1. Feasibility Study Nizar R. Mabroukeh nizar@ccse.kfupm.edu.sa

2. Nizar Mabroukeh, 20002 What is “Feasibility Study” ? Something that is feasible is something that can be accomplished.Something that is feasible is something that can be accomplished. Such a study is undertaken to determine the possibility or probability of either improving the existing system or developing a totally new one.Such a study is undertaken to determine the possibility or probability of either improving the existing system or developing a totally new one. A solution (system) is feasible if it is possible within the given context and is competitive with other potential solutions.A solution (system) is feasible if it is possible within the given context and is competitive with other potential solutions.

3. Nizar Mabroukeh, 20003 Why Conduct a Feasibility Study? Feasibility study enables the firm to avoid five common mistakes often made in project work:Feasibility study enables the firm to avoid five common mistakes often made in project work: 1.Lack of top management support. 2.Failure to clearly specify problems and objectives. 3.Overomptimism. 4.Estimation Errors. 5.The Hardware Approach

4. Nizar Mabroukeh, 20004 Main Objectives of Feasibility Study Identify true problem.Identify true problem. Identify feasible approach to solve itIdentify feasible approach to solve it In defining the problem you must determine the subject, scope and objectives of the study.

5. Nizar Mabroukeh, 20005 Subject: The problem that you hope to solve.Subject: The problem that you hope to solve. Scope: Range. Here you decide what will be included and excluded from the study.Scope: Range. Here you decide what will be included and excluded from the study.

6. Nizar Mabroukeh, 20006 Objective Clear statement of what you want to accomplish.Clear statement of what you want to accomplish. You should specify:You should specify: –Who is responsible for achieving the goal. –How it will be achieved. –What conditions may prevent success –Who will monitor the successful achievement of this objective

7. Nizar Mabroukeh, 20007 How to conduct Feasibility Study 1.Interview key personnel to get facts about the problems they are having or the changes and improvements they would like to see. 2.Study any written procedures relative of the subject of the study before interviewing clerical employees. 3.Try to learn the informal (unwritten) procedures while interviewing and observing work flow. 4.Not only must the problem be defined, but its source must be determined.

8. Nizar Mabroukeh, 20008 How to conduct Feasibility Study 5.Meet again with the involved line managers and go over the findings and conclusions. Rule #1: Do not spring surprises on line managers. Rule #1: Do not spring surprises on line managers. Rule #2: Never forget rule #1 6.With management’s concurrence, finish the study by analyzing and estimating the costs of performing a full system study, the time and manpower as well.

9. Nizar Mabroukeh, 20009 Feasibility Study Written Report 1.Define the problem in a way that clearly demonstrates your understanding of the problem. 2.Clearly describe the subject and scope. 3.State the objectives and whether you were met or not. 4.Point out special attention areas, like unusual situations or interrelations between problems. 5.Describe the entire system or study in details.

10. Nizar Mabroukeh, 200010 Feasibility Study Written Report 6.List all the economic cost comparisons and benefits. 7.State recommendations clearly and explain the logic behind each. 8.Provide a suggested time table for implementation of recommendations. 9.Include an appendix that shows any flowcharts, Data Flow Diagrams, graphs, pictures, floor plans or layouts not used elsewhere in the report.

11. Nizar Mabroukeh, 200011 After you write the report Finally, if management accepts your recommendations, the next task is:Finally, if management accepts your recommendations, the next task is: –Drop the project, if it was not feasible, –or implement the final solutions, if it is a simple fix, –or embark on a complete system study. Document your feasibility study well, because someone else may be assigned to the full system study.