Other Issues relevant to a Proposed Solution - FEASIBILITY - client perspective
- How urgent? Existing software fulfils are needs - delay new system devt start?
- Future proofing - new s/w should reflect longer term needs
- Look at existing solutions? Buy vs Build?
- How crucial is new system to organisation
- FEASIBILITY - developer perspective
- Skills appropriate to deliver project
- All resources available to do project?
- Can we support new product in future?
- Training staff
Feasibility study A feasibility study is a short report that analyses potential solutions and makes a recommendation. It does not attempt to find a detailed solution. Feasibility studies are an extension of the preliminary investigation and are divided into different sections
The initial sections of the feasibility study state the nature of the problem and give an overview of the existing system. They identify problems or requirements that are not satisfied in the existing system. The feasibility study outlines any constraints on the development of a new system. It also restates the aims and objectives of the new system more precisely than the requirement report.
So what is a feasibility study? - To answer this question requires an understanding of the word ‘feasibility’.
- Consider making some large purchase – say a new car, a new computer or some new piece of furniture.
- Prior to making such a purchase you ask yourself various questions.
- What kind do I want?
- What features do I want?
- Will it do what I need it to do?
- What will it cost and can I afford it?
- Will it require maintenance and what will that cost?
- And finally should I actually buy it?
In essence you are performing an informal mini-feasibility study. Asking and answering similar questions is the essence of all feasibility studies. The ultimate aim is to determine the feasibility of each possible solution and then recommend the most suitable solution. Remember it is possible, and reasonably common for no feasible solution to be recommended, meaning the existing system will remain.
Most feasibility studies consider the following four areas: - Technical feasibility.
- Is the information technology (hardware and software) available?
- Will the information technology work with existing technologies?
- Do the participants possess the required technical skills?
- Economic feasibility.
- Will the new system be cost effective?
- How long will it take for the cost of the new system to be recovered as a result of increased profits?
- Could the money invested in the new system be more effectively used elsewhere?
- Schedule feasibility.
- Can the solution be completed on time?
- What are the consequences if it is not completed on time?
- Are strict deadlines required and if so how will they be enforced?
- What training is needed, how long will it take and how will existing duties be performed whilst training occurs?
- Operational feasibility.
- Will the system work in practice?
- Are management and employees in favour of the new system?
- Will ongoing support and training be available in the future?
- Will the system operate well with existing systems?
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