feasibility study for a business plan

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• How to conduct a feasibility study: Tem ...

How to conduct a feasibility study: Templates and examples

Conducting a feasibility study is an important step in successful project management. By evaluating the viability of a proposed project, a feasibility study helps you identify potential challenges and opportunities, ensuring you make informed decisions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to conduct a feasibility study with practical templates and real-world examples, designed for project managers seeking to optimize their project planning process.

It can be exciting to run a large, complex project that has a huge potential impact on your organization. On the one hand, you’re driving real change. On the other hand, failure is intimidating. 

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What is a feasibility study? 

A feasibility study—sometimes called a feasibility analysis or feasibility report—is a way to evaluate whether or not a project plan could be successful. A feasibility study evaluates the practicality of your project plan in order to judge whether or not you’re able to move forward with the project. 

It does so by answering two questions: 

Does our team have the required tools or resources to complete this project? 

Will there be a high enough return on investment to make the project worth pursuing? 

Benefits of conducting a feasibility study

There are several key benefits to conducting a feasibility study before launching a new project:

Confirms market opportunities and the target market before investing significant resources

Identifies potential issues and risks early on

Provides in-depth data for better decision making on the proposed project's viability

Creates documentation on expected costs and benefits, including financial analysis

Obtains stakeholder buy-in by demonstrating due diligence

Feasibility studies are important for projects that represent significant investments for your business. Projects that also have a large potential impact on your presence in the market may also require a feasibility assessment. 

As the project manager , you may not be directly responsible for driving the feasibility study, but it’s important to know what these studies are. By understanding the different elements that go into a feasibility study, you can better support the team driving the feasibility study and ensure the best outcome for your project.

When should you conduct a feasibility analysis?

A feasibility study should be conducted after the project has been pitched but before any work has actually started. The study is part of the project planning process. In fact, it’s often done in conjunction with a SWOT analysis or project risk assessment , depending on the specific project. 

Feasibility studies help: 

Confirm market opportunities before committing to a project

Narrow your business alternatives

Create documentation about the benefits and disadvantages of your proposed initiative

Provide more information before making a go-or-no-go decision

You likely don’t need a feasibility study if:

You already know the project is feasible

You’ve run a similar project in the past

Your competitors are succeeding with a similar initiative in market

The project is small, straightforward, and has minimal long-term business impact

Your team ran a similar feasibility analysis within the past three years

One thing to keep in mind is that a feasibility study is not a project pitch. During a project pitch, you’re evaluating whether or not the project is a good idea for your company and whether the goals of the project are in line with your overall strategic plan. Typically, once you’ve established that the project is a good idea, you'll run a feasibility study to confirm that the project is possible with the tools and resources you have at your disposal. 

Types of feasibility studies

There are five main types of feasibility studies: technical feasibility, financial feasibility, market feasibility (or market fit), operational feasibility, and legal feasibility. Most comprehensive feasibility studies will include an assessment of all five of these areas.

Technical feasibility

A technical feasibility study reviews the technical resources available for your project. This study determines if you have the right equipment, enough equipment, and the right technical knowledge to complete your project objectives . For example, if your project plan proposes creating 50,000 products per month, but you can only produce 30,000 products per month in your factories, this project isn’t technically feasible. 

Financial feasibility

Financial feasibility describes whether or not your project is fiscally viable. A financial feasibility report includes a cost-benefit analysis of the project. It also forecasts an expected return on investment (ROI) and outlines any financial risks. The goal at the end of the financial feasibility study is to understand the economic benefits the project will drive. 

Market feasibility

The market feasibility study is an evaluation of how your team expects the project’s deliverables to perform in the market. This part of the report includes a market analysis, a market competition breakdown, and sales projections.

Operational feasibility

An operational feasibility study evaluates whether or not your organization is able to complete this project. This includes staffing requirements, organizational structure, and any applicable legal requirements. At the end of the operational feasibility study, your team will have a sense of whether or not you have the resources, skills, and competencies to complete this work. 

Legal feasibility

A legal feasibility analysis assesses whether the proposed project complies with all relevant legal requirements and regulations. This includes examining legal and regulatory barriers, necessary permits, licenses, or certifications, potential legal liabilities or risks, and intellectual property considerations. The legal feasibility study ensures that the project can be completed without running afoul of any laws or incurring undue legal exposure for the organization.

Feasibility assessment checklist

Most feasibility studies are structured in a similar way. These documents serve as an assessment of the practicality of a proposed business idea. Creating a clear feasibility study helps project stakeholders during the decision making process. 

The essential elements of a feasibility study are: 

An executive summary describing the project’s overall viability

A description of the product or service being developed during this project

Any technical considerations , including technology, equipment, or staffing

The market survey , including a study of the current market and the marketing strategy 

The operational feasibility study evaluates whether or not your team’s current organizational structure can support this initiative

The project timeline

Financial projections based on your financial feasibility report

6 steps to conduct a feasibility study

You likely won’t be conducting the feasibility study yourself, but you will probably be called on to provide insight and information. To conduct a feasibility study, hire a trained consultant or, if you have an in-house project management office (PMO) , ask if they take on this type of work. In general, here are the steps they’ll take to complete this work: 

1. Run a preliminary analysis

Creating a feasibility study is a time-intensive process. Before diving into the feasibility study, it’s important to evaluate the project for any obvious and insurmountable roadblocks. For example, if the project requires significantly more budget than your organization has available, you likely won’t be able to complete it. Similarly, if the project deliverables need to be live and in the market by a certain date but won’t be available for several months after that, the project likely isn’t feasible either. These types of large-scale obstacles make a feasibility study unnecessary because it’s clear the project is not viable.

2. Evaluate financial feasibility

Think of the financial feasibility study as the projected income statement for the project. This part of the feasibility study clarifies the expected project income and outlines what your organization needs to invest—in terms of time and money—in order to hit the project objectives. 

During the financial feasibility study, take into account whether or not the project will impact your business's cash flow. Depending on the complexity of the initiative, your internal PMO or external consultant may want to work with your financial team to run a cost-benefit analysis of the project. 

3. Run a market assessment

The market assessment, or market feasibility study, is a chance to identify the demand in the market. This study offers a sense of expected revenue for the project and any potential market risks you could run into. 

The market assessment, more than any other part of the feasibility study, is a chance to evaluate whether or not there’s an opportunity in the market. During this study, it’s critical to evaluate your competitor’s positions and analyze demographics to get a sense of how the project will go. 

4. Consider technical and operational feasibility

Even if the financials are looking good and the market is ready, this initiative may not be something your organization can support. To evaluate operational feasibility, consider any staffing or equipment requirements this project needs. What organizational resources—including time, money, and skills—are necessary in order for this project to succeed? 

Depending on the project, it may also be necessary to consider the legal impact of the initiative. For example, if the project involves developing a new patent for your product, you will need to involve your legal team and incorporate that requirement into the project plan.

5. Review project points of vulnerability

At this stage, your internal PMO team or external consultant have looked at all four elements of your feasibility study—financials, market analysis, technical feasibility, and operational feasibility. Before running their recommendations by you and your stakeholders, they will review and analyze the data for any inconsistencies. This includes ensuring the income statement is in line with your market analysis. Similarly, now that they’ve run a technical feasibility study, are any liabilities too big of a red flag? (If so, create a contingency plan !) 

Depending on the complexity of your project, there won’t always be a clear answer. A feasibility analysis doesn’t provide a black-and-white decision for a complex problem. Rather, it helps you come to the table with the right questions—and answers—so you can make the best decision for your project and for your team.

6. Propose a decision

The final step of the feasibility study is an executive summary touching on the main points and proposing a solution. 

Depending on the complexity and scope of the project, your internal PMO or external consultant may share the feasibility study with stakeholders or present it to the group in order to field any questions live. Either way, with the study in hand, your team now has the information you need to make an informed decision.

Feasibility study examples

To better understand the concepts behind feasibility assessments, here are two hypothetical examples demonstrating how these studies can be applied in real-world scenarios.

Example 1: New product development

A consumer goods company is considering launching a new product line. Before investing in new product development, they conduct a feasibility study to assess the proposed project.

The feasibility study includes:

Market research to gauge consumer interest, assess competitor offerings, and estimate potential market share for the target market.

Technological considerations, including R&D requirements, production processes, and any necessary patents or certifications.

In-depth financial analysis projects sales volumes, revenue, costs, and profitability over a multi-year period.

Evaluation of organizational readiness, including the skills of the current management team and staff to bring the new product to market.

Assessment of legal feasibility to ensure compliance with regulations and identify any potential liability issues.

The comprehensive feasibility study identifies a promising market opportunity for the new business venture. The company decides to proceed with the new project, using the feasibility report as a template for their business development process. The study helps secure funding from key decision-makers, setting this start-up product initiative up for success.

Example 2: Real estate development deal

A property developer is evaluating the feasibility of purchasing land for a new residential community. They commission a feasibility study to determine the viability of this real estate development project.

The feasibility assessment covers:

Detailed analysis of the local housing market, including demand drivers, comparable properties, pricing, and absorption rates.

Site planning to assess the property's capacity, constraints, and technological considerations.

In-depth review of legal feasibility, including zoning, permitting, environmental regulations, and other potential legal hurdles.

Financial analysis modeling various development scenarios and estimating returns on investment.

Creation of an opening day balance sheet projecting the assets, liabilities, and equity for the proposed project.

Sensitivity analysis to evaluate the impact of changes in key assumptions on the project's scope and profitability.

The feasibility study concludes that while the real estate start-up is viable, it carries significant risk. Based on these findings, the developer makes an informed decision to move forward, but with a revised project's scope and a phased approach to mitigate risk. The comprehensive feasibility analysis proves critical in guiding this major investment decision.

Which phase of the project management process involves feasibility studies?

Feasibility studies are a key part of the project initiation and planning phases. They are typically conducted after a project has been conceptualized but before significant resources are invested in detailed planning and execution.

The purpose of a feasibility assessment is to objectively evaluate the viability of a proposed project, considering factors such as technical feasibility, market demand, financial costs and benefits, legal requirements, and organizational readiness. By thoroughly assessing these aspects, a feasibility study helps project stakeholders make an informed go-or-no-go decision.

While feasibility studies are a critical tool in the early stages of project management, they differ from other planning documents like project charters, business cases, and business plans. Here's a closer look at these key differences:

Feasibility study vs. project charter

A project charter is a relatively informal document to pitch your project to stakeholders. Think of the charter as an elevator pitch for your project objectives, scope, and responsibilities. Typically, your project sponsor or executive stakeholders review the charter before ratifying the project. 

A feasibility study should be implemented after the project charter has been ratified. This isn’t a document to pitch whether or not the project is in line with your team’s goals—rather, it’s a way to ensure the project is something you and your team can accomplish.

Feasibility study vs. business case

A business case is a more formalized version of the project charter. While you’d typically create a project charter for small or straightforward initiatives, you should create a business case if you are pitching a large, complex initiative that will make a major impact on the business. This longer, more formal document will also include financial information and typically involve more senior stakeholders. 

After your business case is approved by relevant stakeholders, you'll run a feasibility study to make sure the work is doable. If you find it isn’t, you might return to your executive stakeholders and request more resources, tools, or time in order to ensure your business case is feasible.

Feasibility study vs. business plan

A business plan is a formal document outlining your organization’s goals. You typically write a business plan when founding your company or when your business is going through a significant shift. Your business plan informs a lot of other business decisions, including your three- to five-year strategic plan . 

As you implement your business and strategic plan, you’ll invest in individual projects. A feasibility study is a way to evaluate the practicality of any given individual project or initiative.

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How to conduct a feasibility study: Template and examples

Editor’s note : This article was last updated on 27 August 2024 to bolster the step-by-step guide with more detailed instructions, more robust examples, and a downloadable, customizable template.

Opportunities are everywhere. Some opportunities are small and don’t require many resources. Others are massive and need further analysis and evaluation.

One of your key responsibilities as a product manager is to evaluate the potential success of those opportunities before investing significant money, time, and resources. A feasibility study, also known as a feasibility assessment or feasibility analysis, is a critical tool that can help product managers determine whether a product idea or opportunity is viable, feasible, and profitable.

So, what is a feasibility analysis? Why should product managers use it? And how do you conduct one?

Click here to download our customizable feasibility study template .

What is a feasibility study?

A feasibility study is a systematic analysis and evaluation of a product opportunity’s potential to succeed. It aims to determine whether a proposed opportunity is financially and technically viable, operationally feasible, and commercially profitable.

A feasibility study typically includes an assessment of a wide range of factors, including the technical requirements of the product, resources needed to develop and launch the product, the potential market gap and demand, the competitive landscape, and economic and financial viability. These factors can be broken down into different types of feasibility studies:

• Technical feasibility — Evaluates the technical resources and expertise needed to develop the product and identifies any technical challenges that could arise
• Financial feasibility — Analyzes the costs involved, potential revenue, and overall financial viability of the opportunity
• Market feasibility — Assesses the demand for the product, market trends, target audience, and competitive landscape
• Operational feasibility — Looks at the organizational structure, logistics, and day-to-day operations required to launch and sustain the product
• Legal feasibility — Examines any legal considerations, including regulations, patents, and compliance requirements that could affect the opportunity

Based on the analysis’s findings, the product manager and their product team can decide whether to proceed with the product opportunity, modify its scope, or pursue another opportunity and solve a different problem.

Conducting a feasibility study helps PMs ensure that resources are invested in opportunities that have a high likelihood of success and align with the overall objectives and goals of the product strategy .

What are feasibility analyses used for?

Feasibility studies are particularly useful when introducing entirely new products or verticals. Product managers can use the results of a feasibility study to:

• Assess the technical feasibility of a product opportunity — Evaluate whether the proposed product idea or opportunity can be developed with the available technology, tools, resources, and expertise
• Determine a project’s financial viability — By analyzing the costs of development, manufacturing, and distribution, a feasibility study helps you determine whether your product is financially viable and can generate a positive return on investment (ROI)
• Evaluate customer demand and the competitive landscape — Assessing the potential market size, target audience, and competitive landscape for the product opportunity can inform decisions about the overall product positioning, marketing strategies, and pricing
• Identify potential risks and challenges — Identify potential obstacles or challenges that could impact the success of the identified opportunity, such as regulatory hurdles, operational and legal issues, and technical limitations
• Refine the product concept — The insights gained from a feasibility study can help you refine the product’s concept, make necessary modifications to the scope, and ultimately create a better product that is more likely to succeed in the market and meet users’ expectations

How to conduct a feasibility study

The activities involved in conducting a feasibility study differ from one organization to another. Also, the threshold, expectations, and deliverables change from role to role. However, a general set of guidelines can help you get started.

Here are some basic steps to conduct and report a feasibility study for major product opportunities or features:

1. Clearly define the opportunity

Imagine your user base is facing a significant problem that your product doesn’t solve. This is an opportunity. Define the opportunity clearly, support it with data, talk to your stakeholders to understand the opportunity space, and use it to define the objective.

2. Define the objective and scope

Each opportunity should be coupled with a business objective and should align with your product strategy.

Determine and clearly communicate the business goals and objectives of the opportunity. Align those objectives with company leaders to make sure everyone is on the same page. Lastly, define the scope of what you plan to build.

3. Conduct market and user research

Now that you have everyone on the same page and the objective and scope of the opportunity clearly defined, gather data and insights on the target market.

Include elements like the total addressable market (TAM) , growth potential, competitors’ insights, and deep insight into users’ problems and preferences collected through techniques like interviews, surveys, observation studies, contextual inquiries, and focus groups.

4. Analyze technical feasibility

Suppose your market and user research have validated the problem you are trying to solve. The next step should be to, alongside your engineers, assess the technical resources and expertise needed to launch the product to the market.

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Dig deeper into the proposed solution and try to comprehend the technical limitations and estimated time required for the product to be in your users’ hands. A detailed assessment might include:

• Technical requirements — What technology stack is needed? Does your team have the necessary expertise? Are there any integration challenges?
• Development timeline — How long will it take to develop the solution? What are the critical milestones?
• Resource allocation — What resources (hardware, software, personnel) are required? Can existing resources be repurposed?

5. Assess financial viability

If your company has a product pricing team, work closely with them to determine the willingness to pay (WTP) and devise a monetization strategy for the new feature.

Conduct a comprehensive financial analysis, including the total cost of development, revenue streams, and the expected return on investment (ROI) based on the agreed-upon monetization strategy. Key elements to include:

• Cost analysis — Breakdown of development, production, and operational costs
• Revenue projections — Estimated revenue from different pricing models
• ROI calculation — Expected return on investment and payback period

6. Evaluate potential risks

Now that you have almost a complete picture, identify the risks associated with building and launching the opportunity. Risks may include things like regulatory hurdles, technical limitations, and any operational risks.

A thorough risk assessment should cover:

• Technical risks — Potential issues with technology, integration, or scalability.
• Market risks — Changes in market conditions, customer preferences, or competitive landscape.
• Operational risks — Challenges in logistics, staffing, or supply chain management.
• Regulatory risks — Legal or compliance issues that could affect the product’s launch. For more on regulatory risks, check out this Investopedia article .

7. Decide, prepare, and share

Based on the steps above, you should end up with a comprehensive report that helps you decide whether to pursue the opportunity, modify its scope, or explore alternative options. Here’s what you should do next:

• Prepare your report — Compile all your findings, including the feasibility analysis, market research, technical assessment, financial viability, and risk analysis into a detailed report. This document should provide a clear recommendation on whether to move forward with the project
• Create an executive summary — Summarize the key findings and recommendations in a concise executive summary , tailored for stakeholders such as the C-suite. The executive summary should capture the essence of your report, focusing on the most critical points
• Present to stakeholders — Share your report with stakeholders, ensuring you’re prepared to discuss the analysis and defend your recommendations. Make sure to involve key stakeholders early in the process to build buy-in and address any concerns they may have
• Prepare for next steps — Depending on the decision, be ready to either proceed with the project, implement modifications, or pivot to another opportunity. Outline the action plan, resource requirements, and timeline for the next phase

Feasibility study template

The following feasibility study report template is designed to help you evaluate the feasibility of a product opportunity and provide a comprehensive report to inform decision-making and guide the development process.

Note: You can customize this template to fit your specific needs. Click here to download and customize this feasibility study report template .

Feasibility study example

Imagine you’re a product manager at a company that specializes in project management tools. Your team has identified a potential opportunity to expand the product offering by developing a new AI-powered feature that can automatically prioritize tasks for users based on their deadlines, workload, and importance.

A feasibility study can help you assess the viability of this opportunity. Here’s how you might approach it according to the template above:

• Opportunity description — The opportunity lies in creating an AI-powered feature that automatically prioritizes tasks based on user-defined parameters such as deadlines, workload, and task importance. This feature is expected to enhance user productivity by helping teams focus on high-priority tasks and ensuring timely project completion
• Problem statement — Many users of project management tools struggle with managing and prioritizing tasks effectively, leading to missed deadlines and project delays. Current solutions often require manual input or lack sophisticated algorithms to adjust priorities dynamically. The proposed AI-powered feature aims to solve this problem by automating the prioritization process, thereby reducing manual effort and improving overall project efficiency
• Business objective — The primary objective is to increase user engagement and satisfaction by offering a feature that addresses a common pain point. The feature is also intended to increase customer retention by providing added value and driving user adoption
• Scope — The scope includes the development of an AI algorithm capable of analyzing task parameters (e.g., deadlines, workload) and dynamically prioritizing tasks. The feature will be integrated into the existing project management tool interface, with minimal disruption to current users. Additionally, the scope covers user training and support for the new feature

Market analysis:

• Total addressable market (TAM)  — The TAM for this feature includes all users who actively manage projects and could benefit from enhanced task prioritization
• Competitor analysis — Competitor products such as Asana and Trello offer basic task prioritization features, but none use advanced AI algorithms. This presents a unique opportunity to differentiate this product by offering a more sophisticated solution
• User pain points — Surveys and interviews with current users reveal that 65 percent struggle with manual task prioritization, leading to inefficiencies and missed deadlines. Users expressed a strong interest in an automated solution that could save time and improve project outcomes

Technical requirements:

• AI algorithm development — The core of the feature is an AI algorithm that can analyze multiple factors to prioritize tasks. This requires expertise in machine learning, data processing, and AI integration
• Integration with existing infrastructure — The feature must seamlessly integrate with the existing architecture without causing significant disruptions. This includes data compatibility, API development, and UI/UX considerations
• Data handling and privacy — The feature will process sensitive project data, so robust data privacy and security measures must be implemented to comply with regulations like GDPR

Development timeline:

• Phase 1 (3 months) — Research and development of the AI algorithm, including training with sample datasets
• Phase 2 (2 months) — Integration with the platform, including UI/UX design adjustments
• Phase 3 (1 month) — Testing, quality assurance, and bug fixing
• Phase 4 (1 month) — User training materials and documentation preparation

Resource allocation:

• Development team  — Two AI specialists, three backend developers, two frontend developers, one project manager
• Hardware/software  — Additional cloud computing resources for AI processing, development tools for machine learning, testing environments

Cost analysis:

• Development costs — Estimated at $300,000, including salaries, cloud computing resources, and software licenses
• Marketing and launch costs  — $50,000 for promotional activities, user onboarding, and initial support
• Operational costs  — $20,000/year for maintenance, AI model updates, and ongoing support

Revenue projections:

• Pricing model — The AI-powered feature will be offered as part of a premium subscription tier, with an additional monthly fee of $10/user
• User adoption — Based on user surveys, an estimated 25 percent of the current user base (10,000 users) is expected to upgrade to the premium tier within the first year
• Projected revenue — First-year revenue is projected at $1.2 million, with an expected growth rate of 10 percent annually

ROI calculation:

• Break-even point — The project is expected to break even within 6 months of launch
• Five-year ROI — The feature is projected to generate a 200% ROI over five years, driven by increased subscription fees and user retention

Technical risks:

• AI algorithm complexity — Developing an accurate and reliable AI algorithm is challenging and may require multiple iterations
• Integration issues — There is a risk that integrating the new feature could disrupt the existing platform, leading to user dissatisfaction

Market risks:

• User adoption — There’s a risk that users may not perceive sufficient value in the AI feature to justify the additional cost, leading to lower-than-expected adoption rates

Operational risks:

• Support and maintenance — Maintaining the AI feature requires continuous updates and monitoring, which could strain the development and support teams

Regulatory risks:

• Data privacy compliance — Handling sensitive project data requires strict adherence to data privacy regulations. Noncompliance could lead to legal challenges and damage to the company’s reputation
• Decision — Based on the comprehensive analysis, the recommendation is to proceed with the development and launch of the AI-powered task prioritization feature. The potential for increased user engagement, differentiation from competitors, and positive ROI justifies the investment
• Prepare the report — A detailed report will be compiled, including all findings from the feasibility study, cost-benefit analysis, and risk assessments. This report will be presented to key stakeholders for approval
• Create an executive summary — A concise executive summary will be prepared for the C-suite, highlighting the key benefits, expected ROI, and strategic alignment with the company’s goals
• Next steps — Upon approval, the project will move into the development phase, following the timeline and resource allocation outlined in the study. Continuous monitoring and iterative improvements will be made based on user feedback and performance metrics

8. Executive summary

This feasibility study evaluates the potential for developing and launching an AI-powered task prioritization feature within our project management tool. The feature is intended to automatically prioritize tasks based on deadlines, workload, and task importance, thus improving user productivity and project efficiency. The study concludes that the feature is both technically and financially viable, with a projected ROI of 200 percent over five years. The recommendation is to proceed with development, as the feature offers a significant opportunity for product differentiation and user satisfaction.

Mock feasibility study report

Now let’s see what a feasibility study report based on the above example scenario would look like ( download an example here ):

Introduction

The purpose of this feasibility study is to assess the viability of introducing an AI-powered task prioritization feature into our existing project management software. This feature aims to address the common user challenge of manually prioritizing tasks, which often leads to inefficiencies and missed deadlines. By automating this process, we expect to enhance user productivity, increase customer retention, and differentiate our product in a competitive market.

Market and user research

The total addressable market (TAM) for this AI-powered task prioritization feature includes all current and potential users of project management tools who manage tasks and projects regularly. Based on market analysis, the current user base primarily consists of mid-sized enterprises and large organizations, where task management is a critical component of daily operations.

• Competitor analysis  — Key competitors in the project management space, such as Asana and Trello, offer basic task prioritization features. However, these solutions lack advanced AI capabilities that dynamically adjust task priorities based on real-time data. This gap in the market presents an opportunity for us to differentiate our product by offering a more sophisticated, AI-driven solution
• User pain points — Surveys and interviews conducted with our current user base reveal that 65 percent of users experience challenges with manual task prioritization. Common issues include difficulty in maintaining focus on high-priority tasks, inefficient use of time, and the tendency to miss deadlines due to poor task management. Users expressed a strong interest in an automated solution that could alleviate these challenges, indicating a high demand for the proposed feature

Technical feasibility

• AI algorithm development — The core component of the feature is an AI algorithm capable of analyzing multiple task parameters, such as deadlines, workload, and task importance. The development of this algorithm requires expertise in machine learning, particularly in natural language processing (NLP) and predictive analytics. Additionally, data processing capabilities will need to be enhanced to handle the increased load from real-time task prioritization
• Integration with existing infrastructure — The AI-powered feature must be integrated into our existing project management tool with minimal disruption. This includes ensuring compatibility with current data formats, APIs, and the user interface. The integration will also require modifications to the UI/UX to accommodate the new functionality while maintaining ease of use for existing features
• Data handling and privacy — The feature will process sensitive project data, making robust data privacy and security measures critical. Compliance with regulations such as GDPR is mandatory, and the data flow must be encrypted end-to-end to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, user consent will be required for data processing related to the AI feature
• Phase 1 (3 months) — Research and development of the AI algorithm, including dataset acquisition, model training, and initial testing
• Phase 2 (2 months) — Integration with the existing platform, focusing on backend development and UI/UX adjustments
• Phase 3 (1 month) — Extensive testing, quality assurance, and bug fixing to ensure stability and performance
• Phase 4 (1 month) — Development of user training materials, documentation, and preparation for the product launch

Financial analysis

• Development costs — Estimated at $300,000, covering salaries, cloud computing resources, machine learning tools, and necessary software licenses
• Marketing and launch costs — $50,000 allocated for promotional campaigns, user onboarding programs, and initial customer support post-launch
• Operational costs — $20,000 annually for ongoing maintenance, AI model updates, and customer support services
• Pricing model — The AI-powered task prioritization feature will be included in a premium subscription tier, with an additional monthly fee of $10 per user
• User adoption — Market research suggests that approximately 25% of the current user base (estimated at 10,000 users) is likely to upgrade to the premium tier within the first year
• Projected revenue — First-year revenue is estimated at $1.2 million, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 10% as more users adopt the feature
• Break-even point — The project is expected to reach its break-even point within 6 months of the feature’s launch
• Five-year ROI — Over a five-year period, the feature is projected to generate a return on investment (ROI) of 200 percent, driven by steady subscription revenue and enhanced user retention

Risk assessment

• AI algorithm complexity — Developing a sophisticated AI algorithm poses significant technical challenges, including the risk of inaccuracies in task prioritization. Multiple iterations and extensive testing will be required to refine the algorithm
• Integration issues — Integrating the new feature into the existing platform could potentially cause compatibility issues, resulting in performance degradation or user dissatisfaction
• User adoption — There is a possibility that users may not perceive enough value in the AI-powered feature to justify the additional cost, leading to lower-than-expected adoption rates and revenue
• Support and maintenance — The ongoing support and maintenance required for the AI feature, including regular updates and monitoring, could place a significant burden on the development and customer support teams, potentially leading to resource constraints
• Data privacy compliance — Handling sensitive user data for AI processing necessitates strict adherence to data privacy regulations such as GDPR. Failure to comply could result in legal repercussions and damage to the company’s reputation

Conclusion and recommendations

The feasibility study demonstrates that the proposed AI-powered task prioritization feature is both technically and financially viable. The feature addresses a significant user pain point and has the potential to differentiate the product in a competitive market. With an estimated ROI of 200 percent over five years and strong user interest, it is recommended that the project move forward into the development phase.

Next steps include finalizing the development plan, securing approval from key stakeholders, and initiating the development process according to the outlined timeline and resource allocation. Continuous monitoring and iterative improvements will be essential to ensure the feature meets user expectations and achieves the projected financial outcomes.

Overcoming stakeholder management challenges

The ultimate challenge that faces most product managers when conducting a feasibility study is managing stakeholders .

Stakeholders may interfere with your analysis, jumping to conclusions that your proposed product or feature won’t work and deeming it a waste of resources. They may even try to prioritize your backlog for you.

Here are some tips to help you deal with even the most difficult stakeholders during a feasibility study:

• Use hard data to make your point — Never defend your opinion based on your assumptions. Always show them data and evidence based on your user research and market analysis
• Learn to say no — You are the voice of customers, and you know their issues and how to monetize them. Don’t be afraid to say no and defend your team’s work as a product manager
• Build stakeholder buy-in early on — Engage stakeholders from the beginning of the feasibility study process by involving them in discussions and seeking their input. This helps create a sense of ownership and ensures that their concerns and insights are considered throughout the study
• Provide regular updates and maintain transparency — Keep stakeholders informed about the progress of the feasibility study by providing regular updates and sharing key findings. This transparency can help build trust, foster collaboration, and prevent misunderstandings or misaligned expectations
• Leverage stakeholder expertise — Recognize and utilize the unique expertise and knowledge that stakeholders bring to the table. By involving them in specific aspects of the feasibility study where their skills and experience can add value, you can strengthen the study’s outcomes and foster a more collaborative working relationship

Final thoughts

A feasibility study is a critical tool to use right after you identify a significant opportunity. It helps you evaluate the potential success of the opportunity, analyze and identify potential challenges, gaps, and risks in the opportunity, and provides a data-driven approach in the market insights to make an informed decision.

By conducting a feasibility study, product teams can determine whether a product idea is profitable, viable, feasible, and thus worth investing resources into. It is a crucial step in the product development process and when considering investments in significant initiatives such as launching a completely new product or vertical.

For a more detailed approach and ready-to-use resources, consider using the feasibility study template provided in this post. If you’re dealing with challenging stakeholders, remember the importance of data-driven decisions, maintaining transparency, and leveraging the expertise of your team.

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11.3 Conducting a Feasibility Analysis

Learning objectives.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Describe the purpose of a feasibility analysis
• Describe and develop the parts of a feasibility analysis
• Understand how to apply feasibility outcomes to a new venture

As the name suggests, a feasibility analysis is designed to assess whether your entrepreneurial endeavor is, in fact, feasible or possible. By evaluating your management team, assessing the market for your concept, estimating financial viability, and identifying potential pitfalls, you can make an informed choice about the achievability of your entrepreneurial endeavor. A feasibility analysis is largely numbers driven and can be far more in depth than a business plan (discussed in The Business Plan ). It ultimately tests the viability of an idea, a project, or a new business. A feasibility study may become the basis for the business plan, which outlines the action steps necessary to take a proposal from ideation to realization. A feasibility study allows a business to address where and how it will operate, its competition, possible hurdles, and the funding needed to begin. The business plan then provides a framework that sets out a map for following through and executing on the entrepreneurial vision.

Organizational Feasibility Analysis

Organizational feasibility aims to assess the prowess of management and sufficiency of resources to bring a product or idea to market Figure 11.12 . The company should evaluate the ability of its management team on areas of interest and execution. Typical measures of management prowess include assessing the founders’ passion for the business idea along with industry expertise, educational background, and professional experience. Founders should be honest in their self-assessment of ranking these areas.

Resource sufficiency pertains to nonfinancial resources that the venture will need to move forward successfully and aims to assess whether an entrepreneur has a sufficient amount of such resources. The organization should critically rank its abilities in six to twelve types of such critical nonfinancial resources, such as availability of office space, quality of the labor pool, possibility of obtaining intellectual property protections (if applicable), willingness of high-quality employees to join the company, and likelihood of forming favorable strategic partnerships. If the analysis reveals that critical resources are lacking, the venture may not be possible as currently planned. 46

Financial Feasibility Analysis

A financial analysis seeks to project revenue and expenses (forecasts come later in the full business plan); project a financial narrative; and estimate project costs, valuations, and cash flow projections Figure 11.13 .

The financial analysis may typically include these items:

• A twelve-month profit and loss projection
• A three- or four-year profit-and-loss projection
• A cash-flow projection
• A projected balance sheet
• A breakeven calculation

The financial analysis should estimate the sales or revenue that you expect the business to generate. A number of different formulas and methods are available for calculating sales estimates. You can use industry or association data to estimate the sales of your potential new business. You can search for similar businesses in similar locations to gauge how your business might perform compared with similar performances by competitors. One commonly used equation for a sales model multiplies the number of target customers by the average revenue per customer to establish a sales projection:

Another critical part of planning for new business owners is to understand the breakeven point , which is the level of operations that results in exactly enough revenue to cover costs (see Entrepreneurial Finance and Accounting for an in-depth discussion on calculating breakeven points and the breakdown of cost types). It yields neither a profit nor a loss. To calculate the breakeven point, you must first understand the two types of costs: fixed and variable. Fixed costs are expenses that do not vary based on the amount of sales. Rent is one example, but most of a business’s other costs operate in this manner as well. While some costs vary from month to month, costs are described as variable only if they will increase if the company sells even one more item. Costs such as insurance, wages, and office supplies are typically considered fixed costs. Variable costs fluctuate with the level of sales revenue and include items such as raw materials, purchases to be sold, and direct labor. With this information, you can calculate your breakeven point—the sales level at which your business has neither a profit nor a loss. 47 Projections should be more than just numbers: include an explanation of the underlying assumptions used to estimate the venture’s income and expenses.

Projected cash flow outlines preliminary expenses, operating expenses, and reserves—in essence, how much you need before starting your company. You want to determine when you expect to receive cash and when you have to write a check for expenses. Your cash flow is designed to show if your working capital is adequate. A balance sheet shows assets and liabilities, necessary for reporting and financial management. When liabilities are subtracted from assets, the remainder is owners’ equity. The financial concepts and statements introduced here are discussed fully in Entrepreneurial Finance and Accounting .

Market Feasibility Analysis

A market analysis enables you to define competitors and quantify target customers and/or users in the market within your chosen industry by analyzing the overall interest in the product or service within the industry by its target market Figure 11.14 . You can define a market in terms of size, structure, growth prospects, trends, and sales potential. This information allows you to better position your company in competing for market share. After you’ve determined the overall size of the market, you can define your target market, which leads to a total available market (TAM) , that is, the number of potential users within your business’s sphere of influence. This market can be segmented by geography, customer attributes, or product-oriented segments. From the TAM, you can further distill the portion of that target market that will be attracted to your business. This market segment is known as a serviceable available market (SAM) .

Projecting market share can be a subjective estimate, based not only on an analysis of the market but also on pricing, promotional, and distribution strategies. As is the case for revenue, you will have a number of different forecasts and tools available at your disposal. Other items you may include in a market analysis are a complete competitive review, historical market performance, changes to supply and demand, and projected growth in demand over time.

Are You Ready?

You’ve been hired by a leading hotel chain to determine the market and financial potential for the development of a mixed-use property that will include a full-service hotel in downtown Orlando, located at 425 East Central Boulevard, in Orlando, Florida. The specific address is important so you can pinpoint existing competitors and overall suitability of the site. Using the information given, conduct a market analysis that can be part of a larger feasibility study.

Work It Out

Location feasibility.

You’re considering opening a boutique clothing store in downtown Atlanta. You’ve read news reports about how downtown Atlanta and the city itself are growing and undergoing changes from previous decades. With new development taking place there, you’re not sure whether such a venture is viable. Outline what steps you would need to take to conduct a feasibility study to determine whether downtown Atlanta is the right location for your planned clothing store.

Applying Feasibility Outcomes

After conducting a feasibility analysis, you must determine whether to proceed with the venture. One technique that is commonly used in project management is known as a go-or-no-go decision . This tool allows a team to decide if criteria have been met to move forward on a project. Criteria on which to base a decision are established and tracked over time. You can develop criteria for each section of the feasibility analysis to determine whether to proceed and evaluate those criteria as either “go” or “no go,” using that assessment to make a final determination of the overall concept feasibility. Determine whether you are comfortable proceeding with the present management team, whether you can “go” forward with existing nonfinancial resources, whether the projected financial outlook is worth proceeding, and make a determination on the market and industry. If satisfied that enough “go” criteria are met, you would likely then proceed to developing your strategy in the form of a business plan.

What Can You Do?

Love beyond walls.

When Terence Lester saw a homeless man living behind an abandoned, dilapidated building, he asked the man if he could take him to a shelter. The man scoffed, replying that Lester should sleep in a shelter. So he did—and he saw the problem through the homeless man’s perspective. The shelter was crowded and smelly. You couldn’t get much sleep, because others would try to steal your meager belongings. The dilapidated building provided isolation away from others, but quiet and security in its own way that the shelter could not. This experience led Lester to voluntarily live as a homeless person for a few weeks. His journey led him to create Love Beyond Walls (www.lovebeyondwalls.org), an organization that aids the homeless, among other causes. Lester didn’t conduct a formal feasibility study, but he did so informally by walking in his intended customers’ shoes—literally. A feasibility study of homelessness in a particular area could yield surprising findings that might lead to social entrepreneurial pursuits.

• What is a social cause you think could benefit from a formal feasibility study around a potential entrepreneurial solution?
• 46 Ulrich Kaiser. “A primer in Entrepreneurship – Chapter 3 Feasibility analysis” University of Zurich Institute for Strategy and Business Economics . n.d. https://docplayer.net/7775267-A-primer-in-entrepreneurship-chapter-3-feasibility-analysis.html
• 47 In a preliminary financial model and business plan, startup costs should be allocated, as they are intended for one-time investments in development; pre-launch costs and other necessary expenses will not carry over once the product/solution has launched.

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• Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/entrepreneurship/pages/11-3-conducting-a-feasibility-analysis

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What Is a Feasibility Study?

Understanding a feasibility study, how to conduct a feasibility study, the bottom line.

• Business Essentials

Feasibility Study

Investopedia contributors come from a range of backgrounds, and over 25 years there have been thousands of expert writers and editors who have contributed.

Yarilet Perez is an experienced multimedia journalist and fact-checker with a Master of Science in Journalism. She has worked in multiple cities covering breaking news, politics, education, and more. Her expertise is in personal finance and investing, and real estate.

A feasibility study is a detailed analysis that considers all of the critical aspects of a proposed project in order to determine the likelihood of it succeeding.

Success in business may be defined primarily by return on investment , meaning that the project will generate enough profit to justify the investment. However, many other important factors may be identified on the plus or minus side, such as community reaction and environmental impact.

Although feasibility studies can help project managers determine the risk and return of pursuing a plan of action, several steps should be considered before moving forward.

Key Takeaways

• A company may conduct a feasibility study when it’s considering launching a new business, adding a new product line, or acquiring a rival.
• A feasibility study assesses the potential for success of the proposed plan or project by defining its expected costs and projected benefits in detail.
• It’s a good idea to have a contingency plan on hand in case the original project is found to be infeasible.

Lara Antal / Investopedia

A feasibility study is an assessment of the practicality of a proposed plan or project. A feasibility study analyzes the viability of a project to determine whether the project or venture is likely to succeed. The study is also designed to identify potential issues and problems that could arise while pursuing the project.

As part of the feasibility study, project managers must determine whether they have enough of the right people, financial resources, and technology. The study must also determine the return on investment, whether this is measured as a financial gain or a benefit to society, the latter in the case of a nonprofit project.

The feasibility study might include a cash flow analysis, measuring the level of cash generated from revenue vs. the project’s operating costs . A risk assessment must also be completed to determine whether the return is enough to offset the risk of undergoing the venture.

When doing a feasibility study, it’s always good to have a contingency plan that is ready to test as a viable alternative if the first plan fails.

Benefits of a Feasibility Study

There are several benefits to feasibility studies, including helping project managers discern the pros and cons of undertaking a project before investing a significant amount of time and capital into it.

Feasibility studies can also provide a company’s management team with crucial information that could prevent them from entering into a risky business venture.

Such studies help companies determine how they will grow. They will know more about how they will operate, what the potential obstacles are, who the competition is, and what the market is.

Feasibility studies also help convince investors and bankers that investing in a particular project or business is a wise choice.

The exact format of a feasibility study will depend on the type of organization that requires it. However, the same factors will be involved even if their weighting varies.

Preliminary Analysis

Although each project can have unique goals and needs, there are some best practices for conducting any feasibility study:

• Conduct a preliminary analysis, which involves getting feedback about the new concept from the appropriate stakeholders.
• Analyze and ask questions about the data obtained in the early phase of the study to make sure that it’s solid.
• Conduct a market survey or market research to identify the market demand and opportunity for pursuing the project or business.
• Write an organizational, operational, or business plan, including identifying the amount of labor needed, at what cost, and for how long.
• Prepare a projected income statement, which includes revenue, operating costs, and profit .
• Prepare an opening day balance sheet .
• Identify obstacles and any potential vulnerabilities, as well as how to deal with them.
• Make an initial “go” or “no-go” decision about moving ahead with the plan.

Suggested Components

Once the initial due diligence has been completed, the real work begins. Components that are typically found in a feasibility study include the following:

• Executive summary : Formulate a narrative describing details of the project, product, service, plan, or business.
• Technological considerations : Ask what will it take. Do you have it? If not, can you get it? What will it cost?
• Existing marketplace : Examine the local and broader markets for the product, service, plan, or business.
• Marketing strategy : Describe it in detail.
• Required staffing : What are the human capital needs for this project? Draw up an organizational chart.
• Schedule and timeline : Include significant interim markers for the project’s completion date.
• Project financials
• Findings and recommendations : Break down into subsets of technology, marketing, organization, and financials.

Examples of a Feasibility Study

Below are two examples of a feasibility study. The first involves expansion plans for a university. The second is a real-world example conducted by the Washington State Department of Transportation with private contributions from Microsoft Inc.

A University Science Building

Officials at a university were concerned that the science building—built in the 1970s—was outdated. Considering the technological and scientific advances of the last 20 years, they wanted to explore the cost and benefits of upgrading and expanding the building. A feasibility study was conducted.

In the preliminary analysis, school officials explored several options, weighing the benefits and costs of expanding and updating the science building. Some school officials had concerns about the project, including the cost and possible community opposition. The new science building would be much larger, and the community board had earlier rejected similar proposals. The feasibility study would need to address these concerns and any potential legal or zoning issues.

The feasibility study also explored the technological needs of the new science facility, the benefits to the students, and the long-term viability of the college. A modernized science facility would expand the school’s scientific research capabilities, improve its curriculum, and attract new students.

Financial projections showed the cost and scope of the project and how the school planned to raise the needed funds, which included issuing a bond to investors and tapping into the school’s endowment . The projections also showed how the expanded facility would allow more students to be enrolled in the science programs, increasing revenue from tuition and fees.

The feasibility study demonstrated that the project was viable, paving the way to enacting the modernization and expansion plans of the science building.

Without conducting a feasibility study, the school administrators would never have known whether its expansion plans were viable.

A High-Speed Rail Project

The Washington State Department of Transportation decided to conduct a feasibility study on a proposal to construct a high-speed rail that would connect Vancouver, British Columbia, Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. The goal was to create an environmentally responsible transportation system to enhance the competitiveness and future prosperity of the Pacific Northwest.

The preliminary analysis outlined a governance framework for future decision making. The study involved researching the most effective governance framework by interviewing experts and stakeholders, reviewing governance structures, and learning from existing high-speed rail projects in North America. As a result, governing and coordinating entities were developed to oversee and follow the project if it was approved by the state legislature.

A strategic engagement plan involved an equitable approach with the public, elected officials, federal agencies, business leaders, advocacy groups, and Indigenous communities. The engagement plan was designed to be flexible, considering the size and scope of the project and how many cities and towns would be involved. A team of the executive committee members was formed and met to discuss strategies, as well as lessons learned from previous projects, and met with experts to create an outreach framework.

The financial component of the feasibility study outlined the strategy for securing the project’s funding, which explored obtaining funds from federal, state, and private investments. The project’s cost was estimated to be $24 billion to $42 billion. The revenue generated from the high-speed rail system was estimated to be $160 million to $250 million.

The report bifurcated the money sources between funding and financing. Funding referred to grants, appropriations from the local or state government, and revenue. Financing referred to bonds issued by the government, loans from financial institutions, and equity investments, which are essentially loans against future revenue that need to be paid back with interest.

The sources for the capital needed were to vary as the project moved forward. In the early stages, most of the funding would come from the government, and as the project developed, funding would come from private contributions and financing measures. Private contributors included Microsoft Inc.

The benefits outlined in the feasibility report show that the region would experience enhanced interconnectivity, allowing for better management of the population and increasing regional economic growth by $355 billion. The new transportation system would provide people with access to better jobs and more affordable housing. The high-speed rail system would also relieve congested areas from automobile traffic.

The timeline for the study began in 2016, when an agreement was reached with British Columbia to work together on a new technology corridor that included high-speed rail transportation. The feasibility report was submitted to the Washington State Legislature in December 2020.

What Is the Main Objective of a Feasibility Study?

A feasibility study is designed to help decision makers determine whether or not a proposed project or investment is likely to be successful. It identifies both the known costs and the expected benefits.

In business, “successful” means that the financial return exceeds the cost. In a nonprofit, success may be measured in other ways. A project’s benefit to the community it serves may be worth the cost.

What Are the Steps in a Feasibility Study?

A feasibility study starts with a preliminary analysis. Stakeholders are interviewed, market research is conducted, and a business plan is prepared. All of this information is analyzed to make an initial “go” or “no-go” decision.

If it’s a go, the real study can begin. This includes listing the technological considerations, studying the marketplace, describing the marketing strategy, and outlining the necessary human capital, project schedule, and financing requirements.

Who Conducts a Feasibility Study?

A feasibility study may be conducted by a team of the organization’s senior managers. If they lack the expertise or time to do the work internally, it may be outsourced to a consultant.

What Are the 4 Types of Feasibility?

The study considers the feasibility of four aspects of a project:

Technical : A list of the hardware and software needed, and the skilled labor required to make them work

Financial : An estimate of the cost of the overall project and its expected return

Market : An analysis of the market for the product or service, the industry, competition, consumer demand, sales forecasts, and growth projections

Organizational : An outline of the business structure and the management team that will be needed

Feasibility studies help project managers determine the viability of a project or business venture by identifying the factors that can lead to its success. The study also shows the potential return on investment and any risks to the success of the venture.

A feasibility study contains a detailed analysis of what’s needed to complete the proposed project. The report may include a description of the new product or venture, a market analysis, the technology and labor needed, and the sources of financing and capital. The report will also include financial projections, the likelihood of success, and ultimately, a “go” or “no-go” decision.

Washington State Department of Transportation. “ Ultra-High-Speed Rail Study .”

Washington State Department of Transportation. “ Cascadia Ultra High Speed Ground Transportation: Framework for the Future .”

Washington State Department of Transportation. “ Ultra-High-Speed Rail Study: Outcomes .”

Washington State Department of Transportation. “ Ultra-High-Speed Ground Transportation Business Case Analysis ,” Page ii (Page 3 of PDF).

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What Is a Feasibility Study: Step-by-Step Guide

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Key takeaways

• A feasibility study is an essential analytical tool that evaluates the viability of a proposed project on multiple fronts, such as financials, technical requirements, and market demand.
• Conducted during the project initiation phase, this type of study serves as an early checkpoint to identify potential roadblocks and assess risks.
• Feasibility studies act as the first line of defense against project failure, saving time, money, and resources.

What is a feasibility study?

A feasibility study is an analytical tool used to evaluate the practicality of a proposed project or business idea. It assesses various factors such as financial viability, technical requirements, legal constraints, and market demand. The study aims to answer the question “Are the goals of this project realistically attainable?” by examining data, studies, and other relevant information.

A feasibility study is a crucial step to take before diving into any project and is generally performed during the project initiation phase of project management . It helps identify potential roadblocks, assess risks, and estimate resource allocation; skipping this step can lead to project failure, wasted resources, and financial losses.

Feasibility studies represent one of the many intricacies of project planning . Understanding the other requirements of this crucial step can give you a well-rounded view of how to set your project up for success.

Steps to conduct a feasibility study

Successfully executing a project hinges on thorough planning and risk assessment. Following this step-by-step guide for conducting a feasibility study will help you meticulously evaluate the viability of your project from the outset.

Step 1: Conduct preliminary analysis

This is where you take a good, hard look at your project to determine whether it’s worth pursuing. At this stage, you should also decide if a more detailed feasibility study is necessary.

A few key criteria usually come into play during this initial assessment. First, consider a general sense of the market demand for your project, the resources you have at your disposal, and some ballpark figures for initial costs. If it’s difficult to get clear estimates, it may be worthwhile to invest additional time and resources in a more comprehensive feasibility study. If no significant roadblocks pop up in this preliminary analysis, then you have the green light to proceed.

Some project management software includes useful features that can help you efficiently collect and organize all this data. These features can be very helpful in decision-making, especially when you’re looking at multiple variables.

Step 2: Create a projected income statement

This vital component of the feasibility study involves forecasting the income, expenses, and profitability associated with the proposed project. The projected income statement is akin to peering into a financial crystal ball to see how the numbers might align.

There are several approaches you can take to assess a project’s financial impact. Historical data and industry benchmarks, for example, can serve as reliable guides. These projections are important for assessing financial feasibility and making informed decisions.

The significance of these forecasts cannot be overstated — they help stakeholders understand the project’s potential ROI and ultimately make the go/no-go decision for the project.

Step 3: Survey the market

The market survey stage involves rolling up your sleeves to gather valuable data and insights about your target market(s) and audience(s). Think of it as your project’s reconnaissance mission: You’re scouting the terrain to understand what you’re getting into.

To start, you’ll want to learn your customers’ preferences to see if your project will fulfill a need or solve a problem they currently face. For example, a software company’s research might reveal customer demand for a new feature that aligns with the project’s goals.

Also consider if your project is timely and whether it will make a significant impact now or in the near future, depending on emerging market trends. It may be useful to conduct competitor research as well; knowing what and who you’re up against can help stakeholders decide whether you should move forward with the project and, if so, how you will approach it.

Surveys and interviews are ideal for firsthand quantitative and qualitative data. However, don’t underestimate the power of existing market reports. This preexisting data can offer a broad market landscape view, helping you make data-driven decisions. You can also leverage other research and data collection methods, such as focus groups and publicly available databases like Statista and the U.S. Census Bureau .

Step 4: Review and analyze the data

With all of the necessary information in hand, use tools like a SWOT analysis to evaluate the project’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. A risk assessment is another go-to method that can help you identify potential pitfalls that could derail your project.

At this point in the feasibility study, weigh key metrics and indicators like projected ROI, milestone dates, market penetration rates, and possible vulnerabilities. These gauges, when reviewed in tandem, paint a broader picture of your project’s viability and value.

Step 5: Determine the next steps

Use your research-backed analysis to decide whether the project you’ve proposed is the best way to address the problems it intends to address. If the metrics are favorable and the risks are manageable, you should feel confident advancing to the planning phase. Too many red flags, however, may mean you need to go back to the drawing board.

Here’s a little tech tip to make this decision easier: Many project management software dashboards can compile your key metrics and findings neatly in one visual package. It’s like having a project feasibility snapshot right at your fingertips, which makes it much easier for stakeholders to understand important data and make informed decisions.

Types of feasibility studies

There are different types of feasibility studies that each focus on a unique aspect of projects and project planning . By understanding the nuances of each, you’ll become better equipped to make well-informed decisions, mitigate risks, and ultimately steer your project toward success.

Technical feasibility

Technical feasibility digs into the nuts and bolts of the project. You’re looking at what kind of technology you’ll need, whether it’s available, and if it can be integrated into your current systems. It’s like checking if you have all the ingredients you need before cooking a specific recipe.

Economic feasibility

This study is all about the money — how much the project will cost and what kinds of economic or profitability benefits it will bring forth. With an economic feasibility study, you’re most often doing a cost-benefit analysis to see if the financials add up in your favor. It’s like weighing the pros and cons but in dollar signs. 

Legal feasibility

This is your legal checkpoint. You’re looking at any laws or regulations that might create risks or restrict your project. This feasibility study could also involve checking compliance with industry-specific or regional regulations.

Operational feasibility

An operational feasibility study will help you see how the project fits into your current operations and operational goals and resources. After completing this type of study, you should know if your project will require new workflows and if your team can handle project tasks alongside their current workloads.

This study also evaluates whether the organization has the expertise to accomplish all project goals.

Scheduling feasibility

This feasibility study is all about time. You’re considering how long the project will take and whether you can afford any delays. Gantt charts , a feature commonly found in project management software, can be convenient in this type of study.

These visual timelines allow you to map out the entire project schedule, set milestones, and identify potential bottlenecks. You can also easily see if your project’s timeline is realistic or if you need to make adjustments to avoid delays.

Feasibility study examples

Feasibility studies add value to the project lifecycle across diverse industries. With each of these examples, the feasibility study is a critical preliminary step to identify potential roadblocks and assess the likelihood of project success.

Construction

A construction project feasibility study might focus on land evaluation, zoning laws, and material costs to determine if a new housing development is viable. In this example, the study helps avoid legal snags and ensure profitable land use.

A healthcare feasibility study may assess the demand for a new medical facility in a specific location by looking at factors like local population health statistics and existing healthcare infrastructure. This type of research helps determine whether a new facility would serve the community appropriately and utilize resources effectively.

Information technology

An IT feasibility study might analyze the technical requirements, cost, and market demand for a new software application to understand whether the development effort would offer a reasonable return on investment. This information helps project teams avoid sinking time and money into software that no one wants or needs.

Free feasibility study template

Download our feasibility study template for free:

Why are feasibility studies crucial in project management?

In project management, feasibility studies help you gauge whether your project is a go or a no-go, saving you time, money, and a lot of headaches in the long run. But it’s not just about giving your project a thumbs-up or down.

Feasibility studies are also invaluable for decision-making and risk assessment. They provide the data and insights you need to make informed choices. Whether it’s deciding on the project scope, budget, or timeline, these studies offer a comprehensive view of what you’re up against.

Plus, feasibility studies help you identify potential roadblocks and risks, allowing you to prepare effective contingency plans. Operating with a feasibility study as your project’s foundation is like giving your team both a roadmap and a weather forecast to help you better navigate your project journey.

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What is a Feasibility Study and How to Conduct It? (+ Examples)

Appinio Research · 26.09.2023 · 28min read

Are you ready to turn your project or business idea into a concrete reality but unsure about its feasibility? Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time project manager, understanding the intricate process of conducting a feasibility study is vital for making informed decisions and maximizing your chances of success.

This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of market, technical, financial, and operational feasibility studies. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap to confidently assess, plan, and execute your project.

What is a Feasibility Study?

A feasibility study is a systematic and comprehensive analysis of a proposed project or business idea to assess its viability and potential for success. It involves evaluating various aspects such as market demand, technical feasibility, financial viability, and operational capabilities. The primary goal of a feasibility study is to provide you with valuable insights and data to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with the project.

Why is a Feasibility Study Important?

Conducting a feasibility study is a critical step in the planning process for any project or business. It helps you:

• Minimize Risks: By identifying potential challenges and obstacles early on, you can develop strategies to mitigate risks.
• Optimize Resource Allocation: A feasibility study helps you allocate your resources more efficiently, including time and money.
• Enhance Decision-Making: Armed with data and insights, you can make well-informed decisions about pursuing the project or exploring alternative options.
• Attract Stakeholders: Potential investors, lenders, and partners often require a feasibility study to assess the project's credibility and potential return on investment.

Now that you understand the importance of feasibility studies, let's explore the various types and dive deeper into each aspect.

Types of Feasibility Studies

Feasibility studies come in various forms, each designed to assess different aspects of a project's viability. Let's delve into the four primary types of feasibility studies in more detail:

1. Market Feasibility Study

Market feasibility studies are conducted to determine whether there is a demand for a product or service in a specific market or industry. This type of study focuses on understanding customer needs, market trends, and the competitive landscape. Here are the key elements of a market feasibility study:

• Market Research and Analysis: Comprehensive research is conducted to gather market size, growth potential , and customer behavior data. This includes both primary research (surveys, interviews) and secondary research (existing reports, data).
• Target Audience Identification: Identifying the ideal customer base by segmenting the market based on demographics, psychographics, and behavior. Understanding your target audience is crucial for tailoring your product or service.
• Competitive Analysis : Assessing the competition within the market, including identifying direct and indirect competitors, their strengths, weaknesses, and market share .
• Demand and Supply Assessment: Analyzing the balance between the demand for the product or service and its supply. This helps determine whether there is room for a new entrant in the market.

2. Technical Feasibility Study

Technical feasibility studies evaluate whether the project can be developed and implemented from a technical standpoint. This assessment focuses on the project's design, technical requirements, and resource availability. Here's what it entails:

• Project Design and Technical Requirements: Defining the technical specifications of the project, including hardware, software, and any specialized equipment. This phase outlines the technical aspects required for project execution.
• Technology Assessment: Evaluating the chosen technology's suitability for the project and assessing its scalability and compatibility with existing systems.
• Resource Evaluation: Assessing the availability of essential resources such as personnel, materials, and suppliers to ensure the project's technical requirements can be met.
• Risk Analysis: Identifying potential technical risks, challenges, and obstacles that may arise during project development. Developing risk mitigation strategies is a critical part of technical feasibility.

3. Financial Feasibility Study

Financial feasibility studies aim to determine whether the project is financially viable and sustainable in the long run. This type of study involves estimating costs, projecting revenue, and conducting financial analyses. Key components include:

• Cost Estimation: Calculating both initial and ongoing costs associated with the project, including capital expenditures, operational expenses, and contingency funds.
• Revenue Projections: Forecasting the income the project is expected to generate, considering sales, pricing strategies, market demand, and potential revenue streams.
• Investment Analysis: Evaluating the return on investment (ROI), payback period, and potential risks associated with financing the project.
• Financial Viability Assessment: Analyzing the project's profitability, cash flow, and financial stability to ensure it can meet its financial obligations and sustain operations.

4. Operational Feasibility Study

Operational feasibility studies assess whether the project can be effectively implemented within the organization's existing operational framework. This study considers processes, resource planning, scalability, and operational risks. Key elements include:

• Process and Workflow Assessment: Analyzing how the project integrates with current processes and workflows, identifying potential bottlenecks, and optimizing operations.
• Resource Planning: Determining the human, physical, and technological resources required for successful project execution and identifying resource gaps.
• Scalability Evaluation: Assessing the project's ability to adapt and expand to meet changing demands and growth opportunities, including capacity planning and growth strategies.
• Operational Risks Analysis: Identifying potential operational challenges and developing strategies to mitigate them, ensuring smooth project implementation.

Each type of feasibility study serves a specific purpose in evaluating different facets of your project, collectively providing a comprehensive assessment of its viability and potential for success.

How to Prepare for a Feasibility Study?

Before you dive into the nitty-gritty details of conducting a feasibility study, it's essential to prepare thoroughly. Proper preparation will set the stage for a successful and insightful study. In this section, we'll explore the main steps involved in preparing for a feasibility study.

1. Identify the Project or Idea

Identifying and defining your project or business idea is the foundational step in the feasibility study process. This initial phase is critical because it helps you clarify your objectives and set the direction for the study.

• Problem Identification: Start by pinpointing the problem or need your project addresses. What pain point does it solve for your target audience?
• Project Definition: Clearly define your project or business idea. What are its core components, features, or offerings?
• Goals and Objectives: Establish specific goals and objectives for your project. What do you aim to achieve in the short and long term?
• Alignment with Vision: Ensure your project aligns with your overall vision and mission. How does it fit into your larger strategic plan?

Remember, the more precisely you can articulate your project or idea at this stage, the easier it will be to conduct a focused and effective feasibility study.

2. Assemble a Feasibility Study Team

Once you've defined your project, the next step is to assemble a competent and diverse feasibility study team. Your team's expertise will play a crucial role in conducting a thorough assessment of your project's viability.

• Identify Key Roles: Determine the essential roles required for your feasibility study. These typically include experts in areas such as market research, finance, technology, and operations.
• Select Team Members: Choose team members with the relevant skills and experience to fulfill these roles effectively. Look for individuals who have successfully conducted feasibility studies in the past.
• Collaboration and Communication: Foster a collaborative environment within your team. Effective communication is essential to ensure everyone is aligned on objectives and timelines.
• Project Manager: Designate a project manager responsible for coordinating the study, tracking progress, and meeting deadlines.
• External Consultants: In some cases, you may need to engage external consultants or specialists with niche expertise to provide valuable insights.

Having the right people on your team will help you collect accurate data, analyze findings comprehensively, and make well-informed decisions based on the study's outcomes.

3. Set Clear Objectives and Scope

Before you begin the feasibility study, it's crucial to establish clear and well-defined objectives. These objectives will guide your research and analysis efforts throughout the study.

Steps to Set Clear Objectives and Scope:

• Objective Clarity: Define the specific goals you aim to achieve through the feasibility study. What questions do you want to answer, and what decisions will the study inform?
• Scope Definition: Determine the boundaries of your study. What aspects of the project will be included, and what will be excluded? Clarify any limitations.
• Resource Allocation: Assess the resources needed for the study, including time, budget, and personnel. Ensure that you allocate resources appropriately based on the scope and objectives.
• Timeline: Establish a realistic timeline for the feasibility study. Identify key milestones and deadlines for completing different phases of the study.

Clear objectives and a well-defined scope will help you stay focused and avoid scope creep during the study. They also provide a basis for measuring the study's success against its intended outcomes.

4. Gather Initial Information

Before you delve into extensive research and data collection , start by gathering any existing information and documents related to your project or industry. This initial step will help you understand the current landscape and identify gaps in your knowledge.

• Document Review: Review any existing project documentation, market research reports, business plans, or relevant industry studies.
• Competitor Analysis : Gather information about your competitors, including their products, pricing, market share, and strategies.
• Regulatory and Compliance Documents: If applicable, collect information on industry regulations, permits, licenses, and compliance requirements.
• Market Trends: Stay informed about current market trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies that may impact your project.
• Stakeholder Interviews: Consider conducting initial interviews with key stakeholders, including potential customers, suppliers, and industry experts, to gather insights and feedback.

By starting with a strong foundation of existing knowledge, you'll be better prepared to identify gaps that require further investigation during the feasibility study. This proactive approach ensures that your study is comprehensive and well-informed from the outset.

How to Conduct a Market Feasibility Study?

The market feasibility study is a crucial component of your overall feasibility analysis. It focuses on assessing the potential demand for your product or service, understanding your target audience, analyzing your competition, and evaluating supply and demand dynamics within your chosen market.

Market Research and Analysis

Market research is the foundation of your market feasibility study. It involves gathering and analyzing data to gain insights into market trends, customer preferences, and the overall business landscape.

• Data Collection: Utilize various methods such as surveys, interviews, questionnaires, and secondary research to collect data about the market. This data may include market size, growth rates, and historical trends.
• Market Segmentation: Divide the market into segments based on factors such as demographics, psychographics , geography, and behavior. This segmentation helps you identify specific target markets .
• Customer Needs Analysis: Understand the needs, preferences, and pain points of potential customers . Determine how your product or service can address these needs effectively.
• Market Trends: Stay updated on current market trends, emerging technologies, and industry innovations that could impact your project.
• SWOT Analysis: Conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to identify internal and external factors that may affect your market entry strategy.

In today's dynamic market landscape, gathering precise data for your market feasibility study is paramount. Appinio offers a versatile platform that enables you to swiftly collect valuable market insights from a diverse audience.

With Appinio, you can employ surveys, questionnaires, and in-depth analyses to refine your understanding of market trends, customer preferences, and competition.

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Target Audience Identification

Knowing your target audience is essential for tailoring your product or service to meet their specific needs and preferences.

• Demographic Analysis: Define the age, gender, income level, education, and other demographic characteristics of your ideal customers.
• Psychographic Profiling: Understand the psychographics of your target audience, including their lifestyle, values, interests, and buying behavior.
• Market Segmentation: Refine your target audience by segmenting it further based on shared characteristics and behaviors.
• Needs and Pain Points: Identify your target audience's unique needs, challenges, and pain points that your product or service can address.
• Competitor's Customers: Analyze the customer base of your competitors to identify potential opportunities for capturing market share.

Competitive Analysis

Competitive analysis helps you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors, positioning your project strategically within the market.

• Competitor Identification: Identify direct and indirect competitors within your industry or market niche.
• Competitive Advantage: Determine the unique selling points (USPs) that set your project apart from competitors. What value can you offer that others cannot?
• SWOT Analysis for Competitors: Conduct a SWOT analysis for each competitor to assess their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Market Share Assessment: Analyze each competitor's market share and market penetration strategies.
• Pricing Strategies: Investigate the pricing strategies employed by competitors and consider how your pricing strategy will compare.

Leveraging the power of data collection and analysis is essential in gaining a competitive edge. With Appinio , you can efficiently gather critical insights about your competitors, their strengths, and weaknesses. Seamlessly integrate these findings into your market feasibility study, empowering your project with a strategic advantage.

Demand and Supply Assessment

Understanding supply and demand dynamics is crucial for gauging market sustainability and potential challenges.

• Market Demand Analysis: Estimate the current and future demand for your product or service. Consider factors like seasonality and trends.
• Supply Evaluation: Assess the availability of resources, suppliers, and distribution channels required to meet the expected demand.
• Market Saturation: Determine whether the market is saturated with similar offerings and how this might affect your project.
• Demand Forecasting: Use historical data and market trends to make informed projections about future demand.
• Scalability: Consider the scalability of your project to meet increased demand or potential fluctuations.

A comprehensive market feasibility study will give you valuable insights into your potential customer base, market dynamics, and competitive landscape. This information will be pivotal in shaping your project's direction and strategy.

How to Conduct a Technical Feasibility Study?

The technical feasibility study assesses the practicality of implementing your project from a technical standpoint. It involves evaluating the project's design, technical requirements, technological feasibility, resource availability, and risk analysis. Let's delve into each aspect in more detail.

1. Project Design and Technical Requirements

The project design and technical requirements are the foundation of your technical feasibility study. This phase involves defining the technical specifications and infrastructure needed to execute your project successfully.

• Technical Specifications: Clearly define the technical specifications of your project, including hardware, software, and any specialized equipment.
• Infrastructure Planning: Determine the physical infrastructure requirements, such as facilities, utilities, and transportation logistics.
• Development Workflow: Outline the workflow and processes required to design, develop, and implement the project.
• Prototyping: Consider creating prototypes or proof-of-concept models to test and validate the technical aspects of your project.

2. Technology Assessment

A critical aspect of the technical feasibility study is assessing the technology required for your project and ensuring it aligns with your goals.

• Technology Suitability: Evaluate the suitability of the chosen technology for your project. Is it the right fit, or are there better alternatives?
• Scalability and Compatibility: Assess whether the chosen technology can scale as your project grows and whether it is compatible with existing systems or software.
• Security Measures: Consider cybersecurity and data protection measures to safeguard sensitive information.
• Technical Expertise: Ensure your team or external partners possess the technical expertise to implement and maintain the technology.

3. Resource Evaluation

Resource evaluation involves assessing the availability of the essential resources required to execute your project successfully. These resources include personnel, materials, and suppliers.

• Human Resources: Evaluate whether you have access to skilled personnel or if additional hiring or training is necessary.
• Material Resources: Identify the materials and supplies needed for your project and assess their availability and costs.
• Supplier Relationships: Establish relationships with reliable suppliers and consistently assess their ability to meet your resource requirements.

4. Risk Analysis

Risk analysis is a critical component of the technical feasibility study, as it helps you anticipate and mitigate potential technical challenges and setbacks.

• Identify Risks: Identify potential technical risks, such as hardware or software failures, technical skill gaps, or unforeseen technical obstacles.
• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Develop strategies to mitigate identified risks, including contingency plans and resource allocation for risk management.
• Cost Estimation for Risk Mitigation: Assess the potential costs associated with managing technical risks and incorporate them into your project budget.

By conducting a thorough technical feasibility study, you can ensure that your project is technically viable and well-prepared to overcome technical challenges. This assessment will also guide decision-making regarding technology choices, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.

How to Conduct a Financial Feasibility Study?

The financial feasibility study is a critical aspect of your overall feasibility analysis. It focuses on assessing the financial viability of your project by estimating costs, projecting revenue, conducting investment analysis, and evaluating the overall financial health of your project. Let's delve into each aspect in more detail.

1. Cost Estimation

Cost estimation is the process of calculating the expenses associated with planning, developing, and implementing your project. This involves identifying both initial and ongoing costs.

• Initial Costs: Calculate the upfront expenses required to initiate the project, including capital expenditures, equipment purchases, and any development costs.
• Operational Costs: Estimate the ongoing operating expenses, such as salaries, utilities, rent, marketing, and maintenance.
• Contingency Funds: Allocate funds for unexpected expenses or contingencies to account for unforeseen challenges.
• Depreciation: Consider the depreciation of assets over time, as it impacts your financial statements.

2. Revenue Projections

Revenue projections involve forecasting the income your project is expected to generate over a specific period. Accurate revenue projections are crucial for assessing the project's financial viability.

• Sales Forecasts: Estimate your product or service sales based on market demand, pricing strategies, and potential growth.
• Pricing Strategy: Determine your pricing strategy, considering factors like competition, market conditions, and customer willingness to pay.
• Market Penetration: Analyze how quickly you can capture market share and increase sales over time.
• Seasonal Variations: Account for any seasonal fluctuations in revenue that may impact your cash flow.

3. Investment Analysis

Investment analysis involves evaluating the potential return on investment (ROI) and assessing the attractiveness of your project to potential investors or stakeholders.

• Return on Investment (ROI): Calculate the expected ROI by comparing the project's net gains against the initial investment.
• Payback Period: Determine how long it will take for the project to generate sufficient revenue to cover its initial costs.
• Risk Assessment: Consider the level of risk associated with the project and whether it aligns with investors' risk tolerance.
• Sensitivity Analysis: Perform sensitivity analysis to understand how changes in key variables, such as sales or costs, affect the investment's profitability.

4. Financial Viability Assessment

A financial viability assessment evaluates the project's ability to sustain itself financially in the long term. It considers factors such as profitability, cash flow, and financial stability.

• Profitability Analysis: Assess whether the project is expected to generate profits over its lifespan.
• Cash Flow Management: Analyze the project's cash flow to ensure it can cover operating expenses, debt payments, and other financial obligations.
• Break-Even Analysis: Determine the point at which the project's revenue covers all costs, resulting in neither profit nor loss.
• Financial Ratios: Calculate key financial ratios, such as debt-to-equity ratio and return on equity, to evaluate the project's financial health.

By conducting a comprehensive financial feasibility study, you can gain a clear understanding of the project's financial prospects and make informed decisions regarding its viability and potential for success.

How to Conduct an Operational Feasibility Study?

The operational feasibility study assesses whether your project can be implemented effectively within your organization's operational framework. It involves evaluating processes, resource planning, scalability, and analyzing potential operational risks.

1. Process and Workflow Assessment

The process and workflow assessment examines how the project integrates with existing processes and workflows within your organization.

• Process Mapping: Map out current processes and workflows to identify areas of integration and potential bottlenecks.
• Workflow Efficiency: Assess the efficiency and effectiveness of existing workflows and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Change Management: Consider the project's impact on employees and plan for change management strategies to ensure a smooth transition.

2. Resource Planning

Resource planning involves determining the human, physical, and technological resources needed to execute the project successfully.

• Human Resources: Assess the availability of skilled personnel and consider whether additional hiring or training is necessary.
• Physical Resources: Identify the physical infrastructure, equipment, and materials required for the project.
• Technology and Tools: Ensure that the necessary technology and tools are available and up to date to support project implementation.

3. Scalability Evaluation

Scalability evaluation assesses whether the project can adapt and expand to meet changing demands and growth opportunities.

• Scalability Factors: Identify factors impacting scalability, such as market growth, customer demand, and technological advancements.
• Capacity Planning: Plan for the scalability of resources, including personnel, infrastructure, and technology.
• Growth Strategies: Develop strategies for scaling the project, such as geographic expansion, product diversification, or increasing production capacity.

4. Operational Risk Analysis

Operational risk analysis involves identifying potential operational challenges and developing mitigation strategies.

• Risk Identification: Identify operational risks that could disrupt project implementation or ongoing operations.
• Risk Mitigation: Develop risk mitigation plans and contingency strategies to address potential challenges.
• Testing and Simulation: Consider conducting simulations or testing to evaluate how the project performs under various operational scenarios.
• Monitoring and Adaptation: Implement monitoring and feedback mechanisms to detect and address operational issues as they arise.

Conducting a thorough operational feasibility study ensures that your project aligns with your organization's capabilities, processes, and resources. This assessment will help you plan for a successful implementation and minimize operational disruptions.

How to Write a Feasibility Study?

The feasibility study report is the culmination of your feasibility analysis. It provides a structured and comprehensive document outlining your study's findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Let's explore the key components of the feasibility study report.

1. Structure and Components

The structure of your feasibility study report should be well-organized and easy to navigate. It typically includes the following components:

• Executive Summary: A concise summary of the study's key findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Introduction: An overview of the project, the objectives of the study, and a brief outline of what the report covers.
• Methodology: A description of the research methods , data sources, and analytical techniques used in the study.
• Market Feasibility Study: Detailed information on market research, target audience, competitive analysis, and demand-supply assessment.
• Technical Feasibility Study: Insights into project design, technical requirements, technology assessment, resource evaluation, and risk analysis.
• Financial Feasibility Study: Comprehensive information on cost estimation, revenue projections, investment analysis, and financial viability assessment.
• Operational Feasibility Study: Details on process and workflow assessment, resource planning, scalability evaluation, and operational risks analysis.
• Conclusion: A summary of key findings and conclusions drawn from the study.

Recommendations: Clear and actionable recommendations based on the study's findings.

2. Write the Feasibility Study Report

When writing the feasibility study report, it's essential to maintain clarity, conciseness, and objectivity. Use clear language and provide sufficient detail to support your conclusions and recommendations.

• Be Objective: Present findings and conclusions impartially, based on data and analysis.
• Use Visuals: Incorporate charts, graphs, and tables to illustrate key points and make the report more accessible.
• Cite Sources: Properly cite all data sources and references used in the study.
• Include Appendices: Attach any supplementary information, data, or documents in appendices for reference.

3. Present Findings and Recommendations

When presenting your findings and recommendations, consider your target audience. Tailor your presentation to the needs and interests of stakeholders, whether they are investors, executives, or decision-makers.

• Highlight Key Takeaways: Summarize the most critical findings and recommendations upfront.
• Use Visual Aids: Create a visually engaging presentation with slides, charts, and infographics.
• Address Questions: Be prepared to answer questions and provide additional context during the presentation.
• Provide Supporting Data: Back up your findings and recommendations with data from the feasibility study.

4. Review and Validation

Before finalizing the feasibility study report, conducting a thorough review and validation process is crucial. This ensures the accuracy and credibility of the report.

• Peer Review: Have colleagues or subject matter experts review the report for accuracy and completeness.
• Data Validation: Double-check data sources and calculations to ensure they are accurate.
• Cross-Functional Review: Involve team members from different disciplines to provide diverse perspectives.
• Stakeholder Input: Seek input from key stakeholders to validate findings and recommendations.

By following a structured approach to creating your feasibility study report, you can effectively communicate the results of your analysis, support informed decision-making, and increase the likelihood of project success.

Feasibility Study Examples

Let's dive into some real-world examples to truly grasp the concept and application of feasibility studies. These examples will illustrate how various types of projects and businesses undergo the feasibility assessment process to ensure their viability and success.

Example 1: Local Restaurant

Imagine you're passionate about opening a new restaurant in a bustling urban area. Before investing significant capital, you'd want to conduct a thorough feasibility study. Here's how it might unfold:

• Market Feasibility: You research the local dining scene, identify target demographics, and assess the demand for your cuisine. Market surveys reveal potential competitors, dining preferences, and pricing expectations.
• Technical Feasibility: You design the restaurant layout, plan the kitchen setup, and assess the technical requirements for equipment and facilities. You consider factors like kitchen efficiency, safety regulations, and adherence to health codes.
• Financial Feasibility: You estimate the initial costs for leasing or purchasing a space, kitchen equipment, staff hiring, and marketing. Revenue projections are based on expected foot traffic, menu pricing, and seasonal variations.
• Operational Feasibility: You create kitchen and service operations workflow diagrams, considering staff roles and responsibilities. Resource planning includes hiring chefs, waitstaff, and kitchen personnel. Scalability is evaluated for potential expansion or franchising.
• Risk Analysis: Potential operational risks are identified, such as food safety concerns, labor shortages, or location-specific challenges. Risk mitigation strategies involve staff training, quality control measures, and contingency plans for unexpected events.

Example 2: Software Development Project

Now, let's explore the feasibility study process for a software development project, such as building a mobile app:

• Market Feasibility: You analyze the mobile app market, identify your target audience, and assess the demand for a solution in a specific niche. You gather user feedback and conduct competitor analysis to understand the competitive landscape.
• Technical Feasibility: You define the technical requirements for the app, considering platforms (iOS, Android), development tools, and potential integrations with third-party services. You evaluate the feasibility of implementing specific features.
• Financial Feasibility: You estimate the development costs, including hiring developers, designers, and ongoing maintenance expenses. Revenue projections are based on app pricing, potential in-app purchases, and advertising revenue.
• Operational Feasibility: You map out the development workflow, detailing the phases from concept to deployment. Resource planning includes hiring developers with the necessary skills, setting up development environments, and establishing a testing framework.
• Risk Analysis: Potential risks like scope creep, technical challenges, or market saturation are assessed. Mitigation strategies involve setting clear project milestones, conducting thorough testing, and having contingency plans for technical glitches.

These examples demonstrate the versatility of feasibility studies across diverse projects. Whatever type of venture or endeavor you want to embark on, a well-structured feasibility study guides you toward informed decisions and increased project success.

Conclusion for Feasibility Studies

In conclusion, conducting a feasibility study is a crucial step in your project's journey. It helps you assess the viability and potential risks, providing a solid foundation for informed decision-making. Remember, a well-executed feasibility study not only enables you to identify challenges but also uncovers opportunities that can lead to your project's success.

By thoroughly examining market trends, technical requirements, financial aspects, and operational considerations, you are better prepared to embark on your project confidently. With this guide, you've gained the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the intricate terrain of feasibility studies.

How to Conduct a Feasibility Study in Minutes?

Speed and precision are paramount for feasibility studies, and Appinio delivers just that. As a real-time market research platform, Appinio empowers you to seamlessly conduct your market research in a matter of minutes, putting actionable insights at your fingertips.

Here's why Appinio stands out as the go-to tool for feasibility studies:

• Rapid Insights: Appinio's intuitive platform ensures that anyone, regardless of their research background, can effortlessly navigate and conduct research, saving valuable time and resources.
• Lightning-Fast Responses: With an average field time of under 23 minutes for 1,000 respondents, Appinio ensures that you get the answers you need when you need them, making it ideal for time-sensitive feasibility studies.
• Global Reach: Appinio's extensive reach spans over 90 countries, allowing you to define the perfect target group from a pool of 1,200+ characteristics and gather insights from diverse markets.

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Make It So: How to Conduct a Feasibility Study for Better Project Planning

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Reading time: about 7 min

The most successful companies have ambitious goals. Whether you’re launching a new product or delving into a new market, growth requires some level of testing and risk. Sometimes, it means taking on projects or initiatives without knowing exactly how it will come to life or whether it will ultimately benefit the business.

Still, successful business leaders know that time and resources are the most valuable assets for any company. And smart project managers work to make sure both are being maximized for the good of the business. Understanding the feasibility and potential ROI on a project before it ever gets started will not only help you make the most of your time—but maximize your business results. 

Determining feasibility 

This is the initiation stage of the project management lifecycle. At this stage, you determine your objectives, identify your major project deliverables, and decide whether the project can reasonably be completed with good results. This is where a feasibility study comes into play.

What is a feasibility study? 

Simply put, a feasibility study is an assessment of the practicality of a proposed plan or method. Just as the name implies, the study answers the question, “Is this project feasible?” 

To determine this, start by answering the who, what, when, when, and how of your project. Conduct an analysis to determine who needs to be involved in the project , what needs to be done, when it needs to be completed, and how everything will come together to make the project successful. This process of evaluation is at the core of a feasibility study, a common process to complete when results are uncertain and stakes are high.

Feasibility study example: Company A is looking to invest in a new software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution. First, the stakeholders in the investment will analyze what technology or workflow problem the investment will address. The team will also take contractual or subscription costs into account, plus what resources will be required for training and implementation. The study may also need to gauge what kind of change management will be required to gain buy-in. Those conducting the study evaluate all the project data, as well as pros and cons. Finally, they can make an informed decision on whether the investment is a go. 

Types of feasibility studies

There are five types of feasibility studies, each of which provides a different lens to help you evaluate whether your business idea or project is viable: 

1. Economic feasibility

When budgets are at play, it’s important to determine whether the investment will be worth it. Simply put, will your project be profitable? With an economic feasibility study, you run a cost-benefit analysis to determine how much value the project will bring to the business.

2. Technical feasibility

This broad concept can be applied to many types of projects, from software development to construction. Validate the technical resources and capabilities needed to convert the ideas into a working project or system.

3. Operational feasibility

Even the most strategic, well-intentioned projects can go astray if they’re too difficult to bring together, or don’t directly address or solve the problem at hand. An operational analysis helps you understand how well the proposed project will address the problem. 

4. Schedule feasibility

Also referred to as time visibility, this type of feasibility study can help you determine how reasonable the project’s timeline is when measured against existing projects and available resources. Proper evaluation at this step can also help you avoid unpredictable or extra costs. 

5. Legal feasibility

Legal feasibility analysis helps you understand if your proposed plan conforms to legal and ethical requirements. These requirements may include zoning laws, data protection acts, or privacy laws. 

How to conduct a feasibility study

Think about the last time you needed to solve a problem—either at home or at work. If it was a familiar problem, you likely already had a previous experience or game plan to guide your progress. New types of problems or circumstances, however, require new, creative ways of thinking and innovative solutions. 

When determining how to approach a business need, problem, or opportunity, it’s important to determine whether your plan of attack is feasible, and what steps needed to be taken to be successful. But how do you separate a feasible project from a misguided one? 

Here are seven steps to determine if your project is feasible: 

1. Analyze the problem

First, conduct a preliminary analysis of project requirements to assess the practicality and viability of the proposed plan. Do you have the technology and resources required to get the project off the ground? How will you measure and determine the ROI of the project? Understanding your business goals and objectives before you start the project will help keep everyone aligned and working toward the same goal. 

2. Evaluate the budget

The quickest way to derail any new project or initiative is to misuse or waste budget. Especially when budgets are limited, your stakeholders want to know whether the money you spend will make a difference to the bottom line. Determine how much budget you have available for the project—and identify the projected revenue streams. How will this project result in a monetary return on investment?

3. Do your research

Next, take a deeper look at the market. Is there a demand for your product or business plan? For smaller projects, what roadblocks will you face along the way? What are your competitors doing? If your project goals are too narrow, or they don’t align to larger business goals, it might be wise to reevaluate your approach. 

4. Make a plan

Armed with your research, create an action plan to bring your project to life. What resources—people, processes, and tech—will you need to complete the project? A work breakdown structure (WBS) , which breaks down projects into smaller, more manageable pieces that you can reasonably evaluate and assign to teams, can be used to build this plan. 

There are plenty of diagrams available to better manage a project. Similar to a WBS, Program, Evaluation, and Review Technique (PERT) charts and Gantt charts can be used to break projects into smaller more digestible tasks to determine how long each step of the project will take. A PERT chart better illustrates the interdependency between project tasks, while a Gantt chart helps you visualize progress on a project as it’s happening. 

5. Make a balance sheet

Now that you have an actionable plan in hand, it’s time to reevaluate the finances of the project. To do this, bring in financial data to prepare a project kickoff balance sheet. Are you still projecting the same revenue? 

6. Check your data

It’s crunch time. Before you decide whether it makes sense to move forward with the project, take another look at all the data at your fingertips. Objectively, how likely is it that this project will be successful? 

7. Decide what’s next

With all of these evaluations in place, you’ll be able to confidently, objectively, and strategically determine whether the project is feasible. If it’s not, you can build a more thoughtful, strategic plan to run through a feasibility study. If all signs point to “yes,” it’s time to give your project the green light. 

Business moves fast, and for many businesses, it can be tempting to skip evaluation stages in order to get projects done more quickly. Too often, however, this leads to misalignment, derailed projects, duplicative work—or even worse, wasted time and budget. No matter your industry, a feasibility study can help you surface risks and uncertainties and increase your odds of business success. 

About Lucidchart

Lucidchart, a cloud-based intelligent diagramming application, is a core component of Lucid Software's Visual Collaboration Suite. This intuitive, cloud-based solution empowers teams to collaborate in real-time to build flowcharts, mockups, UML diagrams, customer journey maps, and more. Lucidchart propels teams forward to build the future faster. Lucid is proud to serve top businesses around the world, including customers such as Google, GE, and NBC Universal, and 99% of the Fortune 500. Lucid partners with industry leaders, including Google, Atlassian, and Microsoft. Since its founding, Lucid has received numerous awards for its products, business, and workplace culture. For more information, visit lucidchart.com.

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Starting a Business | What is

What Is a Feasibility Study for Small Business?

Published July 17, 2020

Published Jul 17, 2020

WRITTEN BY: Blake Stockton

This article is part of a larger series on Starting a Business .

A feasibility study for small business is an in-depth research and financial analysis that recommends if one should pursue a business idea or product. The study contains estimates of items such as income, costs, obstacles, and technical challenges. Typically, a feasibility study for a small business costs a minimum of $5,000. However, they can cost up to $100,000 for businesses that have a multimillion dollar startup budget.

Throughout this article, we discuss what a feasibility study is and how it differs from a business plan, so that you can decide whether or not you really need one for your business.

How the Feasibility Study Works

Usually, businesses conduct feasibility studies to determine if their idea or product is worth pursuing. It’s one of the more complicated and costly ways to test a business idea.

Depending on the idea’s complexity and scope, a study can take weeks or months to prepare. With the help of templates or programs, business owners can conduct feasibility studies on their own. However, because of the in-depth research and complicated financial projections, they often hire an expert to create the study.

Feasibility studies do not determine the final decision but present all the evidence and make a strong recommendation on whether or not it’s best to move forward. The entrepreneur, stakeholders, and/or other authorities decide whether to go ahead with the business idea or product, using the study as a guide.

Who Should Get a Feasibility Study?

Small business entrepreneurs use a feasibility study to prevent the costly mistake of launching an unsuccessful business, product, or project. You can use a study to help make strategic decisions, such as determining whether you should:

• Start a new business
• Open a new store or factory
• Change product lineup or approach
• Expand to a new area or market
• Acquire another company
• Make a significant investment in new technology
• Enter an already crowded or competitive market segment
• Invest personal capital into a project

Feasibility Study vs Business Plan

A feasibility study often comes before the business plan, because the information and data uncovered in the study are included in the business plan. Plus, if the feasibility gives a recommendation not to move forward, you may want to rethink your business idea or product altogether before creating a plan.

What Should Be in a Feasibility Study?

Depending on the project or business, you will use each of the aspects below to a certain degree. The feasibility study’s organization may vary depending on its focus—you may have a section for each of these topics:

• Executive Summary: This summarizes the project and business. The ultimate conclusions are outlined here. It should be about a page long.
• Demand: A marketing analysis determines the need for your product or business in the industry you want to sell. Even if you have a brick-and-mortar business, you should consider online aspects as well.
• Technical issues: What tool, hardware, or software do you need to create your business or product? Will you create the tech, buy it, or rent it? This section also includes the facilities, including layout, shelving, offices, and manufacturing space.
• Logistics issues: This piece outlines vendors, pricing schedules, exclusive agreements, and franchised product contracts. It may include getting supplies and delivering finished products or working online elements like an ecommerce site. Location issues can be placed here.
• Legal concerns: Do you need permits? Are there regulations or prohibitions to consider? What about environmental, historical, or legacy issues to negotiate?
• Marketing strategy: This section will define the target market as specific as possible: How you will meet their needs, and how you will target them?
• Required staffing: How many employees will you need? What are their qualifications? What is the typical salary in your area? You can include a sample organizational chart along with a corresponding discussion of who among your current employees may change jobs to fill new positions.
• Scheduling: This section includes milestones for financials as well as physical projects and a timeline for completion.
• Financials: In addition to anticipated expenses and potential profits, this section will include an opening day balance sheet that lists total assets and liabilities on your business’s first day. This financial data gives you an indication of your return on investment (ROI).
• ROI: If you don’t see a return on investment, it makes no sense to start or expand your business. A feasibility study estimates when you’ll earn profits and what or how much they may be.
• Analysis: You will see discussions answering questions like: Does it seem realistic? Are the sources strong? Are there outlying data points to consider? Also, analyze potential risks: What are the worst-case scenarios, and how likely are they?
• Recommendations: This gives a go or no-go recommendation and breaks down specific suggestions based on the main elements. If the project is not feasible, it may offer alternatives.

Cost of a Feasibility Study

A feasibility study for small business takes an average of 60 to 90 days to complete and may cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. As a general rule of thumb, a feasibility study will cost 1% of the business’s total cost to open or a product’s cost to build. So if you’re requesting a feasibility study for a complicated business with millions in startup costs, be prepared to spend more than $10,000.

The cost is also determined by the study’s depth, the tools needed to conduct it—survey software, focus groups, and lawyers—and the scope of the project. For example, a study to determine if a business should bring manufacturing back to the US from overseas will cost more than a study on whether to open a restaurant.

Here are costs for various feasibility study projects:

Who Provides Feasibility Studies?

You may find it challenging to find a firm that only produces feasibility studies. Often, a market research firm will provide feasibility studies in addition to other services. For example, Drive Research in Syracuse, New York, offers a host of market research services, including feasibility studies .

There are also business plan writing companies that specialize in feasibility studies. Wise Business Plans provides a study with in-depth market research and industry analysis.

If you’d like to connect one-on-one and choose your own independent market researcher for a feasibility study, you could look to the freelancer platform Upwork . You can find several market research experts and analysts that may be interested in tackling your specific project. Upwork is an excellent platform to find market researchers, because you can review a freelancer’s past work to see if they’d be a good fit.

Tips and Best Practices to Follow When Purchasing a Feasibility Study

• Conduct a preliminary analysis first: Before paying thousands of dollars for a feasibility study, do a minor check to ensure there are no insurmountable technical, legal, or financial obstacles to the business idea or product.
• Involve stakeholders: Before, during, and after the study, keep people relevant to the business in the loop. Get their input, suggestions, and feedback.
• Review research: Review the feasibility study data and see if you come to a similar conclusion as the research analyst. You may also want to pay for a second expert’s opinion on the final determination.
• Assess your current company or situation: Before making any decision on a business idea or product, consider your own strengths, weaknesses, and financial situation in the final decision to move forward or not.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for a Feasibility Study

Is it better to hire out for a feasibility study.

Most likely, yes. Feasibility studies typically contain in-depth expert data analysis and financial projections. Hiring out the work will ensure you get an objective evaluation of the project and its potential downfalls and successes. It’s human nature to bias our own ideas, and a third party can avoid.

How much should I invest in a feasibility study?

For a simpler study on a business idea or product, expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. The general rule of thumb is that a feasibility study will cost 1% of the expected project budget or business’s cost to build.

Should feasibility studies include solutions as well as pointing out obstacles?

Yes, the more information the study provides, the better it will aid in the decision-making process. Feasibility studies should provide an objective determination because of the time and expense involved.

Can my feasibility study become my business plan?

Many times, yes. With some changes in focus and scope, a feasibility study can be re-imagined into a business plan. However, be sure it meets the purpose, which outlines the strategic and tactical steps needed to make the business work.

Bottom Line

Feasibility studies can cost thousands of dollars, but they can save you millions you may lose from making a poor business decision. They examine a new business or product idea by researching the endeavor’s technological, financial, and operational aspects. The study analyzes the data and offers a recommendation on if you should move ahead with your project or idea and how to maximize its success.

About the Author

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Blake Stockton

Blake Stockton is a staff writer at Fit Small Business focusing on how to start brick-and-mortar and online businesses. He is a frequent guest lecturer at several undergraduate business and MBA classes at University of North Florida . Prior to joining Fit Small Business, Blake consulted with over 700 small biz owners and assisted with starting and growing their businesses.

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What Is a Feasibility Study? How to Conduct One for Your Project

Why is a feasibility study so important in project management? For one, the feasibility study or feasibility analysis is the foundation upon which your project plan resides. That’s because the feasibility analysis determines the viability of your project. Now that you know the importance, read on to learn what you need to know about feasibility studies.

What Is a Feasibility Study?

A feasibility study is simply an assessment of the practicality of a proposed project plan or method. This is done by analyzing technical, economic, legal, operational and time feasibility factors. Just as the name implies, you’re asking, “Is this feasible?” For example, do you have or can you create the technology that accomplishes what you propose? Do you have the people, tools and resources necessary? And, will the project get you the ROI you expect?

Get your free

Feasibility study template

Use this free Feasibility Study Template for Word to manage your projects better.

What’s the Importance of a Feasibility Study?

A project feasibility study should be done during the project management life cycle after the business case has been completed. So, that’s the “what” and the “when” but how about the “why?” Why is it important to conduct a feasibility study?

An effective feasibility study points a project in the right direction by helping decision-makers have a holistic view of the potential benefits, disadvantages, barriers and constraints that could affect its outcome. The main purpose of a feasibility study is to determine whether the project can be not only viable but also beneficial from a technical, financial, legal and market standpoint.

What Is Included in a Feasibility Study Report?

The findings of your project feasibility study are compiled in a feasibility report that usually includes the following elements.

• Executive summary
• Description of product/service
• Technology considerations
• Product/service marketplace
• Marketing strategy
• Organization/staffing
• Financial projections
• Findings and recommendations

Free Feasibility Study Template

Use this free feasibility study template for Word to begin your own feasibility study. It has all the fundamental sections for you to get started, and it’s flexible enough to adapt to your specific needs. Download yours today.

Types of Feasibility Study

There are many things to consider when determining project feasibility, and there are different types of feasibility studies you might conduct to assess your project from different perspectives.

Pre-Feasibility Study

A pre-feasibility study, as its name suggests, it’s a process that’s undertaken before the feasibility study. It involves decision-makers and subject matter experts who will prioritize different project ideas or approaches to quickly determine whether the project has fundamental technical, financial, operational or any other evident flaws. If the project proposal is sound, a proper feasibility study will follow.

Related: Project Proposal Template

Technical Feasibility Study

A technical feasibility study consists in determining if your organization has the technical resources and expertise to meet the project requirements . A technical study focuses on assessing whether your organization has the necessary capabilities that are needed to execute a project, such as the production capacity, facility needs, raw materials, supply chain and other inputs. In addition to these production inputs, you should also consider other factors such as regulatory compliance requirements or standards for your products or services.

Economic Feasibility Study

Also called financial feasibility study, this type of study allows you to determine whether a project is financially feasible. Economic feasibility studies require the following steps:

• Before you can start your project, you’ll need to determine the seed capital, working capital and any other capital requirements, such as contingency capital. To do this, you’ll need to estimate what types of resources will be needed for the execution of your project, such as raw materials, equipment and labor.
• Once you’ve determined what project resources are needed, you should use a cost breakdown structure to identify all your project costs.
• Identify potential sources of funding such as loans or investments from angel investors or venture capitalists.
• Estimate the expected revenue, profit margin and return on investment of your project by conducting a cost-benefit analysis , or by using business forecasting techniques such as linear programming to estimate different future outcomes under different levels of production, demand and sales.
• Estimate your project’s break-even point.
• Conduct a financial benchmark analysis with industrial averages and specific competitors in your industry.
• Use pro forma cash flow statements, financial statements, balance sheets and other financial projection documents.

Legal Feasibility Study

Your project must meet legal requirements including laws and regulations that apply to all activities and deliverables in your project scope . In addition, think about the most favorable legal structure for your organization and its investors. Each business legal structure has advantages and disadvantages when it comes to liability for business owners, such as limited liability companies (LLCs) or corporations, which reduce the liability for each business partner.

Market Feasibility Study

A market feasibility study determines whether your project has the potential to succeed in the market. To do so, you’ll need to analyze the following factors:

• Industry overview: Assess your industry, such as year-over-year growth, identify key direct and indirect competitors, availability of supplies and any other trends that might affect the future of the industry and your project.
• SWOT analysis: A SWOT analysis allows organizations to determine how competitive an organization can be by examining its strengths, weaknesses and the opportunities and threats of the market. Strengths are the operational capabilities or competitive advantages that allow an organization to outperform its competitors such as lower costs, faster production or intellectual property. Weaknesses are areas where your business might be outperformed by competitors. Opportunities are external, such as an underserved market, an increased demand for your products or favorable economic conditions. Threats are also external factors that might affect your ability to do well in the market such as new competitors, substitute products and new technologies.
• Market research: The main purpose of market research is to determine whether it’s possible for your organization to enter the market or if there are barriers to entry or constraints that might affect your ability to compete. Consider variables such as pricing, your unique value proposition, customer demand, new technologies, market trends and any other factors that affect how your business will serve your customers. Use market research techniques to identify your target market, create buyer personas, assess the competitiveness of your niche and gauge customer demand, among other things.

7 Steps to Do a Feasibility Study

If you’re ready to do your own feasibility study, follow these 7 steps. You can use this free feasibility study template to help you get started.

1. Conduct a Preliminary Analysis

Begin by outlining your project plan . You should focus on an unserved need, a market where the demand is greater than the supply and whether the product or service has a distinct advantage. Then, determine if the feasibility factors are too high to clear (i.e. too expensive, unable to effectively market, etc.).

2. Prepare a Projected Income Statement

This step requires working backward. Start with what you expect the income from the project to be and then what project funding is needed to achieve that goal. This is the foundation of an income statement. Factor in what services are required and how much they’ll cost and any adjustments to revenues, such as reimbursements, etc.

Related: Free Project Management Templates

3. Conduct a Market Survey or Perform Market Research

This step is key to the success of your feasibility study, so make your market analysis as thorough as possible. It’s so important that if your organization doesn’t have the resources to do a proper one, then it is advantageous to hire an outside firm to do so.

Market research will give you the clearest picture of the revenues and return on investment you can realistically expect from the project. Some things to consider are the geographic influence on the market, demographics, analyzing competitors, the value of the market and what your share will be and if the market is open to expansion (that is, in response to your offer).

4. Plan Business Organization and Operations

Once the groundwork of the previous steps has been laid, it’s time to set up the organization and operations of the planned project to meet its technical, operational, economic and legal feasibility factors. This isn’t a superficial, broad-stroke endeavor. It should be thorough and include start-up costs, fixed investments and operating costs. These costs address things such as equipment, merchandising methods, real estate, personnel, supply availability, overhead, etc.

5. Prepare an Opening Day Balance Sheet

This includes an estimate of the assets and liabilities, one that should be as accurate as possible. To do this, create a list that includes items, sources, costs and available financing. Liabilities to consider are such things as leasing or purchasing land, buildings and equipment, financing for assets and accounts receivables.

6. Review and Analyze All Data

All of these steps are important, but the review and analysis are especially important to ensure that everything is as it should be and that nothing requires changing or tweaking. Take a moment to look over your work one last time.

Reexamine your previous steps, such as the income statement, and compare them with your expenses and liabilities. Is it still realistic? This is also the time to think about risk and come up with any contingency plans .

7. Make a Go/No-Go Decision

You’re now at the point to make a decision about whether or not the project is feasible. That sounds simple, but all the previous steps lead to this decision-making moment. A couple of other things to consider before making that binary choice are whether the commitment is worth the time, effort and money and whether it aligns with the organization’s strategic goals and long-term aspirations.

Feasibility Study Examples

Here are some simple feasibility study examples so you have a better idea of what a feasibility study is used for in different industries.

Construction Feasibility Study

For this construction feasibility study example, let’s imagine a large construction company that’s interested in starting a new project in the near future to generate profits.

• Pre-Feasibility Study: The first step is to conduct a preliminary feasibility study. It can be as simple as a meeting where decision-makers will prioritize projects and discuss different project ideas to determine which poses a bigger financial benefit for the organization.
• Technical Feasibility Study: Now it’s time to estimate what resources are needed to execute the construction project, such as raw materials, equipment and labor. If there’s work that can’t be executed by the company with its current resources, a subcontractor will be hired to fill the gap.
• Economic Feasibility Study: Once the construction project management team has established what materials, equipment and labor are needed, they can estimate costs. Cost estimators use information from past projects, construction drawings and documents such as a bill of quantities to come up with an accurate cost estimate. Then, based on this estimate, a profit margin and financial forecasts will be analyzed to determine if there’s economic feasibility.
• Legal Feasibility Study: Now the company needs to identify all potential regulations, building codes and laws that might affect the project. They’ll need to ask for approval from the local government so that they can begin the construction project .
• Market Feasibility Study: Market feasibility will be determined depending on the nature of the project. For this feasibility example, let’s assume a residential construction project will be built. To gauge market potential, they’ll need to analyze variables such as the average income of the households in the city, crime rate, population density and any trends in state migration.

Manufacturing Feasibility Study

Another industry that uses feasibility studies is manufacturing. It’s a test run of the steps in the manufacturing production cycle to ensure the process is designed properly. Let’s take a look at what a manufacturing feasibility study example would look like.

• Feasibility Study: The first step is to look at various ideas and decide which is the best one to pursue. You don’t want to get started and have to stop. That’s a waste of time, money and effort. Look at what you intend to manufacture, does it fill an unserved need, is the market able to support competition and can you manufacture a quality product on time and within your budget?
• Financial Feasibility Study: Find out if your estimated income from the sale of this product is going to cover your costs, both direct and indirect costs. Work backward from the income you expect to make and the expenses you’ll spend for labor, materials and production to determine if the manufacturing of this product is financially feasible.
• Market Feasibility Study: You’ve already determined that there’s a need that’s not being served, but now it’s time to dig deeper to get realistic projections of revenue. You’ll want to define your target demographic, analyze the competitive landscape, determine the total market volume and what your market share will be and estimate what market expansion opportunities there are.
• Technical Feasibility Study: This is where you’ll explore the production , such as what resources you’ll need to produce your product. These findings will inform your financial feasibility study as well as labor, material, equipment, etc., costs have to be within your budget. You’ll also figure out the processes you’ll use to produce and deliver your product to the market, including warehousing and retail distribution.

There could be other feasibility studies you’ll have to make depending on the product and the market, but these are the essential ones that all manufacturers have to look at before they can make an educated decision as to whether to go forward or abandon the idea.

Best Practices for a Feasibility Study

• Use project management software like ProjectManager to organize your data and work efficiently and effectively
• Use templates or any data and technology that gives you leverage
• Involve the appropriate stakeholders to get their feedback
• Use market research to further your data collection
• Do your homework and ask questions to make sure your data is solid

If your project is feasible, then the real work begins. ProjectManager helps you plan more efficiently. Our online Gantt chart organizes tasks, sets deadlines, adds priority and links dependent tasks to avoid delays. But unlike other Gantt software, we calculate the critical path for you and set a baseline to measure project variance once you move into the execution phase.

Watch a Video on Feasibility Studies

There are many steps and aspects to a project feasibility study. If you want yours to be accurate and forecast correctly whether your project is doable, then you need to have a clear understanding of all its moving parts.

Jennifer Bridges, PMP, is an expert on all aspects of project management and leads this free training video to help you get a firm handle on the subject.

Here’s a screenshot for your reference!

Pro tip: When completing a feasibility study, it’s always good to have a contingency plan that you test to make sure it’s a viable alternative.

ProjectManager Improves Your Feasibility Study

A feasibility study is a project, so get yourself a project management software that can help you execute it. ProjectManager is an award-winning software that can help you manage your feasibility study through every phase.

Once you have a plan for your feasibility study, upload that task list to our software and all your work is populated in our online Gantt chart. Now you can assign tasks to team members, add costs, create timelines, collect all the market research and attach notes at the task level. This gives people a plan to work off of, and a collaborative platform to collect ideas and comments.

If you decide to implement the project, you already have it started in our software, which can now help you monitor and report on its progress. Try it for yourself with this free 30-day trial.

Transcription

Today we’re talking about How to Conduct A Feasibility Study, but first of all, I want to start with clarifying what a feasibility study is.

Feasibility Analysis Definition

Basically, it’s an assessment of the practicality of a proposed plan or method. Basically, we’ll want to want to know, is this feasible. Some of the questions that may generate this or we can hear people asking are, “Do we have or can we create the technology to do this? Do we have the people resource who can produce this and will we get our ROI, our Return On Investment?”

When to Do a Feasibility Study

So when do we do the feasibility study? So it’s done during a project lifecycle and it’s done after the business case because the business case outlines what we’re proposing. Is it a product or service that we’re proposing?

So why do we do this? The reason we do this is that we need to determine the factors that will make the business opportunity a success.

How to Conduct a Feasibility Study

Well, let’s talk about a few steps that we do in order to conduct the feasibility study.

Well, first of all, we conduct a preliminary analysis of what all’s involved in the business case and what we’re analyzing and what we’re trying to determine is feasible.

Then we prepare a projected income statement. We need to know what are the income streams, how are we gonna make money on this. Where’s the revenue coming from? We also need to conduct a market survey.

We need to know, is this a demand? Is there a market for this? Are customers willing to use this product or use this service?

The fourth one is to plan the business organization and operations. What is the structure, what kind of resources do we need? What kind of staffing requirements do we have?

We also want to prepare an opening day balance sheet. What are the…how again, what are the expenses, what’s the revenue and to ensure that being able to determine if we’re gonna make our ROI.

So we want to review and analyze all of the data that we have and with that, we’re going to determine, we’re going to make a go, no-go decision. Meaning, are we going to do this project or this business opportunity or not.

Well, here are some of the best practices to use during your feasibility study.

One is to use templates, tools and surveys that exist today. The great news is, data is becoming more and more prevalent. There are all kinds of technologies. There are groups that they do nothing but research. Things that we can leverage today.

We want to involve the appropriate stakeholders to ensure that input is being considered from the different people involved.

We also want to use again the market research to ensure we’re bringing in good, reliable data.

Do your homework, meaning act like is if this is your project, if it’s your money. So do your homework and do it well and make sure you give credible data.

What Is a Feasibility Report?

So ultimately in the end what we’re doing is, we’re producing and we’re providing a feasibility report. So in that report, think of this is like a template.

So what you’re gonna do is give it an executive summary of the business opportunity that you’re evaluating and the description of the product or the service.

You want to look at different technology considerations. Is it technology that you’re going to use? Are you going to build the technology?

What kind of product and service marketplace and being able again, to identify the specific market you’re going to be targeting? Also, what is the marketing strategy you’re going to use to target the marketplace?

And also what’s the organizational structure? What are the staffing requirements? What people do you need to deliver the product or service and even support it?

So also we want to know the schedule to be able to have the milestones to ensure that as we’re building things, that as we’re spending money that we’re beginning to bring in income to pay and knowing when we’re going to start recuperating some of the funding. Again, which also ties into the financial projections.

Ultimately in this report, you’re going to provide the findings and the recommendations.

Again, we’ll probably talk about technology. Are you going to build it? Are you going to buy it? What are the marketing strategies for the specific marketplace organization? You may have some recommendations for whether you’re going to insource the staff, maybe you are going to outsource some staff and what that looks like and also financial recommendation.

If you’ve been looking for an all-in-one tool that can help with your feasibility study, consider ProjectManager. We offer five project views and countless features that make it seamless to plan projects, organize tasks and stay connected with your team. See what our software can do for you by taking this free 30-day trial.

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Table of Contents

What is a feasibility study, understanding a feasibility study, types of feasibility study, importance of feasibility study, benefits of a feasibility study, what is included in a feasibility study report, tools for conducting a feasibility study, examples of a feasibility study, what is the purpose of a feasibility study, how do you write a feasibility study, 7 steps to do a feasibility study, how to conduct a feasibility study, feasibility study vs. business plan, reasons to do or not to do a feasibility study, enroll today with these pgp on project management to enhance your skills, what is a feasibility study a comprehensive guide.

The growth and recognition of project management training have changed significantly over the past few years, and these changes are expected to continue and expand. And with the rise of project management comes the need for a feasibility study.

It can be thrilling to start a complex, large-scale project with a significant impact on your company. You are creating real change. Failure can be scary.  This article will help you get started if you have never done a feasibility study on project management.

Getting certified as a project management professional is simple with Simplilearn's PMP Certification . Take advantage of this opportunity by enrolling now.

A feasibility study is a comprehensive evaluation of a proposed project that evaluates all factors critical to its success in order to assess its likelihood of success. Business success can be defined primarily in terms of ROI, which is the amount of profits that will be generated by the project.

A feasibility study evaluates a project's or system's practicality. As part of a feasibility study, the objective and rational analysis of a potential business or venture is conducted to determine its strengths and weaknesses, potential opportunities and threats, resources required to carry out, and ultimate success prospects. Two criteria should be considered when judging feasibility: the required cost and expected value.

As the name implies, a feasibility analysis is used to determine the viability of an idea, such as ensuring a project is legally and technically feasible as well as economically justifiable. It tells us whether a project is worth the investment—in some cases, a project may not be doable. There can be many reasons for this, including requiring too many resources, which not only prevents those resources from performing other tasks but also may cost more than an organization would earn back by taking on a project that isn’t profitable.

A well-designed study should offer a historical background of the business or project, such as a description of the product or service, accounting statements, details of operations and management, marketing research and policies, financial data, legal requirements, and tax obligations. Generally, such studies precede technical development and project implementation.

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Project management is the process of planning, organizing, and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives. A feasibility study is a preliminary exploration of a proposed project or undertaking to determine its merits and viability. A feasibility study aims to provide an independent assessment that examines all aspects of a proposed project, including technical, economic, financial, legal, and environmental considerations. This information then helps decision-makers determine whether or not to proceed with the project.

The feasibility study results can also be used to create a realistic project plan and budget. Without a feasibility study, it cannot be easy to know whether or not a proposed project is worth pursuing.

A feasibility analysis evaluates the project’s potential for success; therefore, perceived objectivity is an essential factor in the credibility of the study for potential investors and lending institutions. There are five types of feasibility study—separate areas that a feasibility study examines, described below.

1. Technical Feasibility

This assessment focuses on the technical resources available to the organization. It helps organizations determine whether the technical resources meet capacity and whether the technical team is capable of converting the ideas into working systems. Technical feasibility also involves the evaluation of the hardware, software, and other technical requirements of the proposed system. As an exaggerated example, an organization wouldn’t want to try to put Star Trek’s transporters in their building—currently, this project is not technically feasible.

2. Economic Feasibility

This assessment typically involves a cost/ benefits analysis of the project, helping organizations determine the viability, cost, and benefits associated with a project before financial resources are allocated. It also serves as an independent project assessment and enhances project credibility—helping decision-makers determine the positive economic benefits to the organization that the proposed project will provide.

3. Legal Feasibility

This assessment investigates whether any aspect of the proposed project conflicts with legal requirements like zoning laws, data protection acts or social media laws. Let’s say an organization wants to construct a new office building in a specific location. A feasibility study might reveal the organization’s ideal location isn’t zoned for that type of business. That organization has just saved considerable time and effort by learning that their project was not feasible right from the beginning.

4. Operational Feasibility

This assessment involves undertaking a study to analyze and determine whether—and how well—the organization’s needs can be met by completing the project. Operational feasibility studies also examine how a project plan satisfies the requirements identified in the requirements analysis phase of system development.

5. Scheduling Feasibility

This assessment is the most important for project success ; after all, a project will fail if not completed on time. In scheduling feasibility, an organization estimates how much time the project will take to complete.

When these areas have all been examined, the feasibility analysis helps identify any constraints the proposed project may face, including:

• Internal Project Constraints: Technical, Technology, Budget, Resource, etc.
• Internal Corporate Constraints: Financial, Marketing, Export, etc.
• External Constraints: Logistics, Environment, Laws, and Regulations, etc.

The importance of a feasibility study is based on organizational desire to “get it right” before committing resources, time, or budget. A feasibility study might uncover new ideas that could completely change a project’s scope. It’s best to make these determinations in advance, rather than to jump in and to learn that the project won’t work. Conducting a feasibility study is always beneficial to the project as it gives you and other stakeholders a clear picture of the proposed project. 

Below are some key benefits of conducting a feasibility study:

• Improves project teams’ focus
• Identifies new opportunities
• Provides valuable information for a “go/no-go” decision
• Narrows the business alternatives
• Identifies a valid reason to undertake the project
• Enhances the success rate by evaluating multiple parameters
• Aids decision-making on the project
• Identifies reasons not to proceed

Apart from the approaches to feasibility study listed above, some projects also require other constraints to be analyzed -

Preparing a project's feasibility study is an important step that may assist project managers in making informed decisions about whether or not to spend time and money on the endeavor. Feasibility studies may also help a company's management avoid taking on a tricky business endeavor by providing them with critical information.

An additional advantage of doing a feasibility study is that it aids in the creation of new ventures by providing information on factors such as how a company will work, what difficulties it could face, who its competitors are, and how much and where it will get its funding from. These marketing methods are the goal of feasibility studies, which try to persuade financiers and banks whether putting money into a certain company venture makes sense.

When starting a business, one of the most important steps is to conduct a feasibility study. This study will help to determine if your business idea is viable and has the potential to be successful. Several factors need to be considered when conducting a feasibility study, including the marketability of your product or service, the competition, the financial stability of your company, and more. A feasibility study should cover the amount of technology, resources required, and ROI.

The results of your feasibility studies study are summarized in a feasibility report, which typically comprises the following sections.

• Executive summary
• Specifications of the item or service
• Considerations for the future of technology
• The marketplace for goods and services
• Approach to marketing
• Organization/staffing
• The financial forecasts
• Recommendations based on research

Suggested Best Practices

While every project has its own goals and needs, the following are best practices for conducting a feasibility study.

• Do a preliminary analysis. This includes getting feedback from relevant stakeholders on the new project. Also, look for other business scenarios.
• To ensure that the data is solid, determine and ask queries about it in the initial phase.
• Take a market survey to identify market demand and opportunities for the new concept or business.
• Create an organizational, operational, or business plan. This includes identifying how much labor is required, what costs, and how long.
• Make a projected income statement that involves revenue, operating expenses, and profit.
• Create an opening day balance sheet.
• You will need to identify and address any vulnerabilities or obstacles.
• Take an initial decision to go ahead with the plan.

Suggested Components

Here are the some suggested components for conducting a feasibility study:

• Executive Summary: Write a narrative describing the project, product, or service.
• Technological considerations: Ask yourself what it will take. Are you able to afford it? How much will it cost?
• Current marketplace: Find out the market for your product, service, or plan in the local and global markets.
• Marketing strategy: Define in the detailed description.
• Required staff: What human resources are needed for this project?
• Timeline and schedule: Use important interim markers to indicate when the project will be completed.
• Project financials. Project financials are the different ways managers can account for money spent and earned on projects. One of the most important aspects of financial management is creating and tracking accurate project financials.

A local university was concerned about the state of the science building, which was built in the 1970s. School officials sought to determine the costs and benefits of expanding and upgrading the building, given the scientific and technological advances over the past 20 years. A feasibility study was therefore conducted.

School officials looked at several options and weighed the costs and benefits of updating and expanding the science building. There were concerns expressed by school officials about the project's cost and public reaction. The proposed new science building will be larger than the current one. The community board rejected similar proposals in the past. The feasibility study will address these concerns and any possible legal or zoning issues.

The feasibility study examined the technology requirements of the proposed concept(new science building), the potential benefits for students, and its long-term viability. Modernizing the science facility will increase the scientific research potential and ameliorate its modules. It also would allure new students.

Financial projections provided information about the scope & cost of this project and also provided information on raising funds. This covers issuing an investor's bonds and tapping into its endowment. Projections also help determine how the new science program attracts more fresh students to enroll in offered programs, increasing tuition and fees revenue.

The feasibility study proved that the proposed concept was feasible, which allowed for the expansion and modernization of the science building. The feasibility study would not have allowed school administrators to know if the expansion plans were feasible without it.

A feasibility study is an important first step in starting a new business. It is a detailed examination of whether or not a proposed business venture is likely to be successful. A feasibility study aims to provide information that will help business owners make informed decisions about their new venture.

The feasibility study will answer important questions about the proposed business, including:

• What is the target market for this business?
• Who are the competitors?
• What are the costs associated with starting and running this business?
• What are the potential risks and rewards associated with this venture?
• How much revenue can this business generate?
• What are the estimated profits and losses for this business?
• What is the potential for growth in this industry?

This feasibility study will outline why your business idea is worth pursuing and will also help you identify any potential risks or problems that could occur. When writing a feasibility study, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Outline your target market and how you plan to reach them.
• Discuss your product or service in detail and explain why it is unique and needed.
• Outline your financial projections and explain how you plan to make a profit.

1. Conduct a Preliminary Analysis

A preliminary investigation is necessary to determine whether a full feasibility study is warranted. During this stage, key information will be gathered to assess the project's potential and make a preliminary decision about its feasibility. This should include a review of relevant documents, interviews with key personnel, and surveys of potential customers or users.

2. Prepare a Projected Income Statement

To do a feasibility study, you must create a projected income statement. Your projected income statement will show how much money your business is expected to make in the coming year. It will include both your estimated revenue and your estimated expenses. This document will be essential in helping you make informed decisions about your business.

3. Conduct a Market Survey, or Perform Market Research

Conducting market research is an important step in any feasibility study. By understanding the needs and wants of your potential customers, you can determine if there is a market for your product or service. You can also get an idea of what your competition is doing and how to best position your business to meet the needs of your target market.

There are a variety of ways to conduct market research. One popular method is to conduct a survey. You can survey potential customers directly or use data from secondary sources such as surveys conducted by other organizations. You can also use focus groups or interviews to get feedback from potential customers.

Once you have gathered your data, you can use it to create a profile of your ideal customer. This will help you understand your target market and how to reach them.

4. Plan Business Organization and Operations

When starting a business, one of the first things you need is to plan your organization and operations. This involves creating a structure for your company and figuring out the logistics of how you will run it. There are many factors to consider when planning your organization and operations, such as:

• Company Structure: What type of company will you be (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, etc.)? What will the hierarchy look like?
• Location: Where will your business be located? Will you have a physical storefront or operate online only?
• Marketing: How will you promote your business?

5. Prepare an Opening Day Balance Sheet

The opening day balance sheet is a snapshot of the company's financial position at the beginning of the business venture. The purpose of the opening day balance sheet is to give an idea of the amount of money that the company has to work with and track its expenses and income as they occur. This information is vital to making sound business decisions. The opening day balance sheet will include the following:

• Cash on hand
• Accounts receivable
• Prepaid expenses
• Fixed assets
• Accounts payable
• Notes payable
• Long-term liabilities

6. Review and Analyze All Data

The feasibility study should include reviewing and analyzing all data relevant to the proposed project. The data collected should be verified against source documentation, and any discrepancies should be noted. The purpose of the feasibility study is to provide a basis for making a decision, and the data should be sufficient to support that decision.

The analysis should consider both the positive and negative aspects of the proposed project. The financial analysis should be thorough, and all assumptions should be documented. The risk assessment should identify any potential risks and mitigation strategies. The team assigned to the project should review the feasibility study and recommend the organization's leadership.

Organizational leadership should decide whether to proceed with the project based on the feasibility study's findings. If the project is approved, the organization should develop a project plan that includes a detailed budget and timeline

7. Make a Go/No-Go Decision

It is important to know when to cut your losses when starting a business. The go/no-go decision in a feasibility study comes in. The go/no-go decision is a key part of a feasibility study, and it can help you determine whether or not your business idea is worth pursuing.

Making the go/no-go decision is all about risk assessment. You need to weigh the risks and rewards of starting your business and decide whether the potential rewards are worth the risks. If the risks are too high, you may want to reconsider your business idea.

Now, let's discuss a few of the steps we take in order to do the feasibility study.

• To begin, we do a preliminary study of the business case to define what is included and what we are examining and attempting to find is realistic.
• Following that, we generate a forecasted income statement. We need to understand the revenue sources; how are we going to profit from this? Where does the income originate? Additionally, we must do a market study.
• We need to find out whether this is a demand for our product. How much demand does this have? Is there a market for this product or service?
• Plan your company's structure and operations, which is the fourth step. Specifically, what type of organization do we need, and what resources do we have? Do we have any specific personnel needs?
• We also plan to generate a balance sheet on the first day. What are the income and expenses, and how can we be confident we'll be able to decide whether we're going to make our ROI?
• As a result, we plan to go through and examine all of our data before making a final decision on whether or not to go forward. In other words, are we going to pursue this project or business opportunity?

When starting a business, you must create two very important documents: a feasibility study and a business plan. While they may seem similar, they are two different things with different purposes.

A feasibility study is a preliminary document that assesses the feasibility of a proposed business. It looks at the market potential, the competition, the costs and benefits of starting the business, and the risks and rewards involved.

On the other hand, a business plan is a more detailed document that outlines how a business will be run and what its goals are. It includes information about its mission statement, its products and services, its target market, its finances, and its management team.

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to conduct a feasibility study. The most important question is whether the study will help you make a better decision.

Some reasons to do a feasibility study include:

• You are considering a major change or investment
• You want to assess the viability of a new business or product
• You need to understand the risks and potential rewards associated with a project

On the other hand, some reasons not to do a feasibility study include:

• You are pressed for time and don't think the study will provide enough value to justify the time commitment.
• You are confident that your idea is feasible, and a study will only confirm what you already believe.
• The change or investment is not significant enough to warrant the study.
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This article introduces the concept of a feasibility study and provides a few tips on conducting one. A feasibility study is an important tool for evaluating a project before starting it. By understanding the feasibility of a project, you can make better decisions about whether to move forward.

We hope this helped you understand the concept of feasibility study better. To learn more about similar project management concepts , explore our library of Project Management articles or check out our Post Graduate Program in Project Management that covers new trends, emerging practices, tailoring considerations, and core competencies required of a Project Management professional .

Q1. What Is the Main Objective of a Feasibility Study?

Feasibility study helps decision makers to determine the success or failure of a proposed project or investment. It evaluates the predicted cost and benefits of the proposed project. 

Q2. What Are the Steps in a Feasibility Study?

The first step in a feasibility study is to conduct the primary analysis and create the projected income statement. Followed by doing a market survey and accordingly planning business operations. The last step is to create a balance sheet to review and analyze data. Based on your analysis, you can decide whether to go or not go ahead with the proposed statement. 

Q3. Who Conducts a Feasibility Study?

Feasibility study is done by the senior management of the organization. Sometimes, they take help from mid-senior employees to complete the analysis in short span of time. 

Q4. What Are the 5 Types of Feasibility?

The 5 types of feasibility study are Scheduling Feasibility, Operational Feasibility, Legal Feasibility, Economic Feasibility, and Technical Feasibility. 

Q5. Why is a Feasibility Study Important?

A feasibility study helps in identifying the financial, market and logistical challenges of a proposed project. It is done by evaluating the estimated funds for the project and return of investment.

Q6. When is the Feasibility Study Done?

The feasibility study is done before the business plan is created. 

Q7. What is the Primary Purpose of Conducting a Feasibility Analysis?

The objective of feasibility study is to assess the financial viability of developed plan and whether it will be successful or not.

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Feasibility analysis for new businesses

Feasibility analysis involves assessing your new business idea in detail to determine if it will be viable. This can build on any initial research you've already done.

A feasibility analysis helps you consider the costs and activities required to set up and run a business, and how to make an informed decision about whether to start a business and how to do it.

Most importantly, it will give you a picture of the costs involved that you'll need to consider and the revenue and profit you can realistically expect to generate.

To determine if your business idea is practical and achievable, there are areas you can investigate and study.

Ask yourself these practical questions and how they relate to your situation as a starting point.

• Is the business logistically achievable?
• Does current technology meet your needs?
• What are the risks?
• How will your products or service differ from what is on the market?
• What is the trajectory of the market?
• Do you have the finances to make the business achievable?
• Is there a time constraint for establishing the business?

How to analyse the feasibility of your business

To conduct a feasibility analysis, you will need a detailed understanding of:

• your business idea, product or service
• the nature of the market
• the needs of your customers
• the costs involved and the revenue you are forecasting
• your business model and plan
• the human resources and skills available to support the business.

A feasibility analysis – to provide details for a formal business plan – may be necessary when preparing a pitch to investors, lenders or potential partners for your business, and when applying for government funding.

Steps for feasibility analysis

Follow these steps to analyse the feasibility of your business.

• the financial feasibility of starting the business (read below)
• the legal requirements for operating it
• the operational capacity as outlined in your business plan .
• Research the industry, market, customers, business model and staffing – how will they affect the feasibility of your business?
• Review your research findings to determine if the business idea, product or service is viable.

Types of feasibility analysis

There are different types of feasibility analysis that you can use. Each type will focus on a specific part of your business operations.

Use this type of analysis to determine if your business has adequate economic resources to meet its goals (e.g. funding, capital, profit).

• What is the financial position of the business?
• Is the business able to access necessary funding?
• Can the business make a profit?
• Does the business have enough money to meet its obligations?

Use this type of analysis to determine if your business successfully meets the necessary legal requirements to operate (e.g. business registrations, permits and licences).

• Does the business have all relevant registrations, licences and permits in place?
• Does the business have access to legal advice as necessary?

Use this type of analysis to determine if your business has the operational resources it requires to be successful (e.g. business structure, premises, suppliers, human resources and equipment).

• Is the business structure confirmed?
• Are the business premises and location suitable?
• Does the business have access to a variety of suppliers?
• Does the business have the necessary staffing and equipment to operate?

Include feasibility analysis in your business plan

The business plan template contains an action checklist that you can use to help assess your business's financial, legal and operational feasibility.

Read more about writing a business plan .

Financial viability

Financial viability is your business's capacity to generate enough income to meet its operating costs while maintaining required service levels.

Make sure you've calculated the costs required to start your business and that you have funds to cover these.

To assess the financial viability of your business, consider if your business:

• is profitable
• can give you an income, salary or return on investment
• is meeting all business obligations
• has adequate cash resources
• could sustain operations through a phase of no profit.

Assessing your business's financial viability

You will need to:

• calculate key profit figures
• determine the break-even point of your business
• develop a cash flow statement and use it to estimate how long the business can survive without making profit

Your cash flow, key profit figures and budget will contribute to your business plan. You might choose to compile this financial information yourself or work with a financial adviser.

For more information, see:

• budgets and forecasts
• cash flow management
• working with accountants, bookkeepers and tax agents .

Starting lean

'Starting lean' describes the method for starting a business or introducing a product or service as efficiently as possible.

Starting lean can help you to determine the feasibility of your business while minimising costs, time commitment and resources.

Starting lean may involve:

• scheduling a research phase early in your start-up preparation before the business opens or new product launches
• starting with a concept or product that can be developed and tested quickly and at low cost – this will help you validate the level of demand in the market before making a larger financial commitment
• continuing the testing phase for as long as necessary – viability increases when you make improvements between a series of tests, as opposed to a one-off test.

When the business concept, idea or product is validated, you can proceed to establishing your business.

Product and service viability

Product and service viability is a type of analysis that looks specifically at considerations associated with business products and services, rather than the business itself.

Product viability refers to the potential that business products have to generate demand in the market and be profitable.

To help you determine if a product is viable, consider the following:

• Is the product safe?
• Will the product fit into the market?
• How quickly can we get the product into the market?
• Does the current product need to be improved?
• How will you manage the research and development?
• Can you partner with industry or research partners to innovate?
• Do you have the time and money available to innovate?
• Is there a gap in the market for this product?
• Do you have the funding to develop the new product?
• How will you manage and protect intellectual property ?

Long-term viability of products and services

It can be beneficial to consider the long-term value of your business products or services when determining their viability and how much to invest in production or marketing.

Consider the following:

• Will your products and services be viable in 5–10 years or will trends diminish their value?
• Are the products and services dependent on other products and services (e.g. maintenance, parts, servicing requirements)? If so, will those still be available in 5–10 years?
• Can your products and services adapt to industry changes and meet market needs in new ways in the future (e.g. integrate with new technologies, such as renewables)?
• What capital requirements will be needed in the long term?
• Will the potential income be worth the capital investment?

Customer needs now and in the future

Customers are the end-users of your products and services. Considering both the current and future needs of your customers is key to determining if your business idea, product or service is feasible.

To help ensure that your customer needs are met, consider:

• conducting usability testing—the process of testing a product or design with a group of users that are representative of your target customers
• implementing universal design principles—used to ensure products and services are accessible to the widest range of customers.

Customer feasibility checklist

You can use the following checklist to help you consider if your business idea, product or service will be feasible.

• Will you conduct usability testing?
• Will you apply universal design principles?
• How will your pricing affect the size of the market?
• How will competitors affect your price position in the market?
• Will the customer need to purchase maintenance packages or pay for regular upgrades?

Business model considerations

A business model outlines the core attributes of a business. It defines the business products and services, target market and costs, and details a high-level strategy for how the business plans to make a profit.

You should consider the long-term operation of the business when assessing its feasibility – the business must be viable in the start-up phase and be able to maintain this viability into the future.

• The ownership structure of the business – is it fit for purpose? Could it be changed to better suit your business goals?
• The capital required from lenders or investors – what capital do you need to make your business profitable in the short and long term?
• The distribution channels available – do you have channels available to distribute your products and services efficiently?
• The potential to licence or sell products and services in the future – will you require specific licences to sell your products and services? Will you be able to meet the necessary requirements?
• The future export potential – will you export your products or services? If so, are they any existing or potential trade barriers?

Choosing the ideal team

Part of analysing a business's feasibility is analysing its human resources. You should consider the attributes people, within and outside the business, should have to help your business succeed.

• The owner or director is responsible for the business.
• Are they the right person to manage and lead the business now and in the future?
• Will they be the best person to help the business grow or will you need more people to provide support?
• What kind of capital does your business need?
• Equity partners might help you reach your business goals.
• Make sure you have identified the amount of equity you are prepared to give to others before engaging in partnership discussions.
• Your staff are vital to your business success.
• Both managers and general staff are needed to lead and operate the business.
• Think about the staff you have and the staff you may need in the future.
• Independent contractors can help you meet specialist needs in both the short and long term.
• Consider the potential skills gaps within your business and opportunities for outsourcing.

Other key people may benefit your business and help you build capacity for growth and improvement, such as:

• researchers
• financial advisers
• intellectual property specialists
• accountants
• bookkeepers
• IT specialists
• advertising and marketing managers.

Also consider...

• Learn about marketing and customer research .
• Understand the process of researching customers .
• Read customer stories from the Entrepreneurs’ Programme .
• Find out about Australian Government grants and programs .
• Read about the Advance Queensland initiative .
• Get export support .
• Learn about grants for innovation .
• Take the business readiness health check .
• Understand patents .
• Last reviewed: 10 Oct 2022
• Last updated: 10 Oct 2022

• How to Conduct a Feasibility Study the Right Way

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All businesses have to critically examine the actions they take, whether the business is just starting out or has been in operation for a while. Establishing the viability of an idea or action can ultimately determine whether a business succeeds or not. The best tool for determining this is by conducting a feasibility study.

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In this guide, we will examine what a feasibility study entails and when it should be used . We’ll then outline the five key elements of a feasibility study and provide you with six steps for conducting one within your organization . Lastly, you’ll see some examples of feasibility studies .

WHAT IS A FEASIBILITY STUDY?

A feasibility study is a study, which is performed by an organization in order to evaluate whether a specific action makes sense from an economic or operational standpoint. The objective of the study is to test the feasibility of a specific action and to determine and define any issues that would argue against this action.

The question a feasibility study essentially tries to answer is: “ Should we proceed with the specific action plan? ” On top of determining whether the plan is viable, organizations can use a feasibility study for understanding the risks better and preparing for them.

It’s important to remember that a feasibility study is not the same as a business plan. A business plan provides a planning function and defines the actions needed to take a business idea into reality, whereas a feasibility study provides an investigation into a specific function and whether it’s viable.

While it’s important to conduct both plans before setting up a company, a business plan should only be conducted once the business has been deemed viable by a feasibility study.

When should a feasibility study be used?

While feasibility studies are typically conducted by business organizations, other organizations can naturally benefit from it as well. Since the study aims to discover whether an action is viable, it can help organizations to avoid costly or operationally exhausting ventures.

The study is typically used in situations where an important strategic decision needs to be taken .

This can vary and some of the example situations include:

• Change in business location
• Purchase of new equipment or software
• Acquisition of another company
• Hiring of additional employees

As mentioned above, a feasibility study is often at the core of launching a business. It can be the key to launching a successful start-up, as it helps to underline the future pain points and to determine whether the plan is viable in the first place.

Overall, a feasibility study is the perfect tool for situations where the impact is likely to be big in terms of operational or economic significance.

David E. Gumpert nailed the essential importance of a feasibility study in his book How to Really Create a Successful Business Plan . When discussing the possible failure of a feasibility study (i.e. the negative result), Gumpert wrote, “ Although [an unsuccessful feasibility study] may appear to be a failure, it’s not. The failure would have been if you had invested your own and others’ money and then lost it due to barriers you failed to research in advance. ”

Finally, you can watch the below video to understand the importance of a feasibility study for business success through a simple example:

CORE ELEMENTS OF A FEASIBILITY STUDY

You’ll need to study the main elements when conducting a feasibility study. While these are often all required for conducting a study, you might sometimes focus mostly on a single element or a combination of a few of them.

#1  Technical feasibility

The first element deals with technical feasibility of the proposed action plan. If your organization is introducing a new product or a service, the technical feasibility study will determine if it’s a technically viable action.

This part of the feasibility study should answer the following questions :

• What is the proposed product or service?
• Is the product or service already on sale? If not, how far is it from an existing marketplace and what will the introduction cost?
• How can you protect the product or service from the competition?
• What are the strengths of the product or service?
• What are the main benefits to customers or users?
• What resources are required for producing or providing it?
• How capable is the organization to acquire these resources?
• What are the regulatory standards surrounding the product or service and its use?

Remember the above questions can be used when you are introducing a new product or launching a business, but also if you are implementing a new product or service within your organization. For instance, if you are introducing new software, you must understand the strengths of it, as well as the resources required for implementing it.

#2  Market feasibility

The second element focuses on testing the market for the proposed action or idea. It examines issues like whether the product or service can be sold at reasonable prices or if there’s a marketplace for it.

Market feasibility should answer the following questions :

• What market segments are you targeting?
• Why would people buy the product or service?
• Who are the potential customers and how many of them are there?
• What are the buying patterns of these potential customers?
• How will you sell the product or service? Where?
• Who are your competitors? Including past, current and future competitors.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors?
• What is your product or service’s competitive edge?

The above essentially points out to the importance of conducting market research as part of your feasibility study. Market feasibility is an important part of a feasibility study when the plan of action deals with issues such as business expansion, new product or service launch, product development and starting up a business.

#3  Commercial feasibility

Commercial feasibility is an element of the study focused on the probability of commercial success. It’s mainly focused on studying the new business or a new product or service, and whether your organization can create enough profit with it.

The questions that require answering as part of the commercial feasibility study include:

• What are the strengths and weaknesses of your business?
• What are the potential sales volumes of the product or service?
• What is the pricing structure you’ll use?
• What are the sensitivity points for your business in terms of sales?
• What is the ROI ?

Furthermore, if you are conducting a feasibility study as part of launching a business , you also need to answer the following questions:

• How long can your business survive without a sale?
• How long before you break even with the product or service?
• How much money is required to start operating?
• Will your organization require external finance?

While the above points are mainly important for new businesses, any organization can benefit from thinking about them when launching a new operation.

For example, if you are adding a new product line to your business, you should use the above questions as a guide to understanding the implications to your other operations and the financial viability of the new product.

#4 Overall risk assessment

The fourth element focuses on the major risks the proposed plan can entail. The overall risk assessment part of a feasibility study examines the different ways your organization can reduce the risk of embarking on the new action.

The overall risk assessment should answer the following questions :

• What are the major risks associated with the operation?
• What is the survival outlook for each of the above risks?
• How sensitive are the profits?
• What are the best ways to minimize these risks?

The aim is to try to cover all the possibilities and create a risk assessment map, which deals with the probability of the risk and the impact it would have on the business. It’s aimed at recognizing the risks that can make or break your business from the smaller, more manageable risks.

For instance, consider your business is conducting a feasibility study in order to hire a new employee. One risk might deal with the possibility the hire is an inadequate fit and leaves after six month trial period. But your risk assessment might show that while the risk of this is relatively high, the survivability of your business doesn’t depend on it. For example, the cost of a bad hire could be low due to your recruitment strategy or the position not being essential for operations.

This is how you can create your own risk assessment map .

[slideshare id=1707548&doc=riskmanagementframework-090710200059-phpapp01&w=640&h=330]

In addition, if you are launching a new business, the overall risk assessment should also consider one final question. Answering the question “ When can your business be able to support you and itself without extra financing? ” is an important part of a feasibility study. Self-sufficiency is crucial for business success, as having to borrow can hinder the long-term survivability of your business.

#5 Feasibility of purchasing an existing business

The final essential element of a feasibility study is not necessarily relevant to every business. Nonetheless, it is an important aspect to keep in mind, as it deals with the impact of acquiring a new business. This is not only relevant to new businesses, as your organization might acquire a new business as part of its growth strategy.

The purpose of this final element is to study whether purchasing an existing business is a sound investment to make. It requires your organization to answer questions such as :

• Why is the current owner selling the business?
• What is the business’ performance? If it’s poor, what are the reasons behind it?
• What is the competition like?
• What is the valuation of the assets included in the sale?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of the current business location? Is your organization continuing operations in the same premises or not? Why?

STEPS TO CONDUCTING A FEASIBILITY STUDY

Now that we’ve examined the different core elements of a feasibility study, we can look at the steps you need to take in order to conduct a feasibility study.

Step 1: Conduct preliminary analysis

A feasibility study can be a time-consuming process and it doesn’t come without its costs. It’s therefore auspicious to start by conducting preliminary analysis . This is essentially a pre-screening of the proposed action and it examines whether a proper feasibility assessment is worth the time and money.

For example, before you conduct a feasibility study on the viability of acquiring a business, you want to check quickly the overall attainability of the action. If the acquisition is so risky that it could bankrupt your business, there’s no reason for conducting a proper feasibility study.

Preliminary assessment should consist of the following steps:

• First, you want to outline the planned idea or action . This means looking at what you are looking to achieve and why.
• Second, you should examine the market space and the commercial viability of the action . You want to get an overall feel of what type of customers are you potentially attracting.
• Third, you should examine the unique characteristics of the idea and whether they are strength or a weakness. The idea or action might have certain unique characteristics (i.e. location, price, usability) and these might help your organization.
• Fourth, you need to determine if there are insurmountable risks to the action . It’s essential to outline any risks that could possibly reduce the viability of the action or idea close to zero.

Keep in mind the above is just to get an overall feel of the idea. You don’t need to conduct full market research at this point, but simply understand whether there’s any kind of space for the action within the market.

If your preliminary analysis doesn’t find any insurmountable obstacles and the commercial viability is possibly there, you can continue with the proper feasibility study.

Step 2: Outlining the project scope and conducting current analysis

Next, you should move on to outlining the project scope by defining the area of study for the feasibility study. Do you need to look at all five elements of the study, for example?

The scope must be detailed and outline the objectives of the feasibility study clearly. It’s a good idea to examine the above five elements in terms of your action or idea and create an action plan for each section that applies to the project.

It’s essential to study the different parts of your business that might be influenced by the proposed action or idea, even when you aren’t proposing something that impacts the whole business directly (i.e. launching a new product, acquiring a business or starting a business). Actions, such as hiring new personnel to a single department, can sometimes have an impact on sectors that might not immediately seem obvious.

The key to outlining the scope is about understanding the different participants and end-users of the proposed idea or action. For instance, if you are moving the business to new premises, you have to understand the impact it’ll have on the workforce (change in commute can an impact on employee morale, etc.) and the customer (will all customers follow your business to a new location, etc.).

Finally, you also need to analyze the current situation prior to the implementation of the idea or action. You can do so by describing the weaknesses and strengths of the business. Once you’ve done this, you can study the savings and the operational benefits you are hoping to achieve with the new proposal.

Step 3: Comparing your proposal with existing products/services

You’ll also need to research the current competitive landscape in order to understand whether the proposed idea or action is viable. Whether you are implementing a new software or equipment or launching your own new product, you need to compare the proposed product or service with other similar items on the market.

This might mean you need to compare the feasibility of your chosen software (for example, accounting platform) with other products on the market. What are the benefits of your proposed choice and what are the weaknesses? Are the risks associated with your chosen software smaller or bigger than those of competitive products?

The same analysis applies when launching a new product. Part of your feasibility study must then focus on understanding what the customers are looking for and whether your proposed idea answers these needs. You should also compare the proposed product with the existing products or services and focus on the advantages, as well as disadvantages, you might have.

Learn more about Porter’s five forces in this video.

Step 4: Examining the market conditions

You also need to examine the market conditions. There are four specific points when it comes to the analyzing market in terms of feasibility.

• Defining the target market.
• Studying the buying habits of the target market.
• Understanding the sale and market share outlook of the proposal.
• Outlining the product awareness required for the use of your product or service.

The main goal of this part of the feasibility study is to understand the revenue projection for implementing the proposed idea or action. You want to have a realistic understanding of the kind of sale numbers you can expect and the scope of the promotional activities you are required to undertake.

For example, in terms of product or service awareness, you must be able to determine the type of marketing required for potential customers to understand and be able to use the item.

Step 5: Understanding the financial costs

One of the most important steps for concluding a feasibility study involves calculating the financial costs related to the proposal. No matter what type of idea or action your organization is considering, the financial cost of it can be the major point in determining its viability.

The first rule of any successful business is the need to have income or it goes bust. Therefore, any action your organization takes has to examine the impact it’ll have on the income and profit of the business.

The financial costs associated with your proposed idea or action will naturally depend on the proposal. But you have to consider the following points in all instances:

• The resources required to implement the idea or action.
• The source for these resources: internal or external financing.
• The realistic benefits of the idea or action , whether it’s sales figures, boost in productivity, or a cut in operational costs.
• The break-even schedule for the proposal . This refers to the time it takes to a point when the profits from the idea or action equal the costs associated with it.
• The financial risks associated with the idea or action . This can refer to risky market conditions, the probability of requiring more resources and so on.
• The financial cost of failure . You also need to calculate the financial cost of the worst-case scenario. This can determine whether your business has the means of embarking on this new venture or not.

The likelihood of having to use estimates in the above calculations is relatively high. It’s important to conduct proper research and to be as realistic with your figures as possible. After all, positive surprises (for example, exceeding sales figures) are not difficult to manage, unlike overly positive calculations that turn out wrong.

Step 6: Reviewing and analysing data

Finally, you need to review your feasibility study carefully and examine the findings with time. A good rule of thumb is to simply take a step back and reflect on the research before jumping into conclusions.

After your study, look around and consider the following questions :

• Are there any risks you weren’t aware of previously?
• Have the market conditions changed?
• Has the competition changed?
• Is your business situation still the same, in terms of operations and economic situation?

If the conditions have changed, you can review these parts of the feasibility study. Once you’ve reviewed your results, you can go ahead with the final decision. The feasibility study should provide you the answer of either moving ahead with the proposed idea or action, or scrapping the idea and looking for something different.

EXAMPLES OF FEASIBILITY STUDIES

Use the following examples as inspirations for your own feasibility study.

Feasibility study for setting up a bakery .

[slideshare id=28843825&doc=feasibilitystudy-131203075213-phpapp02&type=d&w=640&h=330]

Feasibility study for setting up a water refilling station .

[slideshare id=40064756&doc=alphaedit-141009073249-conversion-gate02&type=d&w=640&h=330]

Feasibility study for setting up a poultry business .

[slideshare id=41782939&doc=feasibilitystudyaboutchicken-141119201619-conversion-gate02&type=d&w=640&h=330]

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