Which activity is part of the needs analysis for a new HRIS?

• A. Organizing focus group meetings with diverse groups of internal stakeholders
• B. Developing a data flow diagram
• C. Purchasing a COTS HRIS
• D. Conducting a training session for HR staff

Answer: (A)

Organizing focus groups with diverse internal stakeholders is a crucial activity in the needs analysis for an HRIS. The goal of needs analysis is to uncover what the system must do, what data it should manage, and how different users will interact with it. Engaging a variety of voices—HR staff, payroll, IT, managers, and employees—helps surface a wide range of requirements, workflows, reporting needs, and security concerns that might be missed if you only spoke with a single group. This early, broad input sets the foundation for designing an HRIS that truly supports all users and aligns with organizational goals.

The other options fit later stages. A data flow diagram is a modeling tool used to map how information moves through processes, typically part of design and process modeling after requirements are identified. Purchasing a COTS HRIS is a procurement step that happens once needs are understood and options are evaluated. Conducting a training session for HR staff occurs during implementation and change management, not during the needs-analysis phase.