Final answer:
To address data gathered based on wishes rather than requirements, compare department inputs to ensure realism, analyze and adjust, or form a committee for internal review before involving executive management if necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you encounter a situation where the client's staff appears to have identified needs based more on wishes than on actual requirements during the process of gathering data, the most effective course of action would be to analyze the gathered data using a systematic approach. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the needs are realistic and based on a factual understanding of the organization's requirements rather than desires. To do this, consider comparing input from various departments to cross-verify the relevance and feasibility of the demands. If discrepancies are noted, you should then analyze the data, form conclusions, and then adjust the requirements accordingly.
Another effective step would be to form a committee comprising members from the concerned departments. This group can serve as a focal point to review and adjust the data collected, ensuring that multiple perspectives are considered and that the final requirements are consensual and grounded in the actual needs of the organization. In some cases, it may be necessary to involve executive management to provide oversight and final decision-making but engaging with them should be well-informed by the prior analysis and internal reviews.