Feasibility Study in Software Engineering

The purpose of feasibility study is not to solve the problem, but to determine whether the problem is worth solving. A feasibility study is a short, focused study that aims to answer a number of questions.

1. Does the system contribute to the overall objectives of the organization?
2. Can the system be implemented using current technology and with given coast and schedule constraints?
3. Can the system be integrated with the other systems which are already in place?

The main aim of the feasibility study activity is to determine whether it would be financially and technically feasible to develop the product. The feasibility study activity involves the analysis of the problem and collection of all relevant information relating to the product such as the different data items which would be input to the system, the processing required to be carried out on these data, the output data required to be produced by the system as well as various constraints on the behavior of the system.

Technical Feasibility

This is concerned with specifying equipment and software that will successfully satisfy the user requirement. The technical needs of the system may vary considerably, but might include :

1. The facility to produce outputs in a given time.
2. Response time under certain conditions.
3. Ability to process a certain volume of transaction at a particular speed.
4. Facility to communicate data to distant locations.

In examining technical feasibility, configuration of the system is given more importance than the actual make of hardware. The configuration should give the complete picture about the system’s requirements:

How many workstations are required, how these units are interconnected so that they could operate and communicate smoothly?

What speeds of input and output should be achieved at particular quality of printing.

Economic Feasibility

Economic analysis is the most frequently used technique for evaluating the effectiveness of a proposed system. More commonly known as Cost / Benefit analysis, the procedure is to determine the benefits and savings that are expected from a proposed system and compare them with costs. If benefits outweigh costs, a decision is taken to design and implement the system. Otherwise, further justification or alternative in the proposed system will have to be made if it is to have a chance of being approved. This is an outgoing effort that improves in accuracy at each phase of the system life cycle.

Operational Feasibility

This is mainly related to human organizational and political aspects. The points to be considered are:

1. What changes will be brought with the system?
2. What organizational structures are disturbed?
3. What new skills will be required? Do the existing staff members have these skills? If not, can they be trained in due course of time?

This feasibility study is carried out by a small group of people who are familiar with information system technique and are skilled in system analysis and design process.

Proposed projects are beneficial only if they can be turned into information system that will meet the operating requirements of the organization. This test of feasibility asks if the system will work when it is developed and installed.