was drawn up by analyzing IT literature, information needs, information architecture, and BI and its technological components. A research protocol was compiled, in which variables were grouped into: organizational context, planning of IT resources, human resources, and information needs.

The third phase was denominated Research execution and consisted of reviewing and defining data collection instruments in accordance with the schedule, determining contacts for semi-structured interviews, as well as the interviews themselves and their transcription. An additional task was that of gathering and analyzing secondary data, which were significant in this study as the sources of information required for information architecture. With respect to data analysis, each interview lasted approximately seventy minutes (average duration). Transcribing each interview took on average three and a half hours. Execution was divided into steps, aimed at collecting primary and secondary data to construct the proposed result.

1. Interviews with Business Managers: focusing on obtaining important information regarding how executives perceived the company under study in relation to information technology, information systems, and human resources (people). A total of seven business executives were interviewed, from different areas of the organization. Interviews were numbered and classified, with only some excerpts from the transcriptions presented in this study. During this process, the information needs of executives were also identified, serving as a basis in analyzing whether these were met by the organization's existing information architecture system.
2. Interviews with IT Analysts: these interviews were conducted in order to compare the perception of company IT analysts regarding information technology, information systems, and information needs against those of the executives. A total of six IT analysts were surveyed, who catered to the organization's business departments. Interviews were numbered and classified, with only some excerpts from the transcriptions presented in this study. The IT analysts provided support in analyses of existing secondary data, assisting in the understanding of the data models and systems in operation;
3. Study of the Company Business: important in order to associate business processes with analytical solutions and information needs. In the specific case studied, this step proved to be significant in the analysis of the company context, containing different businesses. Understanding of the business was achieved by studying secondary data, cross-referenced against interviews and with the support of IT analysts (interviewees);
4. Study of Information Architecture Capabilities in Meeting Information Needs: achieved by analyzing the architecture and information from source systems. Source systems are the sources of registered data that were used to construct the organization's information architecture system. Among the data analyzed, the following are found: configuration information, databases, documentation on strategic plans, and system reports, obtained from company management.

The arrangement of secondary data was complex due to the variety of formats, media and sources studied. Those capable of being stored in digital format were separated and duly identified. Documents such as spreadsheets or plans (SBP, ITP, and BSCC), in digital format, were placed into a directory accessible only by researchers, submitted to analysis, and received comments relevant to the study. Analyses were performed based on the text and diagrams of these materials. It is important to note that when researchers encountered difficulties understanding these materials they were assisted by the interviewees and IT analysts, who had extensive knowledge on the subject.