Operational Feasibility vs. Technical Feasibility

Attribute	Operational Feasibility	Technical Feasibility
Definition	Concerned with whether the proposed system will be used effectively once it is developed and implemented	Concerned with whether the proposed system can be developed and implemented using current technology and resources
Focus	Focuses on the impact of the system on the organization and its users	Focuses on the technical aspects of developing and implementing the system
Criteria	Includes factors such as user acceptance, training requirements, and organizational readiness	Includes factors such as hardware and software requirements, technical skills, and compatibility with existing systems
Assessment	Assessed through surveys, interviews, and observations of users and stakeholders	Assessed through technical analysis, prototyping, and testing of the system

Introduction

Operational feasibility and technical feasibility are two important aspects that need to be considered when evaluating the viability of a project or system. While both are crucial in determining the success of a project, they focus on different aspects of feasibility. In this article, we will compare the attributes of operational feasibility and technical feasibility to understand their differences and similarities.

Operational Feasibility

Operational feasibility refers to the extent to which a proposed system or project can be effectively implemented and integrated into the existing operations of an organization. It involves assessing whether the proposed system will meet the needs of the users and whether it will be accepted and used by them. Operational feasibility also considers factors such as the impact on the organization's processes, resources, and culture.

One of the key attributes of operational feasibility is user acceptance. This involves evaluating whether the users of the system will be willing and able to use it effectively. User acceptance is crucial for the success of a project, as resistance from users can lead to implementation failures. Another attribute of operational feasibility is the impact on existing processes. It is important to assess how the proposed system will affect the organization's current operations and whether any changes will be required.

Operational feasibility also considers the availability of resources, both human and financial. It is essential to evaluate whether the organization has the necessary resources to implement and support the proposed system. This includes assessing the skills and expertise of the staff who will be involved in the project, as well as the budget and funding available. Additionally, operational feasibility looks at the compatibility of the proposed system with the organization's culture and values.

Technical Feasibility

Technical feasibility, on the other hand, focuses on the technical aspects of a project or system. It involves evaluating whether the proposed system can be developed, implemented, and maintained using the available technology and resources. Technical feasibility assesses the compatibility of the proposed system with the existing technology infrastructure of the organization and whether it can be integrated seamlessly.

One of the key attributes of technical feasibility is the availability of technology. This includes assessing whether the required technology and tools are available or can be acquired within the constraints of the project. Technical feasibility also considers the scalability of the proposed system, i.e., whether it can accommodate future growth and expansion without significant modifications.

Another attribute of technical feasibility is the reliability and performance of the system. It is important to evaluate whether the proposed system will be able to perform its functions effectively and efficiently without any technical issues or downtime. Technical feasibility also looks at the security and data protection measures that need to be implemented to ensure the safety and integrity of the system.

Comparison

While operational feasibility and technical feasibility focus on different aspects of feasibility, they are interconnected and both play a crucial role in the success of a project. Operational feasibility looks at the human and organizational factors that can impact the implementation of a system, while technical feasibility focuses on the technological aspects. Both need to be carefully evaluated to ensure that the proposed system meets the needs of the organization and its users.

• Operational feasibility assesses user acceptance, impact on existing processes, and availability of resources.
• Technical feasibility evaluates the availability of technology, scalability, reliability, and security of the system.

Operational feasibility is more concerned with the practical aspects of implementing a system, such as user training, change management, and organizational readiness. Technical feasibility, on the other hand, focuses on the technical requirements and constraints of the project, such as hardware and software compatibility, system performance, and data security.

Both operational feasibility and technical feasibility are essential in determining the overall feasibility of a project. While operational feasibility ensures that the system meets the needs and expectations of the users and the organization, technical feasibility ensures that the system can be developed and implemented using the available technology and resources. By considering both aspects, organizations can make informed decisions about the viability of a project and increase the chances of its success.