A feasibility study investigates the practicality of the proposed solution, it asks the question "is it suitable?", the difference between feasibility & ability is that of possible versus suitable.
A feasibility study examines.
• Financial feasibility.
• Technical feasibility.
• Scheduled feasibility.
• Operational feasibility.
Choosing a solution.
For a proposed solution the feasibility study will recommend wether or not it is suitable. If two or more different proposals are considered feasible, then a choice has to be made. Normally the users (usually management) will decide which solution fits best their needs.
Reasons given for choosing one alternate over others may include difference in:.
• Costs - if all other things are equal , then it will be hard to justify choosing a more expensive alternative.
• Implementation - getting a system operational quickly can be important , but not if it affects other outcomes. What is the advantage of a system that can be installed and operating in a few weeks if it will take several months to train the staff to use it.
• Staff Expertise - a system that can use existing staff resources may be preferable, both socially & financially, to one that will require the use of outside experts.
• Flexibility & Future Expansion - all systems have a limited useful life. A solution that can extend its life by meeting changing needs and future expansion demands will save considerable time and money in the future.
•Complexity A simpler solution that meets all the requirements is often a better solution.
The final decision will often depend on negotiations and discussed involving several of these points:.
Once a decision has been made, a functional specification is usually prepared. Table 1.3 summarises a typical specification for a company that is about to introduce an e-commerce (Internet trading) system for customer orders and product information.