What is the main purpose of an interview in the preliminary investigation?

In the context of a preliminary investigation, the main purpose of an interview is to gather information from stakeholders, which includes understanding their needs, concerns, and the context of the system being analyzed. While one might consider the justification of a project as relevant, the primary aim is to collect a comprehensive set of data that informs the analysis process.

Interviews are conducted to establish the requirements and expectations of the stakeholders, identify existing issues, and understand the dynamics of the current systems in place. This foundational step is critical for understanding what the stakeholders perceive as justified within the project parameters, but it does not explicitly focus on convincing them. Instead, it emphasizes understanding their perspectives, which ultimately influences the justification of the project through informed decision-making.

As interviews reveal various concerns and insights from stakeholders, they contribute significantly to outlining potential problems that may need to be addressed in the project's scope. However, the focus of an interview is not limited to problem identification, employee satisfaction measurement, or affirming a project’s justification; it is a broader data-gathering exercise essential for a successful preliminary investigation.