Which Systems Analysts Are More Likely to Prototype

Prototyping has become a valuable tool for systems development because it accelerates the development process, helps define system requirements, and encourages end-user involvement. Because prototyping is a valuable tool, a study of the training environment and characteristics of systems analysts more likely to use the tool can help IS managers formulate policies to encourage its use. This article examines a nationwide survey of 104 systems analysts in education, government, and for-profit organizations and is designed to elicit information concerning the personal characteristics and training backgrounds of systems developers who choose the prototyping technique. The study also analyzes organizational environments in which prototyping is used.