1 Info 1409 Systems Analysis & Design Module Lecture 5 - Feasibility HND Year /9 De Montfort University

2 Objectives The objectives of this lecture are to build on our previous lecture (4) which explained the following 4 topics: Analyzing the Business Case Systems Requests Users and their requirements

3 Preliminary Investigation This lecture is concerned with the The Preliminary investigation stage of the S.D.L.C. This investigation stage follows the system request It includes a Feasibility study.

4 Lecture objectives By the end of this lecture you will: Have learned about the types of feasibility that need to be considered Have examined some of the techniques used in project management Been introduced to the preliminary investigation model.

5 Project Planning The Preliminary investigation is conducted by the Systems Analyst who follows a series of steps. Sometimes project management tools are used (e.g. Microsoft Project software)

6 Microsoft Project enables a project manager to define project tasks, list activities and participants, plan the sequence of work, estimate project milestone dates, and track all costs. Fig 2.11 Shelley et al

7 Project software Specialist software also provides a way of documenting the request formally The following slide shows an example of an on-line request form. Managers and analysts can then examine this to determine just what is required.

8 Example of an on-line request form

9 Risk Management Every IT project involves risks. A risk is an event which could affect the project negatively Risk management is the process of identifying, controlling and evaluating risks. Risk management also involves information handling.

10 Evaluation of request In order to evaluate the system request Often a group of key managers and users form a systems revue committee The objective is to use their combined judgment and experience to evaluate the project.

11 Feasibility Studies A system request must pass a series of tests The results of these tests form the ‘Feasibility study’ The feasibility study will help to decide whether to proceed or not.

12 The need for Feasibility studies Figure 2.13 on the following slide shows that a feasibility study uses 4 main yardsticks to measure a proposal. (figure 2.12 taken from text book Shelley et al) & student learning tool.

13 We will examine each of these in turn in the following slides

14 Operational Feasibility Operational feasibility means that the proposed system will be used effectively after it has been developed. Questions: Will users have difficulty with the new system? Will it provide the expected benefits?

15 Technical Feasibility Technical Feasibility refers to the technical resources needed to develop, purchase, install or operate the system. Questions: Does the company have the necessary hardware, software and network resources? Does the company have the needed technical expertise?

16 Economic Feasibility Economic feasibility means that the projected benefits will outweigh the estimated costs of the project. Questions: What are the tangible benefits? What is the cost of developing/not developing the system? What are the intangible benefits?

17 Schedule Feasibility Schedule feasibility means that the project can be implemented in an acceptable time. Questions: Has management established a firm timetable for the project? Will an accelerated schedule pose any risks? Might these risks be acceptable?

18 Setting Priorities The work of the systems revue committee includes the following: Rejecting system requests that are not feasible. Giving highest priority to projects that provide the greatest benefits. Setting the priorities.

19 Preliminary Investigation Overview P63 Shelley et al

20 Activities time The first 19 slides describe the process of project management from a system request to the completion of the preliminary investigation. Working in twos, create a model to show these initial stages. Use rectangles for the stages and list the activities in each. You only have 5 mins.

21 Feedback time: What stages did you identify? This is your chance to comment or feedback – Use it!

22 Preliminary Investigation planning Before the Investigation begins the Analyst needs to plan the process. Planning the investigation involves a number of steps.

23 P64 Shelley et al

24 Completion of stage 1 The investigation is completed when: The system request has been evaluated Priorities are set A feasibility report has been prepared and sent to management Management have considered the available options and made a decision.

25 Analysis Activities The exact procedure for the preliminary investigation depends upon the following: 1. The nature of the request 2. the size of the project 3. the degree of urgency (The activities of the Analyst will be examined in more detail in later Lectures).

26 In conclusion At the end of this lecture you have : Been introduced to the different types of feasibility Examined the techniques used in the preliminary investigation stage. Know what is meant by the preliminary investigation model

27 Background reading (Phase 1)– Chapter 2 Systems Analysis & Design. Shelley Cashman and Rosenblatt 6 th/7th Edition Thomson Course Technology 2006/7