4. Feasibility is the measure of how beneficial or practical
the development of an information system will be to an
organization.
Feasibility analysis is the process by which feasibility is
measured.
Feasibility should be measured throughout the life cycle.
The scope and complexity of an apparently feasible project can
change after the initial problems and opportunities are fully
analyzed or after the system has been designed.
Thus, a project that is feasible at one point in time may become
infeasible at a later point in time.
5. Feasibility Assessment
Why feasibility assessment?
Information systems are major investments
IS projects are subject to the same cost justifications as any other
capital investments
Business value paradox
Avoid "black hole" projects
6. 1 2
Survey Study
3
Definition
End-users
4
Configuration
9 5 6
Support Design Procurement
8 7
Delivery Construction
Vendors
7. Feasibility Analysis
Feasibility Checkpoints During Analysis
Systems Analysis -Survey Phase
``Do the problems (or opportunities) warrant the cost of a detailed study of the
current system?''
Systems Analysis - Study/Definition Phase
Better estimates of development costs and the benefits to be obtained from a
new system.
Requirements often prove to be more extensive that originally stated.
If feasibility is in question, scope, schedule, and costs must be rejustified.
Systems Analysis - Selection Phase
A major feasibility analysis evaluating options for the target systems design.
Typical options that are evaluated include
• Do nothing! Leave the current system alone.
• Reengineer the (manual) business processes, not the computer-based
processes.
• Enhance existing computer processes.
• Purchase a packaged application.
8. Four Tests for Feasibility
Operational feasibility is a measure of how well a specific solution will work in the
organization. It is also a measure of how people feel about the system/project.
Does management support the system?
How do the end-users feel about their role in the new system?
What end-users or managers may resist or not use the system? Can this
problem be overcome? If so, how?
Usability analysis
• Ease of use, Ease of learning, User satisfaction
Technical feasibility is a measure of the practicality of a specific technical solution and
the availability of technical resources and expertise.
Is the proposed technology or solution practical? Is the technology mature?
Do we currently possess the necessary technology?
Do we possess the necessary technical expertise, and is the schedule
reasonable?
Schedule feasibility is a measure of how reasonable the project timetable is.
Economic feasibility is a measure of the cost-effectiveness of a project or solution. This
is often called a cost-benefit analysis.
9. System Costs
Costs
Development cost
Consulting fees
Hardware/ software
Conversion/ installation
Training/ Documentation
Operation/ Production costs
Personnel costs
System usage/ maintenance cost
System upgrades
Supplies
12. Constructive Cost Model (COCOMO)
Developed by Barry Boehm (1981)
Predicts the effort & duration of a project
Based on size of the system & a number of “cost drivers,”
13. Constructive Cost Model (COCOMO)
CoCoMo Basic Equations
Mode Description Effort Schedule
Organic Small-Medium Size, WM= TDEV=
In-house Dev. 2.4(KDSI)1.05 2.5(MM)0.38
Semidetached Intermediate-Large Size, WM= TDEV=
Partial In-house & 3.0(KDSI)1.12 2.5(MM)0.35
contracted
Embedded Very Large Size, WM= TDEV=
Contractor developed 3.6(KDSI)1.20 2.5(MM)0.32
WM = Work-Months; TDEV = Time of Development
KDSI = Thousands of delivered source instruction
14. Cost Drivers in COCOMO
Product attributes
software reliability, database size, software complexity
Hardware/platform attributes
execution time constraints, main storage constraints, virtual
machine volatility, turnaround time
Personnel attributes
Analyst capability, applications experience, programmer
capability, virtual machine experience, language experience
Project attributes
use of modern programming practices, use of software tools,
development schedule constriants
15. Factors not Included in COCOMO
Application type Amount of documentation
Language level Hardware configuration
Requirements volatility Security and privacy
Personnel continuity restrictions
Management quality
Customer interface quality
16. Function Point Analysis
Developed by Allan Albrecht at IBM (1979)
Based on estimation of inputs, outputs, queries, interfaces,
and files
Main advantages
Possible to estimate function points early in the
development life cycle
Can be estimated by non-technical personnel
17. Function Point Analysis
Basic Equation: FP = FC (PCA)
PCA = 0.65 + (0.01) Σci
PCA – Processing Complexity Adjustment; C – Complexity Factors
Simple Average Complex FC = Count
* Weight
Input 3 4 6
Output (eg, reports, screens) 4 5 7
Inquires 7 10 15
Files 5 7 10
Applications Interfaces 3 4 6
18. Feasibility Analysis of Candidate Systems
Candidate Systems Matrix
The candidate systems matrix documents similarities and
differences between candidate systems; however, it offers no
analysis.
The columns of the matrix represent candidate solutions.
The rows of the matrix represent characteristics that serve to
differentiate the candidates. The breakdown is as follows:
TECHNOLOGY
INTERFACES
DATA
PROCESSES
GEOGRAPHY
19. Candidate 1 Name Candidate 2 Name Candidate 3 Name
Technology
Interfaces
Data
Processes
Geography
20. Characteristics Candidate 1 Candidate 2 Candidate 3 Candidate ...
Portion of System Computerized COTS package Platinum Member Services and Same as candidate 2.
Plus from Entertainment warehouse operations in
Brief description of that portion of the Software Solutions would be relation to order fulfillment.
system that would be computerized in purchased and customized to
this candidate. satisfy Member Services
required functionality.
Benefits This solution can be Fully supports user required Same as candidate 2.
implemented quickly business processes for
Brief description of the business benefits because its a purchased Soundstage Inc. Plus more
that would be realized for this solution. efficient interaction with
candidate. member accounts.
Servers and Workstations Technically architecture Same as candidate 1. Same as candidate 1.
dictates Pentium pro, MS
A description of the servers and Windows NT class servers
workstations needed to support this and Pentium, MS Windows
candidate. NT 4.0 workstations
(clients).
Software Tools Needed MS Visual C++ and MS MS Visual Basic 5.0 MS Visual Basic 5.0
ACCESS for customization System Architect 3.1 System Architect 3.1
Software tools needed to design and of package to provide report Internet Explorer Internet Explorer
build the candidate (e. g., database writing and integration.
management system, emulators,
operating systems, languages, etc.). Not
generally applicable if applications
software packages are to be purchased.
Application Software Package Solution Custom Solution Same as candidate 2.
A description of the software to be
purchased, built, accessed, or some
combination of these techniques.
Method of Data Processing Client/Server Same as candidate 1. Same as candidate 1.
Generally some combination of: on-line,
batch, deferred batch, remote batch, and
real-time.
Output Devices and Implications (2) HP4MV department (2) HP4MV department Same as candidate 2.
Laser printers Laser printers
A description of output devices that (2) HP5SI LAN laser (2) HP5SI LAN laser
would be used, special output printers printers
requirements, (e.g. network, preprinted (1) PRINTRONIX bar-code
forms, etc.), and output considerations printer (includes software &
(e.g., timing constraints). drivers)
Web pages must be designed
to VGA resolution. All
internal screens will be
designed for SVGA
resolution.
Input Devices and Implications Keyboard & mouse Apple “Quick Take” digital Same as candidate 2.
camera and software
A description of Input methods to be (15) PSC Quickscan laser
used, input devices (e.g., keyboard, bar-code scanners
mouse, etc.), special input requirements, (1) - HP Scanjet 4C Flatbed
(e.g. new or revised forms from which Scanner
data would be input), and input Keyboard & mouse
considerations (e.g., timing of actual
inputs).
Storage Devices and Implications MS SQL Server DBMS with Same as candidate 1. Same as candidate 1.
100GB arrayed capability.
Brief description of what data would be
stored, what data would be accessed
from existing stores, what storage media
would be used, how much storage
capacity would be needed, and how
data would be organized.
21. Feasibility Analysis of Candidate Systems
Feasibility Analysis Matrix
This matrix complements the candidate systems matrix with an
analysis and ranking of the candidate systems. It is called a
feasibility analysis matrix.
The columns of the matrix correspond to the same candidate
solutions as shown in the candidate systems matrix.
Some rows correspond to the feasibility criteria presented in
this chapter.
Rows are added to describe the general solution and a ranking
of the candidates.
The cells contain the feasibility assessment notes for each
candidate.
22. Feasibility Analysis of Candidate Systems
Feasibility Analysis Matrix
Each row can be assigned a rank or score for each criteria (e.g.,
for operational feasibility, candidates can be ranked 1, 2, 3,
etc.).
After ranking or scoring all candidates on each criteria, a final
ranking or score is recorded in the last row.
23. Candidate 1 Name Candidate 2 Name Candidate 3 Name
Description
Operational
Feasibility
Technical
Feasibility
Schedule
Feasibility
Economic
Feasibility
Ranking
24. Feasibility Criteria Wt. Candidate 1 Candidate 2 Candidate 3 Candidate ..
Operational Feasibility 30% Only supports Member Fully supports user required Same as candidate 2.
Services requirements and functionality.
Functionality. A description of to what current business processes
degree the candidate would benefit the would have to be modified to
organization and how well the system take advantage of software
would work. functionality
Political. A description of how well
received this solution would be from
both user management, user, and
organization perspective.
Score: 60 Score: 100 Score: 100
Technical Feasibility 30% Current production release of Although current technical Although current technical
Platinum Plus package is staff has only Powerbuilder staff is comfortable with
Technology. An assessment of the version 1.0 and has only been experience, the senior Powerbuilder, management is
maturity, availability (or ability to on the market for 6 weeks. analysts who saw the MS concerned with recent
acquire), and desirability of the Maturity of product is a risk Visual Basic demonstration acquisition of Powerbuilder
computer technology needed to support and company charges an and presentation, has agreed by Sybase Inc.
this candidate. additional monthly fee for the transition will be simple MS SQL Server is a current
technical support. and finding experienced VB company standard and
Expertise. An assessment to the programmers will be easier competes with SYBASE in
technical expertise needed to develop, Required to hire or train C++ than finding Powerbuilder the Client/Server DBMS
operate, and maintain the candidate expertise to perform programmers and at a much market. Because of this we
system. modifications for integration cheaper cost. have no guarantee future
requirements. versions of Powerbuilder
MS Visual Basic 5.0 is a will “play well” with our
mature technology based on current version SQL Server.
version number.
Score: 50 Score: 95 Score: 60
Economic Feasibility 30%
Cost to develop: Approximately $350,000. Approximately $418,040. Approximately $400,000.
Payback period (discounted): Approximately 4.5 years. Approximately 3.5 years. Approximately 3.3 years.
Net present value: Approximately $210,000. Approximately $306,748. Approximately $325,500.
Detailed calculations: See Attachment A. See Attachment A. See Attachment A.
Score: 60 Score: 85 Score: 90
Schedule Feasibility 10% Less than 3 months. 9-12 months 9 months
An assessment of how long the solution
will take to design and implement.
Score: 95 Score: 80 Score: 85
Ranking 100% 60.5 92 83.5
Notas del editor
In today’s business world, it is becoming more and more apparent that analysts must learn to think like business managers. Computer applications are expanding at a record pace. Now more than ever, management expects information systems to pay for themselves. Information is a major capital investment that must be justified, just as marketing must justify a new product and manufacturing must justify a new plant or equipment. Systems Analysts are called on more than ever to help answer the following questions: Will the investment pay for itself? Are there other investments that will return even more on their expenditure? Few topics are more important. Feasibility analysis isn't really systems analysis, and it isn't systems design either. Instead, feasibility analysis is a cross life cycle activity and should be continuously performed throughout a systems project. 643
Figure C.1 Feasibility Checkpoints in the Systems Development Lifecycle Feasibility checkpoints can be installed into any SDLC that you are using. The figure above shows feasibility checkpoints for a typical life cycle (similar to, but not identical to, the life cycle used in this book). The checkpoints are represented by red diamonds. The diamonds indicate that a feasibility reassessment and management review should be conducted at the end of the prior phase (before the next phase). A project may be canceled or revised at any checkpoint, despite whatever resources have already been spent so far. This idea may bother you at first. Your natural inclination may be to justify continuing a project based on the time and money you've already spent. Those costs are sunk. A fundamental principle of management is never to throw good money after bad — cut your losses and move on to a more feasible project. That doesn't mean the costs already spent are not important. 643-644
After estimating benefits of solving the problems and opportunities, analysts will estimate costs of developing the expected system. Experienced analysts routinely increase these costs by 50 percent to 100 percent (or more) because experience tells them that the problems are rarely well-defined and that user requirements are typically understated. Do nothing! Leave the current system alone. Regardless of management's opinion or your own opinion of this option, it should be considered and analyzed as a baseline option against which all others can and should be evaluated. Reengineer the (manual) business processes, not the computer-based processes. This may involve streamlining activities, reducing duplication and unnecessary tasks, reorganizing office layouts, and eliminating redundant and unnecessary forms and processes, among others. 643-644
Operational and technical feasibility criteria measure the worthiness of a problem or solution. Operational feasibility is people oriented. Technical feasibility is computer oriented. Economic feasibility deals with the costs and benefits of the information system. Actually, few systems are infeasible. Instead, different options tend to be more or less feasible than others. Let's take a closer look at the four feasibility criteria. 646
During the systems selection and procurement phases of systems design, the systems analyst identifies candidate system solutions and then analyzes those solutions for feasibility. We discussed the criteria and techniques for analysis in this chapter. In this concluding section we evaluate a pair of documentation techniques that can greatly enhance the comparison and contrast of candidate system solutions. Both use a matrix format. We have found these matrices useful for presenting candidates and recommendations to management. The rows of the matrix represent characteristics that serve to differentiate the candidates. The breakdown is as follows: TECHNOLOGY — Brief description of the technical solution represented by the candidate system. INTERFACES — Identify how the system will interact with people and other systems. DATA — How will data stores be implemented (e.g., conventional files, relational database(s), other database structures)? How will inputs be captured (e.g., on-line, batch, etc.)? How will outputs be generated (e.g., on a schedule, on demand, printed, on screen, etc.)? PROCESSES — How will (manual) business processes be modified? How will computer processes be implemented? For the latter, we have numerous options, including on-line versus batch processes and packaged versus built-in-house software. GEOGRAPHY — How will processes and data be distributed? Once again, we might consider several alternatives — for example, centralized versus decentralized versus distributed (or duplicated) versus cooperative (client/server) solutions. 656
Figure C.6 Candidate Systems Matrix Template No additional notes provided. 656-657
Figure C.7 Sample Candidate Systems Matrix Before considering any solutions, we must consider any constraints on solutions. Solution constraints take the form for architectural decisions intended to bring order and consistency to applications. For example, a technology architecture may restrict solutions to relational databases or client/server networks. A sample, partially completed candidate system matrix listing three of the five candidates is shown in the figure above. The matrix is used to provide overview characteristics concerning the portion of the system to be computerized, the business benefits, and software tools and/or applications needed. Subsequent pages would provide additional details concerning other characteristics such as those mentioned previously. Two columns can be similar except for their entries in one or two cells. Multiple pages would be used if we were considering more than three candidates. 657-658
Be careful. Not all feasibility criteria are necessarily equal in importance. Before assigning final rankings, you can quickly eliminate any candidates for which any criteria is deemed ``infeasible.'' In reality, this doesn't happen very often. 657
Be careful. Not all feasibility criteria are necessarily equal in importance. Before assigning final rankings, you can quickly eliminate any candidates for which any criteria is deemed ``infeasible.'' In reality, this doesn't happen very often. 657
Figure C.9 Sample Feasibility Analysis Matrix A completed feasibility analysis matrix is presented in the figure above. The feasibility assessment is provided for each candidate solution. In this example, a score is recorded directly in the cell for each candidate's feasibility criteria assessment. Again, this matrix format can be most useful for defending your recommendations to management. 657,659