What feasibility? Discuss in detail the tests a systems analyst uses to evaluate feasibility. Feasibility study is an analysis undertaken to determine whether or not a systems request is worthy of further consideration. The feasibility study helps to “frame” and “flesh-out” the systems specifically so they can be studied in-depth. The general objective of the feasibility study is to answer overall questions concerning technical, operational, economic and schedule feasibility. Technical feasibility

Technical feasibility involves determining whether a proposed information system is possible given the current state of technology. This can be quantified in terms of volumes of data, trends, and frequency of updating, in order to estimate whether the new system will perform adequately or not. Technological feasibility is carried out to determine whether the company has the capability, in terms of software, hardware, personnel and expertise, and to handle the completion of the project.

Also, it must assess the ability of the proposed system to interface with the systems used by the organization’s customers and suppliers. Operational Feasibility Operational feasibility is a function of human resources. Also, it is a measure of how well a proposed system solves the problems. Operational feasibility covers two aspects. One is technical performance and the other is acceptance within the organization. Technical performance means determining whether the information system can provide the right information at the right place and time.

Operational feasibility includes complete acceptance of the new system by system users. Operational feasibility should answer question whether the organization has the ability and willingness to provide training for users as and when necessary. Operational feasibility also entails the new information system getting full support from the management. Economic Feasibility Economic analysis is the most frequently used method for evaluating the effectiveness of a new system.

It is more commonly known as cost/benefit analysis, the procedure is to determine the benefits and savings that are expected from a system and compare them with costs. If benefits outweigh costs, then the decision is made to design and implement the system. Some useful questions that may help the information systems steering committee make decisions on feasibility study are: • Will the changes in the existing system reduce costs? • Is the new system absolutely necessary? Schedule Feasibility

In addition to the three major feasibility studies, an organization often considers another factor in example the schedule feasibility. Schedule feasibility is question if there is a specific time deadline and if so, can the system be operational before that deadline. A project will fail if it takes too long to be completed before it is useful. Typically this means estimating how long the system will take to develop, and if it can be completed in a given time period using some methods like payback period. Schedule feasibility is a measure of how reasonable the project timetable is.