Feasibility

Definition

Feasibility refers to the practicality and viability of a proposed plan or project, assessing whether it can be successfully implemented within given constraints such as time, resources, and stakeholder support. It connects to various aspects, including evaluating the interests of stakeholders, aligning objectives with organizational capabilities, and determining if specific goals can realistically be achieved.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feasibility studies help in identifying potential risks and challenges before committing resources to a project.
2. There are different types of feasibility, including technical, economic, legal, operational, and scheduling feasibility.
3. A feasibility study should involve input from key stakeholders to ensure that all perspectives are considered in the evaluation.
4. Determining feasibility can help prioritize projects that align best with organizational objectives and available resources.
5. A lack of feasibility can lead to project failure, wasted resources, and negative impacts on stakeholder trust.

Review Questions

• How does conducting a feasibility study contribute to effective stakeholder management?
  • Conducting a feasibility study is essential for effective stakeholder management as it involves gathering input from key stakeholders about their interests and concerns regarding the proposed project. By understanding the needs and expectations of these parties, organizations can tailor their plans to address potential issues early on. This not only helps build trust and collaboration but also ensures that the project's objectives align with stakeholder priorities, increasing the likelihood of support and successful implementation.
• What are the key components that must be evaluated in a feasibility study to ensure a project's success?
  • A comprehensive feasibility study must evaluate several key components including technical feasibility, which assesses whether the technology required for the project is available; economic feasibility, which analyzes cost-effectiveness and financial implications; operational feasibility, which looks at how well the project fits within existing organizational structures; legal feasibility, ensuring compliance with regulations; and scheduling feasibility, which considers time constraints. By thoroughly examining these aspects, organizations can make informed decisions about proceeding with the project.
• Evaluate the potential consequences of neglecting a feasibility analysis before launching a major initiative.
  • Neglecting a feasibility analysis before launching a major initiative can lead to numerous negative consequences including project failure due to unrealistic goals or unaddressed risks. Without understanding stakeholder perspectives, organizations may face resistance or lack of support from those impacted by the project. Additionally, financial resources might be wasted on initiatives that are not viable or aligned with organizational objectives. Ultimately, overlooking feasibility can damage reputations, erode stakeholder trust, and create long-term setbacks for future projects.

Related terms

Stakeholder Analysis:

The process of identifying and assessing the influence and interest of stakeholders involved in or affected by a project.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: A financial assessment that compares the expected costs of a project against its potential benefits to determine overall feasibility.

Project Scope:

The boundaries and deliverables of a project, detailing what is included and excluded in order to evaluate feasibility.